bleacherreport
Florida State has officially parted ways with head coach Mike Norvell, a move that surprised few after the team's recent struggles. Norvell, who led the Seminoles for seven seasons, will receive a substantial buyout. His tenure peaked with a 13-1 campaign in 2023, but the program has managed only 10 wins in the two-plus seasons since, and a loss to Clemson on Saturday cemented the decision to move on.
The Seminoles are in need of a fresh direction, and despite the recent lack of success, the job remains attractive due to Florida State's rich football history. Here are nine potential candidates who are likely to be discussed.
Deion Sanders
Sanders, a Florida State legend from his playing days, has long been linked to the job. He led Colorado to a nine-win season in 2024, but the Buffaloes are 6-14 since, and the program's momentum has faded. While Sanders' charisma and recruiting prowess in the NIL era are alluring, his recent coaching results likely make this a long shot.
Jake Dickert
Dickert, currently in his second year at Wake Forest, has compiled a 15-5 record and led the Demon Deacons to a 7-1 start in 2026, ranking No. 14 in the AP Poll. Despite a modest NIL budget, Wake Forest boasts the nation's No. 9 scoring offense and No. 22 scoring defense. Dickert's proven winning track record and ACC familiarity could make him a surprisingly successful hire.
Manny Diaz
Diaz, who previously coached at Miami, has rebounded impressively. After a successful stint as Penn State's defensive coordinator, he won nine games in each of his first two seasons at Duke, including an ACC Championship in 2025. The Blue Devils are 5-2 in 2026. Diaz also has ties to Florida State, having been a student and a graduate assistant under Bobby Bowden. He checks many boxes, though some fans might be lukewarm on the hire.
Jason Eck
Eck has quickly made a name for himself, winning big at Idaho and now at New Mexico. In his first year with the Lobos, he led them to nine wins in 2025, and they are 7-1 in 2026 with a top-ranked scoring defense. Eck's overall head coaching record is 42-18, and his energetic personality could mesh well with Florida State's resources. He is poised for a Power Four opportunity sooner rather than later.
Buster Faulkner
Faulkner, currently the offensive coordinator at Florida, is regarded as one of college football's brightest offensive minds. He helped Georgia win two national titles and made his mark as an OC at Georgia Tech. Despite Florida's up-and-down season, Faulkner's offensive expertise would immediately attract top quarterbacks, a critical need for the Seminoles. However, his lack of head coaching experience could be a hurdle.
Bob Chesney
Chesney has been a winner everywhere he's coached. He led James Madison to the College Football Playoff and Holy Cross to back-to-back 10-win seasons before taking over at UCLA, where the Bruins are 8-0 in 2026 with Playoff aspirations. At 49, Chesney is likely to be the most sought-after coach this cycle. Florida State should pursue him aggressively, but his potential new contract and raise at UCLA, along with Norvell's buyout, make a deal seem unlikely.
Other Names Worth Mentioning
- Jimbo Fisher: The former Florida State national championship coach has been out of work since being fired by Texas A&M. While a reunion seems improbable, his availability and potentially lower cost could make him a fallback option.
- Kenny Dillingham: The Arizona State head coach has flirted with other jobs, including Michigan last offseason. The Sun Devils have struggled in 2026, but Dillingham's passion for ASU might keep him in Tempe.
- Brian Kelly: The former LSU coach has a proven winning pedigree at major programs. His eagerness to return to the sideline makes him an intriguing candidate, though his departure from LSU raises questions about how he would be received by Florida State fans.
Key Analysis
Florida State's coaching search is at a critical juncture. The program must balance the need for a quick turnaround with the long-term vision for sustained success. While big names like Sanders and Chesney generate excitement, up-and-comers like Dickert and Eck offer proven winning formulas at lower-profile programs. The decision will significantly impact the Seminoles' trajectory in the competitive ACC and the evolving landscape of college football.
Originally reported by bleacherreport.