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FSU's Andrews makes it official - he'll retire after season

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Florida State has had 18 NFL first-round draft picks and 59 All-Americans since Mickey Andrews became defensive coordinator in 1984.

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By STEVE ELLIS

Tallahassee Democrat

Published: November 3, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - The expected announcement came without a news conference or much hoopla.

That's just the way Mickey Andrews wanted it. He has the difficult task of stopping Clemson running back C.J. Spiller ahead of him, and there is no time for anything else.

So with a simple press release, the end of an era was officially announced on Tuesday. The veteran defensive coordinator will retire after the 2009 season which statistically is his worse thus far in 26 seasons at FSU.

But what'll he be remembered for most is building relationships with players and a defense that was the foundation of an unprecedented run of 14 consecutive years where head coach Bobby Bowden's Seminoles finished in the Associated Press' top five and won two national titles.

"For 47 years it's been about me," Andrews said. "Now it's time to be about us - my family."

Andrews, 68, will later address the media about his decision following Tuesdays' practice.

FSU linebacker Dekoda Watson said that future Seminoles will miss the teachings of Andrews. Under a demanding but caring Andrews, Watson said he became a better player and person.

"The freshmen aren't even going to know what they are missing," Watson said. "There's not going to be another coach like that in a million years."

Linebacker Kendall Smith said that Andrews wants nothing but the best from, and for, his student-athletes.

"He wants us to be the best football player we can be," Smith said.

Andrews has had 18 NFL first-round draft picks during his tenure in Tallahassee, 72 total draft picks and 59 All-Americans.

One of Andrews' last games will come against a team that he helped rebuild in the late 1970s. Clemson went from 3-6-2 before his arrival in 1976 to winning at least eight games in three of the next four years.

Clemson's defensive coordinator in Saturday's game is Kevin Steele who was on Andrews' FSU staff for four years beginning in 2006.

"People don't realize it but he had a very soft - he'll probably get after me for saying this - caring, loving touch off the field," said Steele, whose coaching stops have included Tennessee, Nebraska, Alabama, Baylor as a head coach and Carolina in the NFL.

Steele said Andrews is as good as it gets in calling a game as it happens. He also pointed to Andrew's relationship with his players.

"He really cared about his players and his staff members," Steele said. "And then in terms of the X's and O's part of it -- really, really really intelligent and smart. Understands defensive football and not just from the X's and O's standpoint but from how to play it (with) an aggressive, tough relentless pursuit."

Bowden knows first-hand just how important it was to have his loyal lieutenant by his side for all of these years.

"I think Mickey is the spearhead behind our success," Bowden said. "Because if you don't play great defense, you don't win."

FSU is expected to honor Andrews and his family prior to the home game against Maryland on Nov. 21.

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