What’s next for Charlotte 49ers after departure of offensive coordinator Alex Atkins?

Alex Atkins, who in one season as Charlotte’s offensive coordinator helped turn around the 49ers football program, is going to Florida State to become its offensive line coach, the Seminoles announced Sunday.

Under Atkins, Charlotte led Conference USA in rushing (197.9 yards per game) and was third in total offense (421.1). With his guidance, 49ers running back Benny LeMay and offensive tackle Cam Clark were named to the all-conference first team, while quarterback Chris Reynolds and receiver Victor Tucker were honorable mention.

“Alex did an unbelievable job for us,” 49ers coach Will Healy said. “But I knew that people were going to come after him. It’s my job at Charlotte to try and get them to stay, but this was something that was too good for Alex to pass up.”

Healy said the 49ers offered Atkins a pay increase that would have made him the highest-paid coordinator in C-USA.

“I felt good about keeping him, all the way until (Sunday),” Healy said. “But what FSU countered with was too attractive, I guess.”

Atkins was also the 49ers’ offensive line coach. Healy said he didn’t know if will need to replace Atkins with an offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, or if he will need to find two coaches to fill both those positions.

Healy said he’s heard from several potential candidates to replace Atkins, and also expects current members of his offensive coaching staff — which includes receivers coach Montario Hardesty, quarterbacks coach Mark Carney, running backs coach Sean Dawkins and tight ends coach Cody Woodiel — to be interested in the job.

Healy said other assistants — notably co-defensive coordinator Marcus West — have also been approached about job openings this offseason.

Healy, who in his first season as Charlotte’s coach led the 49ers to their first winning record and first appearance in a bowl, said he anticipates spring practice being moved back at least one week due to potential time being missed now without an offensive coordinator.

“Alex was a personality, a big personality,” Healy said. “I need to find somebody who’s not necessarily a big personality, but is a personality, because he’s in control of half of my football team.”

Atkins will be part of a new coach Mike Norvell’s first staff at Florida State.

Atkins came to Charlotte from Tulane, where he had been offensive line coach and assistant coach for three seasons. He was also an assistant at Georgia Southern and Chattanooga, where he coached with Healy.

This story was originally published December 29, 2019 at 3:09 PM.