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Florida State Fires Mike Norvell Amid 3-5 Record
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In Short: Norvell, who had been on the hot seat for over a year, compiled a 41-39 record during his time in Tallahassee and a 79-54 record over 11 seasons as a collegiate head coach.
Florida State University has fired head coach Mike Norvell after a disappointing 3-5 start to the 2026 season, with FSU president Richard McCullough officially announcing the decision Sunday following a 36-24 loss to Clemson.
Norvell, who had been on the hot seat for over a year, compiled a 41-39 record during his time in Tallahassee and a 79-54 record over 11 seasons as a collegiate head coach.
The 44-year-old coach signed an eight-year, $84 million contract extension after leading the Seminoles to a 13-1 record and the ACC title during the 2023 season, but his team struggled in the last three seasons, posting a 10-23 record.
Norvell's firing comes after a series of disappointing performances, including a 2-10 record in 2024 and a 3-13 mark in ACC play over the previous two seasons.
The university's decision to part ways with Norvell was not unexpected, given the team's recent struggles and the mounting pressure from fans and media.
Norvell's contract reportedly calls for him to be paid 85 percent of the value of his remaining contract, which means approximately $50.3 million, a significant financial burden for the university.
The firing of Norvell and his staff, along with making the next hire, is expected to cost roughly $100 million, according to sources.
Florida State has also fired AD Michael Alford, a move that comes a week after the Seminoles dropped a 27-24 decision to SMU on Labor Day evening.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney had harsh words for fans who flew a banner above Doak Campbell Stadium calling for Norvell's firing, saying it was disrespectful and embarrassing.
Swinney emphasized that Norvell is a good man and that such actions are not acceptable in college football.
The university's decision to fire Norvell and Alford marks a significant shift in leadership and strategy for the football program, with the board of trustees and the president committed to restructuring to compete in the era of college sports.
What this adds
The banner calling for Norvell's firing reportedly cost $3,500 and was funded through a GoFundMe organized by FSU fans, according to Newsweek.
Sources told On3 that firing Norvell and his staff, along with making the next hire, would cost roughly $100 million.
Norvell's contract reportedly calls for him to be paid 85 percent of the value of his remaining contract, which means approximately $50.3 million.
Background
NC State has fired football coach Dave Doeren after a disappointing 3-4 start to the season.
What's confirmed
- — Florida State has moved on from head coach Mike Norvell, with FSU president Richard McCullough officially announcing his firing via Sunday following a 36-24 loss to Clemson.
- “We thank Mike Norvell for his commitment and service to Florida State and wish him and his family the very best. We understand the deep passion of Seminole fans and share their high expectations for this program,” FSU President Richard McCullough said in a statement on Sunday, a day after a 36-24 loss to Clemson dropped the ‘Noles to a 3-5 mark in 2026.
- Fla. (WCTV) - Following a disappointing home Halloween loss to Clemson, amid a 3-5 start to the 2026 season, Florida State has relieved Mike Norvell of his duties as head football coach of the Seminoles according to the university.
- Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney had plenty to say about the plane banner that called for Mike Norvell to be fired and flew above Doak Campbell Stadium before the Tigers' 36-24 win over Florida State on Saturday.
- "That's not good for these kids. They didn't even spell his name right. It's disrespectful. Mike Norvell is a good man. He ain't gonna say it, but I'm gonna. Whoever did that, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Ain't nobody trying to lose. This job is hard. I don't know why we think because people make money you have the right to destroy people as humans. I don't know where we became this as a society where it's OK to tear people down. It's like a blood sport now. You lose a game, fire everybody, everybody stinks. It's shameful to me."
What's still developing
- The program stumbled, big time, to a 2-10 record in 2024, then got out to a 4-0 start that included a Week 1 win over Alabama last year, getting ranked in the Top 10 nationally ahead of a game in Charlottesville with Virginia.
- The team's third consecutive ACC loss was the 17th setback for Norvell in his last 21 games against league competition, a horrid stretch that kept him on the hot seat each of the last two years.
- "Yeah, heading into Monday night brother Florida State SMU, big ole game Monday night, Labor Day, wrapping up the weekend. This could be the swan song. Not in the best possible way for Mike Norvell. If Kevin Jennings rolls in the Tallahassee you know and they're throwing up 400 yards and four touchdowns, you can go ahead and start putting that Mike Norvell buyout plan together."
- Unfortunately for Florida State fans who were sick of losing, Norvell had secured a contract extension that included a buyout that will pay him $50.3 million to hit the unemployment line.
- From there, the ‘Noles began to show promise under Norvell, going 10-3 in the 2022 season with an offense beginning to hit its stride under the leadership of quarterback Jordan Travis and a defense led by future first-round pick Jared Verse. 2023 saw what should have been a return to the elite of college football for Florida State end in tragedy.
- Bro is just saying that, because he knows Clemson about one to two more seasons away from doing the same thing — Pea Tear Griffin (@GriffinTear) November 1, 2026 Florida State’s situation isn’t improving, as the loss to Clemson dropped Mike Norvell’s team to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in ACC play.
- Following the 2024 season, Norvell agreed to a restructured arrangement that directed $4.5 million toward institutional revenue-sharing initiatives.