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Mike Norvell will be the Florida State football coach in 2026. The school’s administration voiced its support of the sixth-year leader ahead of a season ending rivalry matchup with Florida.
Norvell will not be fired amid a 5-6 start to the 2025 campaign. His leash, however, will be short moving into next year.
The coach’s tenure in Tallahassee has been up and down. It started with a pair of losing seasons, which were quickly followed by a 23-4 run.
The Seminoles went 13-0 in the 2023 regular season to win the ACC. They were egregiously left out of the College Football Playoff due to no fault of their own.
Since, the program has been in a tailspin. Florida State is 7-16 across the last two years. Calls for Norvell’s job grew louder in 2025. They have not been granted… yet.
Mike Norvell will be back in 2026.
The school released a statement on that decision this week.
“Florida State University today announced that Mike Norvell is being retained as head football coach,” the school said after a loss to NC State. “With support from FSU leadership, Norvell has pledged 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. 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.”
-Dr. Richard McCullough, FSU President
Norvell will be back on the sidelines next year. He will have to make “fundamental changes” in certain areas while showing progress in Year 7.
That likely means adjustments in the recruiting process, as well as a possible staff shakeup. He will not, however, differentiate from the pillars in which he’s built his program.
“Belief, sacrifice, and putting the team first,” he said on the outlook. “That set of values has always guided my actions, and those of our players… I love Florida State, and I am fully committed to this program, and our shared goals.”
Mike Norvell put that commitment on full display last offseason. He donated $4.5 million of his own salary to the school’s Vision of Excellence fundraising initiative, which works to provide top-notch resources for Florida State football players.
He was asked about doing the same this year with his job status more stable. He has not discussed a repeat donation with the school.
Is Florida State’s football coach committed?
It’s a question now being asked after hearing his latest press conference. Is he unwilling to support the program? Does he have one foot out the door?
Some point to the $50 million buyout when debating a potential lack of motivation. He will be paid by the Seminoles, win or lose.
Others believe he’d be hesitant to give another $4.5 million given the results of the 2025 campaign.
Does his response to the question matter?
In short, no. The option to give remains on the table. The question posed simply referenced the idea of a discussion. A donation could still come down the road.
Norvell looked irritated in answering as the inquiry came off a bit disrespectful – “You haven’t been a good coach, you should give back your salary.”
Despite the perception, his commitment remains. That unfortunately won’t matter if he doesn’t win ball games.