Oregon’s decision to move on from offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer has created a new wrinkle in Florida State’s Mike Norvell situation, thanks to a familiar tie at the top of the Ducks’ program.
CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported Sunday that Oregon was parting ways with Mehringer, and the university confirmed the move. Dan Lanning’s staff now has an offensive opening, and the connection to Norvell runs straight through the Oregon head coach himself.
Lanning spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons under Norvell at Memphis, where he coached inside linebackers and worked as recruiting coordinator before eventually heading to Georgia and later taking over the defense there. That history could make the Ducks’ opening a name worth watching if Florida State ever decides to make a move.
“This was a decision I felt was in the best interest of our football program, as I believe a new direction is necessary to move our offense forward,” Lanning said.
Norvell’s future remains a major talking point in Tallahassee as Florida State tries to salvage its season. The Seminoles are 3-4 and facing the possibility of a third straight losing year, with five games left on the schedule. Florida State needs three more wins just to reach 6-6 and become bowl eligible.
The pressure is built on the last two seasons as much as this one. The Seminoles went 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025, and they are 10-21 since the start of 2024.
There is also the financial piece. Florida State would owe Norvell a reported $50 million if he were terminated without cause, and another school or employer paying him would reduce the school’s remaining buyout obligation dollar for dollar.
Norvell’s background is rooted in calling offenses, which gives the Oregon opening some obvious intrigue if the Florida State administration does decide to move on. For Oregon, an experienced offensive coach who already knows Lanning could be an appealing fit as the Ducks look to get their offense pointed in the right direction.
The possibility of a reunion is still unresolved, with Norvell continuing to lead Florida State through the 2026 season. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman also reported, through an unnamed industry source, that the administration wants to keep the seventh-year head coach despite the difficult start.
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Sportsbooks have Florida State favored for this one, a notable shift for a program that has recently struggled to find consistency and has been stuck in a long losing streak against the Tigers. The timing makes it even more interesting, with the game set for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff on the ACC Network, and a chance for the Seminoles to use the bye to reset before a stretch that could decide whether this season becomes a rescue job or a missed opportunity. [Read more 🡒]