Florida State targeting Tulsa assistant Kam Martin in running backs coach search

Florida State has begun moving quickly to fill a major vacancy on its offensive staff, and one emerging name has caught the program’s attention. According to Chris Hummer of CBS Sports, Tulsa associate head coach and running backs coach Kam Martin has surfaced as a key target in FSU’s search for its next running backs coach. 

On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed the interest. Martin, a rising figure in the coaching ranks, has built an impressive résumé highlighted by producing a 1,000-yard rusher every season he’s been a position coach at Tulsa, UCF and Incarnate Word.

The opening at Florida State comes after running backs coach and recruiting coordinator David Johnson elected to leave Tallahassee for Arkansas. He decided to join Ryan Silverfield’s revamped staff. 

Johnson’s departure marked one of the first major moves in what’s expected to be another transitional offseason for the Seminoles. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain is also on the way out, signaling further reshuffling for Mike Norvell as he prepares for 2026.

Moreover, Johnson’s impact at FSU was substantial. He played a critical role in securing top running back talent, both through high school recruiting and the transfer portal. 

His most notable success came with Trey Benson, whom he helped lure from Oregon and later develop into a third-round NFL Draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals. Under Johnson in 2022, Florida State’s running backs led the country in explosive-play rate as well, averaging 7.46 plays per game of 20-plus yards — a testament to the group’s efficiency.

More on Kam Martin, Florida State Seminoles

Now, Norvell and the Seminoles appear to be targeting a coach with a similarly proven developmental track record. Martin has quickly climbed the coaching ladder. His work with Tulsa’s backfield has been particularly notable, as you can tell.

His earlier stops at UCF and Incarnate Word showcased the same profile. He seems to have the ability to elevate individual talent.

As for Florida State, the pursuit of Martin signals a desire to maintain continuity in the identity of a position group that has been one of the program’s strengths under Norvell. With Johnson’s departure opening both an on-field and recruiting void, the Seminoles want a coach capable of developing stars, and landing them too.

If Martin is the choice, FSU would be investing in a coach whose trajectory suggests even bigger things ahead. We’ll see if they can land him, and whether or not he plays a transformative role in the Seminoles’ potential turnaround.