Florida State is promoting offensive line coach Alex Atkins to its offensive coordinator role, the program announced on Thursday morning.

The news comes just days after reports surfaced that Kenny Dillingham is leaving Tallahassee for the Oregon offensive coordinator job.

“I am thankful and excited for this opportunity,” Atkins said in a press release. “I understand these opportunities are rare for a person in my position, and I am grateful for the experiences I have had throughout my career that have prepared me for this role. I’m appreciative to Coach Norvell for developing his staff and creating opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

“My focus will continue to be on providing an unmatched experience for our players by cultivating relationships in a way that permits open communication while developing them as football players and young men.”

Prior to joining Florida State for the 2020 season, Atkins compiled a decade of coaching experience at programs like Charlotte, Tulane, Georgia Southern and others. He was Charlotte’s offensive coordinator in 2019.

He replaces Dillingham, who helped quarterback Jordan Travis make significant strides in 2021. Travis was a more efficient quarterback on several levels this past season.

Still, Florida State will have more pressure in 2022 — Year 3 for coach Mike Norvell. The Seminoles haven’t made a bowl game yet in his tenure.

Norvell is preaching confidence in Atkins’ ability to lead Florida State’s offense to more success moving forward.

“I’m fired up to have Coach Atkins as our offensive coordinator,” Norvell said in a press release. “Coach Atkins has displayed tremendous leadership not only with our offensive linemen but with everyone in our program. Our offensive linemen have developed on and off the field through his honest feedback, ability to teach the game and his passion to truly challenge them to reach their full potential, and I’m happy to see his responsibilities grow.”