Florida State’s frustration with Mike Norvell is obvious. The record over the last two seasons has fans itching for change, and 17 losses in that span has only poured fuel on the fire. But the bigger issue might not be patience - it might be money.
According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, moving on from Norvell would come with a buyout in the neighborhood of $45-$50 million. That kind of price tag changes the conversation fast. Florida State and its boosters have already poured hundreds of millions of dollars into athletic facility renovations, and that spending leaves a real question hanging over the program: can the school afford to make another massive financial move?
That reality could keep Norvell in place, at least for now, even as many Seminoles fans are ready to turn the page. His tenure has included only two winning seasons since he arrived in the COVID season of 2020.
The undefeated regular season in 2023 and the 10-3 finish in 2022 stand out because they are the exceptions, not the rule. Outside of those years, Florida State has fallen well short of the standard set by the late Bobby Bowden and carried on by Jimbo Fisher.
The comparison to the program’s past only sharpens the disappointment. Fans have seen enough to believe they’re stuck in the worst stretch of Florida State football since the 4-29 run from 1973-1975, and social media has made that frustration impossible to miss.
For Norvell, the path forward is simple, even if the schedule is not. He has to win games and change the mood around the program. That starts Sept. 7, when Florida State hosts SMU.
The Mustangs arrive with real momentum under Rhett Lashlee, who is 36-18 at SMU. They also bring back starting quarterback Kevin Jennings, and with their returning talent, they’re viewed as one of the ACC’s top two teams behind only Miami.
Florida State’s next test after that is even bigger. Following a bye week, the Seminoles head to Tuscaloosa to face No.
13 Alabama, the lowest-ranked Alabama team since the 2008 season. Kalen DeBoer has tabbed sophomore Keelon Russell, a talented but inexperienced quarterback, to lead the Crimson Tide.
If Florida State can split those two games, it would at least give Norvell and the Seminoles a chance to settle things down. But an 0-2 start against SMU and Alabama before October would make life brutal in Tallahassee.
And if the school ever does find a way to absorb that buyout, there’s still the question of timing. Does Florida State make a move in the middle of the season, or let it run its course?
If that moment comes, assistant Tom Herman is already on staff as an interim option. Herman has head coaching experience at both Houston and Texas.
In Other News...
Florida State's Backup QB Battle Just Took A Surprising Turn
Florida States backup quarterback picture is suddenly a little more interesting, and Malachi Marshall is right in the middle of it. Mike Norvell said the JuCo transfer has added 18 pounds and improved his strength, signs that he has handled the physical transition well enough to put himself in position to help this season. Behind starter Ashton Daniels, the Seminoles are sorting through a competition that also includes second-year quarterback Kevin Sperry, and the job carries real importance given how quickly a season can change at the position.
Norvells history developing quarterbacks has often been a point of scrutiny, which is part of why this battle matters beyond simple depth-chart housekeeping. If Daniels were to go down, Florida State needs someone who can step in without the offense losing its footing, and Marshalls size gain has made him an intriguing option in that role. Sperry remains in the mix, but Marshalls recent progress gives this competition a different feel than it had a few weeks ago. [Read more 🡒]
FSUs Backup QB Picture Just Got More Interesting Behind Ashton Daniels
The backup quarterback race at Florida State has taken on a little more shape, and Malachi Marshall is right in the middle of it. Since joining the program, he has drawn praise from the coaching staff for the progress he has made, including added weight and a better grasp of the offense. Mike Norvell has pointed to that development as a reason Marshall has become a real factor behind starter Ashton Daniels, alongside Kevin Sperry.
The new NCAA 5-for-5 eligibility rule only adds another layer to Marshall's standing in the room. Because he can play without burning a redshirt, Florida State has more flexibility in how it uses him if the need arises, which makes his growth even more relevant to the depth chart. For a team that wants reliable options behind Daniels, Marshall's rise is one of the more interesting subplots to watch. [Read more 🡒]
FSUs Desir Twins Just Set A Tougher Standard For Themselves
Mandrell and Darryll Desir arrived at Florida State last season and wasted little time becoming part of the rotation, appearing in all 12 games and each making two starts as true freshmen. Mandrells production was strong enough to earn Freshman All-America honors, but for a pair of defensive linemen who have been linked together every step of the way, the early success only raised the bar for what comes next.
Both brothers and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton have made it clear they are not treating that first year as a finish line. The expectation is for the twins to handle larger roles in the upcoming season, and the tone around them is one of steady dissatisfaction mixed with confidence - a competitive mindset that suggests Florida States line room is still pushing for more from two players who already proved they belong. [Read more 🡒]