Florida State Retains Coach Mike Norvell for 2026 Season

Florida State University (FSU) will retain head coach Mike Norvell for the 2026 season, according to sources familiar with the situation. This decision comes after a challenging season that saw the Seminoles struggle, particularly following a disappointing 21-11 loss to NC State on November 10, 2023, which brought their record to 5-6. The team is now in a critical position, needing a victory against Florida this weekend to secure bowl eligibility.

In the past two seasons, Florida State has recorded a 7-16 record, including a 3-13 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. The team’s performance has raised concerns about Norvell’s job security, especially given their winless record on the road during this period. Despite these challenges, Norvell led the Seminoles to an ACC title in 2023 and remains optimistic about the team’s future. He stated earlier this month, “I’ve got elite level confidence for what’s ahead of us… I’ve actually won a championship, and we’re going to do it again. We’re going to do it here.”

The financial implications of moving on from Norvell would have been significant. If FSU had chosen to part ways with him, the university would have faced a buyout fee of approximately $54 million. Including salaries for his coaching staff, the total financial burden would have reached around $72 million. This context likely influenced the decision to keep him at the helm as the program looks to rebound in the coming years.

As FSU prepares for its upcoming game against Florida, the focus will be on securing a crucial win to enhance their chances of postseason play. The outcome of this match could play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative surrounding Norvell’s tenure and the future of the Seminoles football program.