As Florida International University prepares to start the football season August 29 against Bethune Cookman, there are several unsung heroes behind the scenes at FIU who are working tirelessly. The Panthers are eyeing a significant turnaround under head coach Willie Simmons. He previously led Florida A&M to back-to-back 9-win seasons and a Top 25 Football Championship Subdivision.
The dead period, which runs through the month of August, is a strategic pause in the recruiting calendar mandated by the NCAA. This is when face-to-face contact between coaches and prospective student-athletes is strictly prohibited. KD Wills, the director of recruitment, stays busy by updating recruiting boards, evaluating film and tracking prospects. They also manage all communication with recruits through texts, emails and social media. They help showcase FIU’s full offering as the first point of contact for unofficial visits. Their work is vital to landing top talent and setting the stage for a strong recruiting push once the quiet period ends.
“Most of the time is pretty much writing them letters just letting them know that you’re still interested and that you still care,” Willis explained.
Donald Reed, the head equipment manager, plays a key behind-the-scenes role in August. The department is in charge of inventory for every piece of gear, inspecting for wear and tear, and ensuring everything meets the latest safety standards set by the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) and NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment).
They handle reconditioning, place new orders and work with vendors to manage budgets and logistics. This department is essential to keeping athletes protected, equipped and ready for the season.
“We’re always preparing to be ahead of the game, so [in the dead period] we’re just getting situated, making sure laundry is flipped every hour of the day…organization is key when it comes to equipment,” Reed said.
Dylan Dobbs, the assistant athletic director of facilities, is the powerhouse ensuring FIU’s stadium is game-day ready. He and thoseoin his area use the dead period to tackle maintenance like repairing seating, upgrading technology and coordinating with vendors. They also plan for the season’s logistical needs from safety compliance to concessions. Their work creates a top-tier environment for players and fans alike, turning the stadium into a polished stage for the season ahead.
“Working with conference partners, working with all of our visitors on campus is ultimately the big end of my role…visiting team liaison and meeting our officials liaison for most of our sports programs,” Dobbs explained.
Scott Yogodzinski, the director of marketing and fan experience, uses the dead period to build excitement for the season. He crafts campaigns, designs promos and engages fans on social media. He and those who he works with plan game-day themes, fan giveaways and special events to enhance the stadium experience. Their mission is to revive FIU’s fan base and turn Coach Simmons’s vision of an electric game-day atmosphere.
“My favorite part is running all of the game production for the home games for FIU Athletics,” said Yogodzinski. “When fans show up for all the sports that we have, our department is overseeing all of the live events, entertainment, music, and video elements.”
Sylvester Long, the assistant director of ticket operations, plays a key role in ensuring smooth access and maximizing revenue. He focuses on backend logistics during slower periods by setting up individual game tickets, coordinating group sales, resolving system issues and analyzing sales data to shape future strategies. Their efforts help turn potential fans into active attendees.
“Especially with orientation when new students and their parents come, we try to get them to buy in and get season tickets because students get in for free and can bring a guest with them,” said Long. “We want both the parents and students to share the experience.”
FIU football stood tall with a home record of 4-2 and averaged an impressive 26.33 points per game during the 2024 season. The true foundation for a successful FIU’s season is built long before the first game with the efforts of these departments. They embody the spirit of resilience and hard work that Coach Simmons is instilling in the entire program.
