Mike Norvell seemed to have cracked the code in 2023. A flawless regular season, an ACC championship, and a fanbase ready to crown him the king of Tallahassee.
Florida State University (FSU) showed their appreciation with an $84 million contract extension. But fast forward two years, and the narrative has flipped on its head.
Norvell now finds himself on the hot seat, with Fansided naming him the most likely coach to be shown the door in college football as we head into 2026.
The stats tell the story. After that celebrated 13-0 streak, FSU plummeted to a mere two wins in 2024.
Last season, they improved slightly to a 5-7 record, but that’s hardly what you’d expect from an $84 million investment. Athletic director Michael Alford has made it clear: FSU must compete at the highest level, or the hefty investment is all for naught.
Norvell isn’t shying away from the challenge. “I’ve put my head down and gone to work,” he shared with On3’s Pete Nakos.
It’s a familiar refrain from Norvell, who has faced down outside offers in the past, choosing to stay and build at FSU. Yet, despite his efforts, the team’s performance has faltered.
The financials add another layer of urgency. The buyout clause in Norvell’s contract drops to $45.6 million after this season, a significant reduction from $58.4 million post-2025. This figure is bound to catch the attention of FSU’s decision-makers.
The offense will be the battleground this season, but the question remains: who will lead it? With Tommy Castellanos and much of last year’s lineup gone, the position is wide open.
Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels is the leading contender, but as Norvell told On3, there’s a “high expectation” for the role, and nothing is set in stone. Redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry, JUCO prospect Malachi Marshall, and redshirt senior Dean DeNobile are all vying for the spot.
Norvell himself has taken back the playcalling duties after Gus Malzahn’s retirement, adding another twist to the offensive plot.
The talent is there, with receivers Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy returning, alongside running backs Sam Singleton Jr. and Ousmane Kromah. But without a steady hand at quarterback, even the most skilled supporting cast can fall short.
The schedule doesn’t offer any favors either. Alabama and SMU are early challenges, with Clemson and Miami looming mid-season. For a coach already testing the limits of his administration’s patience, there’s little room for a slow start.