Derrick Nnadi says his toughest coach was at FSU, not the NFL

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi’s head coach (Andy Reid) is a future Hall of Famer. His coordinator (Steve Spagnuolo) is a former NFL head coach, and his position coach (Brendan Daly) is one of the best in the league.

But none of them, Nnadi said, are as tough as his former position coach at Florida State, Odell Haggins.

“He really pushed me to the brink from my rookie year to my senior year,” Nnadi said. “It took me a couple years to really click, all the things he was doing.”

Specifically, Nnadi said the Seminoles legend refined his technique, because that’s the difference between making it to the NFL and sticking there for a long time. Nnadi bought in, blossoming into an all-ACC talent and third-round pick who’s now a win away from a second consecutive Super Bowl ring.

“I really give a lot of props to him,” Nnadi said of Haggins. “He kind of helped mold me into the player I am today.”

• • •

Tampa Bay Times Super Bowl 55 coverage

TIMELINE: How the Bucs and Tampa converged for Super Bowl 55

ATTENTION SUPER BOWL VISITORS: Here’s our guide to Tampa Bay’s socially distanced attractions

PARTY PLANNING IN A PANDEMIC: How to host a safe Super Bowl party

FANS IN TAMPA: A first look inside the Super Bowl Experience in Tampa

MORE BUCS PHOTOS: Follow the Tampa Bay Times Bucs coverage on Instagram

BUCS NEWSLETTER: Sign up for the Bucs RedZone newsletter with team reporter Joey Knight:

We’re working hard to bring you the latest Super Bowl news from around the Tampa Bay area. This effort takes resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a digital or print subscription.