This is Florida State football we’re talking about - a program built on the legacy of Bobby Bowden, one of the most iconic figures in college football history. And for a while, it looked like the Seminoles had found their next great leader in Jimbo Fisher, who guided them to a BCS National Championship in 2013 with a win over Auburn. That title wasn’t just a trophy - it was a statement that FSU was still a powerhouse, still a destination for elite talent, and still capable of dominating the national stage.
But when Fisher left Tallahassee for Texas A&M in 2017 - and did so in dramatic fashion, with a now-infamous photo of his discarded Christmas tree sitting at the curb - the program was thrown into a spiral. It wasn’t just about losing a coach.
It was about losing direction, identity, and momentum. Fisher had been vocal about needing facility upgrades and more institutional support.
At the time, it rubbed some the wrong way. In hindsight, he might’ve had a point.
Now, fast forward to 2026. Mike Norvell is heading into his seventh season as head coach, a tenure that’s been anything but smooth.
The Seminoles just wrapped up a 5-7 campaign - their sixth losing season in the last eight years - and while the administration has confirmed Norvell will return next season, there’s no question that the pressure is on. The leash is short, and the expectations are high.
That’s where Fisher re-enters the conversation. Speaking on the ACC Network, the former FSU head coach offered a pointed message to the current team and staff:
“Florida State doesn't need to worry about winning; they need to worry about how they play.”
Now, that’s a quote that might raise some eyebrows. After all, this is Florida State - a program where winning isn’t just expected, it’s demanded.
And with Norvell’s job security hanging in the balance, wins absolutely matter. But Fisher’s words aren’t about ignoring the scoreboard.
They’re about process over outcome. He’s talking about culture, preparation, and execution - the foundation that championship teams are built on.
That 2013 team didn’t just win games. They dominated.
They played with confidence, discipline, and swagger. And they did it because the mindset was right long before kickoff.
That’s what Fisher is getting at. If FSU can recapture that edge - that standard of excellence in how they prepare and how they play - the wins will follow.
There’s still a deep connection between Fisher and the program he once led to the mountaintop. Some fans would love to see him return in some capacity down the road.
Whether that ever happens is anyone’s guess. But for now, it’s clear he still cares - still watches, still analyzes, still offers insight into what it takes to win in Tallahassee.
As the Seminoles head into a pivotal 2026 season, the message is clear: it’s not just about chasing wins. It’s about restoring the standard that once made Florida State one of college football’s elite.