There's an old saying that goes 'offense sells tickets and defense wins games.' And that could be true about Coach Andrews and his success over his 26 years coaching here. The players we spoke with describe him as a softie off the field and a beast on the field, but he also served as a father figure.

Mickey Andrews is a giant of a man in many ways, in stature, success and heart.

Much of the Seminoles' success through the '80s and '90s can be attributed in large part to the powerful defense that Andrews led.

And former players say he not only molded players but he turned boys into men.

"[He] changed so many men's lives, including mine," says Corey Fuller, former FSU Defensive Back.

When Fuller went to the NFL, Coach Andrews was his mentor.

Corey Fuller says, "Just like I was talking to my father, the father I didn't have when I got to college."

But there are many sides to Mickey.

Former FSU Cornerback Leroy Smith says, "Off the field, Coach Andrews is a teddy bear. On the field, he's hard core, in your face. I respect both sides, it shows what type of a man he is. He's an understanding guy and he made me the player I am."

Players recall him as stubborn and set in his ways, but his ways worked for many years.

Former FSU Defensive Ends Coach Jim Gladden says, "Mickey brought a level of intensity and accountability to the defense that I feel like brought us to a different level."

And his lessons on the field translated to life.

Smith says, "He always said 'finish the drill'. It doesn't matter how you start out but if you finish strong, that's what everyone will remember."

Some would argue that Andrews is not finishing strong. The defense has been lackluster this season, but the players say Andrews should not be judged by what happened now, but over the course of his whole career, because he played an important part in making the FSU football program what it is today.