Share and Follow
Florida State University is set to continue its partnership with head coach Mike Norvell for a seventh consecutive season, a decision underscored by the commitment of university leaders to implement significant changes aimed at revitalizing the team’s performance.
In Tallahassee, there is a palpable sense of urgency at Florida State as the Seminoles strive to recover from two lackluster seasons. The announcement comes on the heels of a disappointing 21–11 loss to NC State, which left the team with a 5–6 record and fueled speculation about Norvell’s future with the program. With a crucial game against rival Florida looming, a victory this Saturday is essential for the Seminoles to secure bowl eligibility.
FSU President Richard McCullough, Athletic Director Michael Alford, and Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins have expressed a unified stance on the necessity of transformative changes. They are in “complete agreement that changes are needed” to elevate the program to higher standards. Sources indicate that these changes will focus on enhancing recruitment efforts, restructuring the personnel department, and bolstering resources available to Norvell and his team.
Opting to retain Norvell also avoids the hefty financial implications that would follow his dismissal. Terminating his contract could have led to a financial burden of approximately $54 million owed to Norvell alone, with the total expenditure including his staff approaching $72 million.
A move to fire Norvell would have carried a staggering financial hit: roughly $54 million owed to him alone, and about $72 million total when including his staff.
Norvell is 38–33 across six seasons, with two winning records and the high point coming in 2023, when Florida State went 13–0, won the ACC title, but was controversially left out of the College Football Playoff after losing quarterback Jordan Travis to injury. Since then, the Seminoles have struggled, going 7–16 over the past two years and failing to win a single road game.
Despite the setbacks, FSU has shown improvement on offense, rising from No. 132 nationally last season to No. 8 this year, and the program believes it has a promising young core returning in 2025.
In a statement, Norvell reaffirmed his commitment to the program’s rebuild, saying his “driving motivation” is ensuring Florida State can “obtain and retain elite players” and “sustain long-term success.”
The Seminoles face Florida on Saturday in Gainesville a rivalry showdown that now doubles as a must-win for their postseason hopes.
