Florida State is keeping under-fire head coach Mike Norvell, the university announced today. The decision gives the program continuity going into 2026 and saves tens of millions of dollars.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell will return in 2026, the university athletic department announced today. Norvell has been under scrutiny after FSU went 2-10 in 2024 and is currently 5-6 with one game remaining in the 2025 season.
This year's coaching carousel is reaching unprecedented levels of chaos, with Florida, LSU, Penn State, Arkansas, and Virginia Tech, among others, all firing their coaches midseason. That scenario paired with Norvell's $50+ million buyout likely helped the university's decision to retain his services.
The announcement from FSU expressed disappointment with the current state of the program, while also expressing a belief that Norvell is capable of getting things where the school expects them to be.
"FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford, and I are in complete agreement that changes are needed for our program to improve," said Dr. Richard McCullough, FSU President. "Coach Norvell embraces our support in that process and agrees that success must be achieved. He continues to demonstrate an unwavering belief in this program's future, and so do we. This decision reflects a unified commitment to competing in the rapidly evolving landscape of college football, while maintaining continuity within the program."
On Saturday, after FSU lost to North Carolina State, Norvell showed raw emotion as he discussed the shortcomings of the program the last two years. For 2025's results, he blamed the coaching staff and the players alike, saying no one had been good enough.
His statement on Sunday, included in the announcement that he would be retained, focused on building a roster that can succeed at a high level.
"This program has been built on belief, sacrifice, and putting the team first," Norvell said. "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."
FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford came the closest among those quoted to acknowledging the astronomic costs of starting over if Norvell were to be fired.
"Our responsibility is to do what gives Florida State the strongest competitive position – not just today, but for years to come," Alford said. "Florida State has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its football program over the past few years with high expectations. Chairman Collins, President McCullough and I are aligned in partnering with Coach and improving our ability to compete for championships. Our mission is unwavering in putting Florida State football at the forefront of college athletics."
Florida State closes out the regular season in the annual rivalry game against Florida on Saturday, Nov. 29. A win would make the Seminoles bowl eligible for the first time since 2023.