newsweek
Florida State University has officially parted ways with head coach Mike Norvell, the university announced on Sunday. The decision came less than a day after the Seminoles suffered a 36-24 home loss to Clemson, their third consecutive defeat, which dropped their overall record to 3-5 and their ACC mark to 1-4.
Norvell's seven-year stint in Tallahassee was marked by dramatic swings. He compiled a 41-39 overall record, highlighted by a 13-1 campaign and ACC championship in 2023. However, the program has since fallen on hard times, going 10-22 over the past two-plus seasons, including a 2-10 finish in 2024 and a 5-7 record last year.
The university has named Rick Stockstill as interim head coach while it launches a search for Norvell's permanent replacement.
Despite the disappointing end, Norvell is set to receive a substantial payout. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Florida State owes him around $50.3 million, making it the third-largest buyout in college football history, trailing only Jimbo Fisher's payout at Texas A&M and Brian Kelly's at LSU.
Norvell arrived in Tallahassee in December 2019 after a 38-16 run at Memphis. He initially struggled to rebuild the Seminoles but then delivered back-to-back 10-win and 13-win seasons, raising hopes of a return to national prominence. However, Florida State never made the College Football Playoff and is no longer considered a premier ACC program.
The buyout figure is particularly striking given the eight-year, $84 million extension Norvell signed after the 2023 season. His departure, combined with staff buyouts and the cost of hiring a new coach, could push the total expenditure close to $100 million.
Key Analysis
While the reset is painful for Seminoles fans, Florida State remains an attractive job in college football. The program boasts a national brand, championship history, top-tier facilities, and access to one of the country's best recruiting regions. The challenge will be finding a coach who can handle the immense pressure and turn the program back into a title contender.
Several potential replacements have already surfaced, including Duke's Manny Diaz, Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham, Wake Forest's Jake Dickert, and Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz. Former Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
Originally reported by newsweek.