Florida State Stands by Mike Norvell—But Can His Promised Overhaul Silence the Doubters?

Florida State has decided to stick with Mike Norvell for at least one more season, despite a rollercoaster stretch that’s had fans biting their nails. Backed firmly by the university’s top brass, Norvell is gearing up to overhaul things in a bid to get FSU back to the championship grind — no half-measures here. Dr. Richard McCullough, the school’s president, made it clear Norvell isn’t just hanging on; he’s embraced the challenge head-on, fully committed to turning this ship around amid the shifting tides of college football. It’s a crunch time move for a program that’s seen better days on the gridiron, falling short in 13 of its last 16 ACC clashes — a tough pill considering Norvell’s ACC title in 2023. But the story’s more than just stats — it’s about a program with rightful pride, a hefty buyout looming over any coaching shuffle, and a coach ready to put in the work to snag top talent and rebuild trust. Norvell’s loyalty to the school is palpable — he loves Florida State, and he’s not planning on walking away anytime soon. The next chapter? Fundamental changes, structural tweaks, and a focus on long-term dominance. The Seminoles have work to do, and all eyes are locked on how this revival unspools. LEARN MORE

Florida State is keeping coach Mike Norvell for at least another season.

With support from school administrators, Norvell has pledged to make “fundamental changes” to meet the program’s championship standard.

“Coach Norvell embraces our support in that process and agrees that success must be achieved,” school president Dr. Richard McCullough said Sunday in a statement. “He continues to demonstrate an unwavering belief in this program’s future, and so do we.”

McCullough said the decision “reflects a unified commitment to competing in the rapidly evolving landscape of college football, while maintaining continuity within the program.”

Florida State (5-6) has lost 13 of its last 16 Atlantic Coach Conference games, including a 21-11 disappointment at N.C. State on Friday that dropped Norvell’s record to 7-17 since winning the ACC in 2023. It’s been a sudden slide for a guy who deftly worked the transfer portal early in his six-year tenure before other programs caught up but repeatedly failed to develop talent or find a quarterback.

Norvell took a pay cut and retooled his staff after last year’s 2-10 debacle, adding Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator and Tony White as defensive coordinator. The moves looked impressive when the Seminoles upset then-No. 8 Alabama in the season opener.

But FSU (5-6, 2-6 ACC) has struggled since, and Norvell missed on consecutive portal QBs in DJ Uiagalelei and Thomas Castellanos.

The Seminoles would have owed Norvell a buyout of nearly $54 million had they fired him, and they would have entered a crowded coaching search that appears to have limited options and high prices.

“This program has been built on belief, sacrifice and putting the team first,” Norvell said in a statement. “That set of values has always guided my actions, and those of our players. The driving motivation behind this is to make certain that we are doing everything properly to obtain and retain elite players, add critical pieces, and sustain long-term success.

“I love Florida State, and I am fully committed to this program, and our shared goals.”

Norvell is 38-33 with the Seminoles, including 22-26 in conference play.

FSU won the league with dynamic quarterback Jordan Travis and future first-round NFL draft pick Jared Verse in 2023. The Seminoles were notably snubbed for the College Football Playoff that season after Travis’ season-ending leg injury.

It was a turning point for the program.

“We will address performance deficiencies in the program,” FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins said. “These deficiencies may include structural changes to the very large and complex program FSU football has become, and these areas are where we will focus and invest.”