yahoo
Florida State football began November by creating the latest high-profile coaching vacancy, parting ways with Mike Norvell after seven seasons and a 41-39 record. Now, former Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher has entered the picture, openly interested in returning to Tallahassee.
Fisher's name surfaced even before Clemson trounced FSU on Saturday, sealing Norvell's fate. According to Pete Nakos, a college football insider for On3/Rivals, Fisher has been lobbying behind the scenes for the job in recent weeks. Fisher has held conversations with donors to understand where the Seminoles stand in the current NIL landscape and where the roster would need to be addressed in the transfer portal, Nakos wrote Sunday.
However, whether Florida State has any interest in rehiring Fisher is unclear at this point. "He has done everything he can to position himself to be in the mix for this job," Nakos added, noting that Fisher would be less expensive to hire this time compared to his massive buyout from Texas A&M in 2023.
Fisher isn't the only name to monitor. Duke head coach Manny Diaz, a Florida State alum who owns one ACC title from last season, is also a candidate. "Sources have told On3 that this is a job that Diaz wants, returning his alma mater to prominence," Nakos said. Diaz began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Seminoles under Bobby Bowden.
Meanwhile, former Norvell assistant Kenny Dillingham has emerged as another name to watch. Dillingham owns a 26-21 record as head coach at Arizona State, and Nakos added that Michigan tried courting him after the Sherrone Moore firing. FSU previously employed Dillingham as offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2021.
Key Analysis
Florida State's coaching search is shaping up to be a complex decision with multiple viable candidates. Fisher's lobbying efforts demonstrate his strong desire for a return, but the university's interest remains uncertain. Diaz's alma mater connection and conference title could make him an attractive option, while Dillingham's recent head coaching experience and ties to the program add another layer. The Seminoles must weigh past success against current fit as they aim to restore prominence.
Originally reported by yahoo.