Mike Norvell is currently on the hot seat at Florida State following their loss to Stanford. The Seminoles are currently 3-4 and 0-4 in ACC play after the loss. According to PFSN’s playoff meter, Norvell’s team is set to finish the season with a 5-6 record, out of a bowl game.
Currently, there is an ongoing coaching carousel in College Football. In recent weeks, James Franklin, Billy Napier, and Brian Kelly have all been fired from their positions. Norvell looks set to become the next one on that list; however, there is one small complication.
Mike Norvell’s Florida State Future Nearing Tipping Point
During the latest episode of “CBS Sports HQ.” The College Football panel ranked the current hot seats across the nation. During this discussion, Norvell’s situation at Florida State emerged. The Seminoles’ head coach is nearing the end of his time in Florida.
“I’m still gonna go scorching. Just because we have just seen what is a booster attempted coup to get rid of Mike Norvell. When that happens, those feelings don’t go away. I do think what’s important to note is that there is support within that administration to keep him,” John Talty revealed.
According to reports, following the Seminoles’ loss to Stanford, boosters spent the journey back commiserating and planning for the future. It was even reported that a move could have happened as early as last week. However, Norvell still has support within the program.
“As we continue to move forward this season, our comprehensive assessment of the football program will be completed at season’s end. Meanwhile, we are fully committed to helping Mike Norvell and the 2025 Seminoles strongly rebound in the coming weeks,” Athletic Director Michael Alford stated.
After potentially missing out on a bowl game, the writing appears to be on the wall for Norvell. With one of the worst recruiting classes in recent memory, as well as a horrible ACC record, Talty stated that there is still one thing Norvell can do to save his job.
“I think the key is he’s going to have to win games. It starts this weekend. We’ve seen a bad loss, and certainly, I think if Florida State were to lose this weekend, it would be very hard to move on for Mike Norvell,” Talty stated.
The Seminoles take on a 5-2 Wake Forest this weekend in a game that Norvell will be looking to secure his first ACC win this season. According to Talty, Florida State is seeking to retain its head coach for as long as possible, given the current coaching climate.
“But I think they would love to be patient if they can, especially with what the market already is with Florida, Penn State, and LSU already open. I think they would love to kick this can down the road for one more year, but Mike has to win down this stretch.”
According to reports, Norvell’s buyout of his contract, which runs from 2025 to 2031, is expected to be around $53.3 million. This would make him one of the most expensive firings in College Football history, even after Coach Kelly’s and Franklin’s recent costly buyouts.
With this report, Florida State currently faces no ranked teams in the future as Norvell looks to cling to his job. In the coming weeks, they will take on Wake Forest, Clemson, Virginia Tech, NC State, and the Florida Gators.