FSU football head coach Mike Norvell will return to coach Seminoles
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Mike Norvell will remain the Florida State football head coach and return to coach the beleaguered program in 2026.
The news was first reported by Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger and confirmed by the Tallahassee Democrat. The future of Norvell has been in question with the Seminoles’ struggles over the last two seasons, but his future has been decided and he will remain in Tallahassee.
In a press release sent out by the university, Norvell committed to “institute fundamental changes in specific areas to improve performance to meet FSU’s championship standard.”
“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 in a press release.. “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.”
Front office changes are expected.
The Seminoles (5-6, 2-6) are coming off a 21-11 loss to NC State, and haven’t won a road game since 2023. FSU started the season with a stunning win over Alabama, and were ranked as high as No. 7 in the country with a 3-0 record. A double overtime loss to Virginia started the season’s descent into a tailspin, which culminated in a shocking loss to Stanford. Then came a disastrous loss Friday to North Carolina State in which the team floundered on all levels.
FSU is 2-6 since the Virginia game, and is fighting for bowl eligibility in its final game of the season agaisnt rival Florida.
Norvell has a 37-32 overall record with the program in six seasons.
“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 admin weighs in on keeping Norvell
“In addition to addressing the reality that on-field results have been far from acceptable to the FSU standard, we also realize our responsibilities as stewards of program revenues and how to best allocate those dollars to compete at an elite level – something we will not compromise,” said Collins. “Throughout the assessment, one goal will remain beyond all others – achieving sustained championship-level success. We will address performance deficiencies in the program. These deficiencies may include structural changes to the very large and complex program FSU football has become, and these areas are where we will focus and invest.”
“Our responsibility is to do what gives Florida State the strongest competitive position – not just today, but for years to come,” said Alford. “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.”
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Mike Norvell will remain Florida State football’s head coach
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