Former FSU Football Staffer Accepts Position With Auburn Football.

Formerly employed by Florida State University (FSU) in the ACC conference, a former off-field staff member has transitioned to a role within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with Auburn University. The move marks a shift in the coaching landscape as spring football approaches. Notably, FSU has experienced departures from its off-field staff, including the Director of Scouting, John Garrett, who moved to Duke in early 2024.

Kenyatta Watson, a former off-field staff member at FSU, has recently accepted a position at Auburn. In his new role, Watson will serve as the Director of Recruiting Research and Strategy under head coach Hugh Freeze. This move follows his two-year tenure at Georgia Tech, where he held the position of Director of Scouting and Pro Liaison.

The timing of Watson’s move is intriguing, given that his departure from Georgia Tech coincides with his son, Kenyatta Watson II, entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. Kenyatta Watson II previously played for Georgia Tech as a defensive back and special teams player before transferring to Georgia State.

Watson’s coaching journey began at FSU in 2021, where he worked as the Director of Player Relations and Pro Liaison before transitioning to Georgia Tech. His experience and connections in Georgia were instrumental in recruiting efforts for both institutions.

Before his collegiate coaching roles, Watson spent over a decade coaching youth and high school football, notably serving as the Director of Football Operations and Recruiting at Grayson High School. He also held positions coordinating various showcase events and played college football at Boston College.

Auburn’s head coach, Hugh Freeze, has made several coaching changes this offseason, including the addition of Derrick Nix as offensive coordinator, DJ Durkin and Charles Kelly as co-defensive coordinators, signaling a significant reshaping of the coaching staff.