FSU football: Despite a rocky start, the future is bright in Tallahassee

The term “culture” might be cliche when discussed about in today’s college football society. However, Florida State head football coach Mike Norvell has everything trending in a positive trajectory after his football team accomplished their 25th 10-win season in program history last season.

During the offseason, Norvell was awarded for his tremendous 2022 campaign, where he signed a multi-year contract extension through the 2029 season.

That is defined as a miraculous turnaround considering the fact that Florida State had a 8-13 record during the first two seasons of tenure, which included a historic loss to FCS opponent Jacksonville State.

Mike Norvell was famous for coining the phrase “Response”. Florida State’s football program had been through a high level of adversity from 2017-2021, where they possessed a combined record of 26-33 in that timeframe.

For reference, this is a program filled with historical relevance and prestige. The Seminoles had 41 consecutive winning seasons from 1977-2017. A losing season was an afterthought, as many individuals thought the Seminoles could continue their winning ways.

After many trials and tribulations during the early part of his tenure, Mike Norvell exemplified his response when moments were difficult. He believed in his players and coaching staff to get the job done.

It speaks volumes that seven of his assistant coaches have remained in Tallahassee since he was hired (Odell Haggins, David Johnson, Ron Dugans, Chris Thomsen, Alex Atkins, John Papuchis, and Adam Fuller). Players, recruits, and transfers witness the continuity taking place within the coaching staff and understand that their respective position coach will most likely be there to develop them on and off field, which is often rare to see in today’s college football world.

During a recent interview with Mark Packer and Taylor Tannebaum from the ACC Network, Florida State defensive coordinator Adam Fuller stated the following:

The coaching staffs high confidence and energy gets displayed each and every day as you walk through the facility. After almost every exit interview with a recruit or transfer, they point to the staffs top-notch energy as something that stands out compared to other places.

If the Seminoles are able to match their energy level with the seemingly high expectations on the football field for the 2023 season, then FSU football could be in a great position to compete at an elite level.