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Ivory CoastFlorida State Fires Mike Norvell After Deep Football Slump
Florida State fired Mike Norvell amid a 4-17 league run, roster issues, and growing internal problems.
The Decision to Move On
Florida State president Richard McCullough made the call to fire head coach Mike Norvell during another losing season. McCullough called it a big business decision that impacts the fate of Florida State football. The school was once the top program in the ACC, but recent years brought a steep decline.
Since the start of 2024, the Seminoles hit a 4-17 record in ACC play. That is the worst conference run over such a span in school history. Problems inside the football building included dysfunction and a lack of alignment. One staffer described the situation as having snakes in the grass and no synergy as Norvell tried to save his job.
Mistakes and Missed Opportunities
The troubles started after Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff in 2023. Over 20 players opted out or transferred before a 63-3 loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl. After that, things spiraled down.
Norvell signed an eight year contract extension worth over $10 million annually, but roster management failed. He missed on transfer quarterback Cam Ward, who wanted $1 million more than Florida State offered. Norvell turned to DJ Uiagalelei, who threw four touchdowns and six interceptions in five starts before a finger injury ended his college career. Florida State used three quarterbacks and finished 2-10 in 2024.
Funding and Roster Troubles
Norvell shifted his portal strategy toward unproven players from large schools. The locker room lost its unity, with one source saying it became a group of players focused mostly on their money.
Funding also hit a wall. A single family funded the NIL collective for 18 months, but that support ended after the 2023 season. Florida State struggled to get buy in from its collective and boosters, leaving the program behind other top spenders in college football. Three straight losing seasons led directly to Norvell being let go.
What it means for the next game
Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Boston College Eagles win 32%, Florida State Seminoles win 68%; projected score Boston College Eagles 23, Florida State Seminoles 29. Our safest pick: Boston College +16.5.
Florida State Seminoles at Pittsburgh Panthers (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Pittsburgh Panthers win 87%, Florida State Seminoles win 13%; projected score Pittsburgh Panthers 37, Florida State Seminoles 19. Our safest pick: Florida St +28.5.
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