Colleges

Mickey Andrews' only son, 41, found dead

Florida State defensive coordinator will take as much time off as needed. 

By BRIAN LANDMAN
Published August 21, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [AP photo] Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews.

Ronnie Andrews, the only son of longtime Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, was found dead outside his parents' home about 6 p.m. Sunday. He was 41.

The case is open, so Tallahassee police aren't releasing details, but department spokesman David McCranie said "there's no reason to suspect foul play, and we're not looking for any suspects." Results from an autopsy aren't expected until later this week, but there is little doubt about the cause of death, McCranie said.

Mr. Andrews, who walked on at FSU in the mid 1980s but didn't play in a game, had a series of personal problems, including a divorce in 2002 from his wife of nearly a dozen years, some financial difficulties and a couple of arrests. According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement records, he was most recently charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage and driving with a suspended license in November 2006. He pleaded no contest to the misdemeanors in February and was sentenced to six months' probation. He had three children, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Mickey Andrews, entering his 24th season at FSU, wasn't at practice Monday and will take as much time off as needed to deal with the loss and be with his family, coach Bobby Bowden said.

Linebackers coach/executive head coach Chuck Amato will run the defense in the meantime.

"Sad, sad thing," said Bowden, who met with the team Monday morning to break the news. "It's got to be tough as heck. I don't know anything tougher than losing a son."

Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Celebration Baptist Church in Tallahassee. Donations can be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2121 Old Bainbridge Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32303.

Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report.

[Last modified August 20, 2007, 23:27:37]