Ernie Sims brings Bobby Bowden’s “dadgum” mindset to FSU linebackers, starting with tone

Florida State’s linebacker room is getting a very direct message from its new coach. Ernie Sims, a Tallahassee native and former star at FSU, has been setting expectations for the way his unit should carry itself, and he is doing it with the same kind of imprint he says he learned from Bobby Bowden. In a recent conversation with Tallahassee-area media, Sims repeatedly referenced Bowden’s trademark word, “dadgum,” using it as a shorthand for mental toughness and consistent discipline.

Sims played at FSU before transitioning to the NFL, and the reported through-line here is culture. The Yahoo Sports report describes Sims speaking about the importance of leadership and preparation, and it frames Bowden’s influence as something that never fully left him. For a first-year position coach, that matters because linebackers are often asked to communicate, diagnose formations quickly, and respond to momentum swings, all while playing fast.

The quote is also notable for what it indicates about Sims’ approach. Instead of focusing on technique alone, he is pushing “mindset” as the foundation for everything else, according to the report. The phrase “We have to carry ourselves with a certain dadgum mindset” captures the idea that attitude is supposed to be visible, not just discussed, and that it is meant to show up in daily details like effort and attention.

Sims’ credibility is part of the reason the tone is landing. The report notes that he played for Bowden for three years and that he became a top-10 selection in the 2006 NFL Draft. In college football, former high-level players who return to lead positions often find that credibility helps players listen, but it also raises the standard for the coach himself. The message from Sims, as described by Yahoo, is that he is not simply coaching from a playbook, but from a belief system.

Florida State’s linebacker group will be evaluated on more than personality, of course. This story is about what Sims is trying to build early, not a measured verdict on on-field performance. Still, the emphasis on carrying themselves the right way connects to the broader role of linebackers in a defense, where communication, physicality, and situational awareness can shape every series, even when the final statistics do not fully reflect effort.

There is also a recruiting and program-building angle to these kinds of coaching messages. When a staff emphasizes identity, it can help attract players who want a clear standard and it can help existing players understand what the staff prioritizes. Bowden’s legacy is intertwined with FSU, so invoking that heritage is a way of reminding the group what the program historically expects from its leaders, especially on defense.

For what to watch next, the key question is whether Sims’ mindset language turns into repeatable behaviors in practice and preparation. If the unit responds as intended, the “dadgum” message will become less of a quote and more of a routine, with players consistently showing the same intensity and communication across reps. If it does not, the early tone-setting will still matter, but it will need to be backed up with tangible improvements in execution.

As of this writing, this report is focused on the coach’s message and the personal connection to Bowden, not on roster changes, injuries, or specific game outcomes. That means the immediate takeaway is leadership style, not a definitive projection of the season.