Florida State head coach Mike Norvell will return for the 2026 season, the school announced on Sunday.

The news comes two days after a 21-11 loss at NC State dropped the Seminoles to 5-6 this season. Norvell’s buyout owed if fired would’ve been around $59 million, subject to an offset from his future earnings. That is something FSU officially really did not want to pay, especially after recently spending hundreds of millions of dollars in stadium renovations and a new football building. The program also underwent a staff overhaul a year ago, currently employing some first-year assistants who have their own expensive buyouts, too.

“In addition to addressing the reality that on-field results have been far from acceptable to the FSU standard, we also realize our responsibilities as stewards of program revenues and how to best allocate those dollars to compete at an elite level — something we will not compromise,” FSU board of trustees chairman Peter Collins said in a statement. “Throughout the assessment, one goal will remain beyond all others — achieving sustained championship-level success. We will address performance deficiencies in the program. 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.”

Mike Norvell to Remain Head Football Coach

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— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) November 23, 2025

Norvell is 38-33 in six seasons. That included an 8-13 record in his first two years, followed by a 23-4 run over the next two, including a 13-0 regular season and College Football Playoff snub. Yet, the Seminoles collapsed to 2-10 last season. They must beat Florida to reach a bowl game this year.

“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.”

Following a loss at Stanford earlier this year, athletic director Michael Alford announced the school would wait until the end of the season to make a decision.

The Seminoles have outgained their opponent in 10 of 11 games this year, and several freshmen have shined, including receiver Micahi Danzy and defensive lineman Mandrell Desir. But a lot of production will have to be replaced on this roster, even if FSU can keep its young stars.