Story by
Why FSU football's Mike Norvell should, shouldn't, return next season: Our 3 reasons
- Story by
- Why FSU football's Mike Norvell should, shouldn't, return next season: Our 3 reasons
There are many reasons that Mike Norvell should continue with his head coaching career at Florida State. However, as FSU is 1-9 on the season, there are reasons he should no longer be with the Seminoles .
FSU has been in an unusual losing slump all season long. It is the first time since 1974 that FSU has less than three wins this late in the season.
Advertisement
It raised the question of whether Norvell is the long-term answer for the program.
But does he deserve the benefit of the doubt? He did lead FSU to back-to-back winning seasons, including a perfect 13-0 regular season record and an ACC title just one year ago.
No one saw it coming the following year that the Seminoles would go from a top-10 team to one of the worst in the nation.
Some say it is best to cut ties with Norvell, while others would give him one more chance to fix it. Here are three reasons why Norvell should and should not be the head coach at FSU.
PRACTICE TAKEAWAYS: Randy Shannon has big point of emphasis for new defense
Advertisement
Three reasons why Mike Norvell should coach at FSU
Oct 5, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell reacts before the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
FSU cannot afford to fire Mike Norvell
The toll is too high, even if FSU wants to let him go. During the offseason, Norvell signed an eight-year extension worth $10 million per season. If FSU departs with Norvell, buying him out will cost $63 million.
Michael Alford, head of athletics, and the FSU administration support Norvell and will be with him for the long haul. They might as well get their money's worth as he turns the program around.
"We all want Florida State to be the very best and to compete for national championships," Alford said.
Advertisement
"Mike and I have very comfortable, candid relationships. There's a mutual respect for one another. He knows me. He understands my role. Of course, I understand his role. We have a shared vision and we're going to work together to get this corrected."
Mike Norvell deserves a chance to resolve his issues
Norvell has a track record in building teams from the ground up. He did it before by making FSU a winning program in back-to-back years. He can do it again.
Norvell took a step forward by firing his coordinators, Adam Fuller and Alex Atkins, and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans. Now, he has to make the next move and rebuild his program by hiring new assistants. The head coach is now diligently looking for new coordinators, along with offensive line and wide receiver coaches.
Advertisement
Norvell struck out in the transfer portal this year, but this shouldn't be held against him for finding and developing NFL talent through the portal in previous years.
Once the portal opens again on Dec. 9, FSU will likely make several additions to improve the roster, though it will be a matter of those new players buying in to the Norvell's program.
Mike Norvell still has support from current and former players
Norvell is a player's coach who has impacted all of the players who came to his program in the last four years.
Guys like senior receiver Ja'Khi Douglas have been part of Norvell's program and have seen his vision from the beginning.
Advertisement
"I have unbelievable confidence in Mike Norvell," Douglas said.
"I know. I've been here for five years, and I've seen it from the start to the end. I see that coach Norvell just keep the same mindset, and then I see that he has the power to do whatever he needs to do, and I see that he's just going to keep doing it."
New York Jets quarterback and former Seminoles great Jordan Travis has also praised Norvell and will speak out about him either on his social media page or media outlets.
"Coach Norvell is one of the most special people I've ever met. He cares so much," Travis said via Nole Gameday.
Advertisement
"You see in college football these days. People just don't care. He cares about the man you are. It's the person before the player and I think that's the most special thing about him."
More: FSU football's QB DJ Uiagalelei, RB Roydell Williams ruled out, but are 'progressing'
Three reasons why Mike Norvell should not coach at FSU
Oct 26, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell watches from the sideline against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Three losing seasons in his five-year career
This year will be Norvell's third losing season in his five-year tenure at FSU. This is his worst, not only in his coaching career but also in one of the worst seasons in program history.
It is the first time in 50 years that the Seminoles are 1-9 and can finish no better than three wins this season.
Advertisement
Whatever record FSU finishes, it is a major dropoff after going 13-1 last year and being ranked 10th in the preseason poll. For most coaches, it is a fireable offense. Norvell is one of the lucky ones.
Failed to recruit and build continuity
Norvell's recruiting has been lopsided in recent years and continues to lose recruits as this season has fallen on the losing end.
Norvell lost eight commits and holds 11 in the class of 2025 and five in the class of 2026. FSU is ranked 44 nationally according to 247 Sports.
Meanwhile, Miami and Clemson are among the six ACC teams ranked ahead the Seminoles in the recruiting rankings for this cycle.
Advertisement
While Norvell is still on the trail and by keeping his top recruits intact, there is still long-term considerations for the high school prospects who enter the transfer portal in the next year or two because of lack of playing time.
His coaching staff not living up to expectations
Norvell let go of three coaching staff members, leaving spots available. While cleaning up his messes, Norvell must hit on the new coordinators he is searching for.
FSU is one of the worst offenses in the country, averaging 14.1 points per game. The defense has failed to consistently live up to its hype as a physical team and not generating any turnovers.
Advertisement
If Norvell can identify his new coaching staff that cannot develop the talent and finishes with a losing season, it could be the end of Norvell's tenure.
More: Billy Napier and Florida football picking up steam on recruiting trail. Here's the latest
How to watch FSU vs. Charleston Southern
-
Date:Saturday, Nov. 23
-
Time:1:30 p.m.
-
Where:Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee
-
TV:ACC Extra/ ESPN+
FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times
-
Saturday, Aug. 24:vs. Georgia Tech * (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) Lost 24-21
-
Monday, Sept. 2:vs. Boston College * | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN ( Fubo ) Lost 28-13
-
Saturday, Sept. 7:Bye
-
Saturday, Sept. 14:vs. Memphis | Noon | ESPN ( Fubo ) Lost 20-12
-
Saturday, Oct. 12:Bye
-
Saturday, Nov. 2:vs. North Carolina * | 3:30 p.m.| ESPN ( Fubo ) Lost 35-11
-
Saturday, Nov. 9:at No. 6 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC ( Fubo , Peacock ) Lost 52-3
-
Saturday, Nov. 16:Bye
-
Saturday, Nov. 23:vs. Charleston Southern | 1:30 p.m. |ACC Extra/ ESPN+
-
Saturday, Nov. 30:vs. Florida
All times Eastern
* = ACC
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football Mike Norvell: Why he should - and shouldn't - remain coach
