Florida State’s Tim Harris Jr. Denies Speculated $8 Million Ohio State Offer, Remains Committed to Seminoles
Tallahassee, FL – In a move that has sent ripples through the college football coaching landscape, Florida State University’s esteemed Wide Receivers Coach and Pass Game Coordinator, Tim Harris Jr., has reportedly turned down an astonishing offer, speculated to be in the realm of $8 million, from the Ohio State Buckeyes. While neither institution has officially commented on the specifics of any such offer, the swirling rumors have captivated fans and analysts alike, highlighting Harris’s burgeoning reputation as one of the most promising minds in offensive football.
Sources close to the situation, who wish to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of coaching negotiations, suggest that Ohio State, known for its aggressive pursuit of top talent, made a significant overture to lure Harris to Columbus. The reported $8 million figure would have positioned Harris among the highest-paid assistant coaches in college football, a testament to the value the Buckeyes seemingly placed on his offensive acumen and his impressive track record in developing elite wide receivers.
However, despite the allure of such a lucrative deal and the prestige of joining a perennial national championship contender like Ohio State, Harris has, according to these same sources, chosen to remain in Tallahassee. This decision underscores a deep commitment to head coach Mike Norvell’s vision for the Florida State program and a belief in the trajectory of the Seminoles.
Harris, who officially joined Florida State’s staff in December 2024, is currently on a two-year contract with the Seminoles, set to earn $550,000 in his first year (through February 28, 2026) and $575,000 in his second year (through February 28, 2027). These figures, while substantial within the coaching world, are a stark contrast to the rumored $8 million from Ohio State, further emphasizing the non-monetary factors that may have influenced his decision.
His arrival at FSU was met with considerable excitement, given his impressive resume. Before coming to Tallahassee, Harris served as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at UCF in 2024, where he notably coordinated the nation’s No. 7 rushing offense and No. 16 total offense. He also spent time at Miami as running backs coach in 2023 and was co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach at UCF from 2021-2022. His coaching journey also includes a successful stint as offensive coordinator and head coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, where he led his team to a perfect 14-0 record and a state championship in 2014.
Harris’s expertise in developing dynamic playmakers and his strong recruiting ties, particularly in talent-rich South Florida, are undoubtedly major assets for the Seminoles. His decision to forgo a potentially record-setting salary offer suggests a genuine belief in the long-term potential of Florida State under Norvell’s leadership, and perhaps a desire to see through the foundational work he’s just begun.
Ohio State’s assistant coaching staff for 2025 has been publicly finalized, with defensive coordinator Matt Patricia set to be the highest-paid assistant at $2.5 million, and offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Brian Hartline earning $2 million. The reported $8 million figure for Harris would have dwarfed these salaries, making it an unprecedented offer for an assistant coach in college football. While it’s possible such an offer was made and kept under wraps, the current official salary disclosures for Ohio State’s staff do not reflect any coach earning close to that amount.
The news, whether fully substantiated in its financial details or not, serves as a powerful endorsement of Tim Harris Jr.’s coaching prowess and his rising stock in the collegiate ranks. For Florida State, it’s a significant win, as retaining a coach of his caliber, especially in the face of what appears to be aggressive poaching attempts, speaks volumes about the culture and future of the Seminoles football program. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Tallahassee to see the impact of Harris’s continued presence on the field and in recruiting. His loyalty, if the reports are true, could prove to be one of the most valuable assets for FSU in the coming years.
