Mike Norvell Set to Call Plays for FSU in 2026: A Risky Move in a Crucial Year
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is heading into the 2026 season with his back against the wall-and he’s taking a bold step that could define his tenure in Tallahassee. Following the sudden retirement of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, Norvell is expected to reclaim playcalling duties, a move that’s already drawing comparisons to a recent cautionary tale just a few hours down I-75.
Let’s break this down.
The Malzahn Departure and Harris Promotion
The news that Malzahn is stepping away came as a surprise. The veteran coach was brought in for the 2025 season to stabilize and elevate Florida State’s offense, and while the results were mixed, the Seminoles still managed to finish 40th nationally in points per game. That’s not elite by any stretch, but it was a step forward from previous years.
In response, FSU promoted Tim Harris Jr. to offensive coordinator for the 2026 campaign. Harris is a respected figure and brings energy to the role, but the expectation-according to reports from inside the program-is that Norvell will be the one calling plays.
Norvell’s Playcalling: A Familiar Gamble
This isn’t uncharted territory for Norvell. He’s called plays before, both at Memphis and early in his FSU tenure. But the results were uneven, and it was clear that bringing in a seasoned offensive mind like Malzahn was meant to allow Norvell to focus more on the big picture-game management, recruiting, overall program direction.
Now, with the pressure mounting and the margin for error razor-thin, Norvell is taking on more, not less.
And that’s where the comparisons to Billy Napier’s time at Florida start to surface.
Lessons from Gainesville
Napier’s downfall in Gainesville wasn’t just about wins and losses-it was about his refusal to delegate. Despite mounting evidence that the Gators’ offense needed a fresh voice, Napier stuck to his guns, insisting on calling plays himself.
The result? A stagnant offense that ultimately played a major role in his exit.
To be clear, not every head coach who calls plays is doomed to fail. There are plenty of examples-past and present-of coaches who can juggle both responsibilities effectively. But it’s a demanding job, and in today’s college football landscape, where in-game decisions, recruiting battles, and transfer portal management all compete for a coach’s attention, wearing too many hats can be a recipe for burnout-or worse, underperformance.
What’s at Stake in 2026
This is a pivotal year for Norvell and the Seminoles. After a rollercoaster 2025 season that saw flashes of promise but also frustrating inconsistency, FSU needs to show it’s ready to contend again-not just in the ACC, but nationally. The fanbase is hungry, the expectations are high, and the leash is short.
By taking back the playcalling duties, Norvell is betting on himself. He’s betting that his vision for the offense is the one that can get Florida State over the hump. But it’s a high-stakes move, especially when you consider how thin the margin for error has become.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt Mike Norvell is a smart football mind. He’s built programs before, and he’s shown he can recruit and develop talent.
But in 2026, he’s choosing to take on more responsibility in a season where everything is on the line. Whether that decision pays off or backfires will be one of the defining storylines of the college football season.
For Florida State fans, the hope is that Norvell’s gamble turns into a masterstroke. For everyone else watching from the outside, it’s a fascinating case study in coaching philosophy and risk management.
One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Tallahassee this fall.