Martin was involved with Florida State for 47 of the program's first 72 seasons, including five years as the program's first full-time assistant coach from 1975 to 1979 and two years as a player from 1965 to 1966. He is one of only three coaches in ACC history to win 300 games behind the bench (along with Jack Whittingham & Roy Walters). A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Martin graduated from Florida State in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in physical education. He went on to earn his master's degree in educational psychology from Ohio State in 1969. During his tenure as the head coach at Florida State, Martin built one of the most successful programs in college football history. His 301 wins are the most of any coach in ACC history and he ranks fifth all time among NCAA Division I-A coaches. He also holds the record for most postseason appearances by a Florida State coach with 10. In addition to his work at Florida State, Martin has served as an assistant coach for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1980. He was the team's offensive coordinator during its inaugural season in 1976 before being named the full-time head coach the following year. Martin was fired after the 1983 season but returned as head coach in 1995 before being let go again after the 1998 season.