Norvell has stood at the alter of the football gods, preaching about growth in his team and in individual players. However, does that concept of growth apply to Norvell himself? Make no mistake, Norvell must grow as well as a coach for the Seminoles to be successful this season.
All through fall camp, Florida State coach Mike Norvell has preached and shouted to the mountaintops about growth.
Growth as a team and growth as a player at their respective positions. But does that concept of growth apply to Norvell himself?
We all know winning and losing on the football field are credited, for better or worse, to the head football coach. You never hear of a player who is underperforming getting booted off the team. Now that they are being paid millions of dollars in NIL deals, maybe they should.
At his press conference on Monday, Norvell spoke of Ashton Daniels and his growth as a quarterback. After 15 spring practices, Norvell anointed Daniels as the QB1 starter. That title is etched in stone on a depth chart that apparently does not exist, and Norvell says one will not be issued at all this season.
“He's had the moments that, as a football team, he was named the starter coming into fall camp, actually exiting spring ball,” Norvell said. "Definitely proud of all the investments that he's made. He's playing at a high level in his operation of the things that we're asking him to do and the things that he's, just making happen. Excited to watch him play.”
Norvell also praised backup quarterback Malachi Marshall for what he has done to prepare himself for Division 1 college football. As the reigning National Junior College Division 1 Offensive Player of the Year at Iowa Western, Marshall arrived over the summer, in time for fall camp.
"He's already gained 18 pounds since he's been here, being able to help some of the concerns that I had when he first came in, but now that you don't have the redshirt and there's 3 years," said Norvell. "He's put himself in a position to be able to play, and I'm definitely excited about his continued growth.” Typical analysis of his team and players as the head coach."
Marshall then immediately hit the books, learning Norvell’s offensive scheme, and displaying his talent and athleticism for Norvell and his staff.
“I think Malachi has actually, I mean, he's come in and to say he exceeded expectations,” said Norvell. “I've been really pleased with what I've seen, even his physical development. He's not the biggest guy in the world."
Norvell has been the leader of the Florida State football program since the 2020 season. Going into his seventh season, Norvell has posted four losing seasons so far. The best of times under his watch were the 2022-2023 seasons, a two-year stretch where the Seminoles went 23-4 and looked like the unconquered warriors of the past under the leadership of Bobby Bowden and Jimbo Fisher.
But then the wheels fell off the war wagon, losing 17 of their last 24 games. What has Norvell done to grow as a coach so as not to repeat the nightmare of the last two campaigns? Has anyone observed or documented any changes in Norvell’s coaching style, or teaching methods, that would suggest this season will be a lot different? It appears any evidence of a coaching metamorphosis may be locked away in a vault somewhere, occupying a dark space with that elusive depth chart.
Rules for thee, but not for me.
Regardless, Norvell is going to have to make changes in himself as a coach if Florida State is to have their first winning season in three years. Growth is a two-way street. It can be used to achieve success, and also as a proverbial life preserver when it comes to remaining employed. Norvell may have to wear it around his neck as a flotation device all season to keep himself above water. If not, Norvell will be sucked down into the murky depths of historical mediocrity.
