Florida State Parts Ways With Mike Norvell After Rough Season Start

End of the line for Norvell

Florida State fired head coach Mike Norvell on Sunday following a 36-24 loss against Clemson. The defeat dropped the Seminoles to 3-5 on the season and marked the end of Norvell's seven year stint in Tallahassee.

Director of scouting Rick Stockstill, who led Middle Tennessee for 18 seasons, takes over as interim head coach while the school searches for a permanent replacement. Norvell finishes his tenure with a 41-39 record, having suffered five losing seasons.

A rapid decline from championship heights

The high point of Norvell's tenure came in 2023, when the team finished 13-0 and won the ACC. However, star quarterback Jordan Travis suffered an injury, and the College Football Playoff committee left Florida State out of the four team postseason field. A depleted squad then lost 63-3 to Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

The program never truly recovered from that point. The Seminoles went 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 last season. Despite a roster that cost more than most in the ACC, Florida State has gone just 10-23 since the 2023 snub, including a 4-17 record in conference action.

Fan pressure and recent struggles

Frustration reached a boiling point last Saturday. Fans flew a banner over Doak Campbell Stadium calling for the firing of Norvell and board chairman Peter Collins. Entering as six point favorites against Clemson, Florida State fell 36-24, leaving the stadium mostly empty by the fourth quarter.

School president Richard McCullough stated that Florida State is seeking a new leader who embraces the program standard of excellence. Norvell was working under a $50.3 million buyout after the administration gave him another chance following last year's 5-7 record.

What it means for the next game

Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Boston College Eagles win 33%, Florida State Seminoles win 67%; projected score Boston College Eagles 23, Florida State Seminoles 29. Our safest pick: Boston College +16.5.