First off, we support any coach that’s leading the FSU football program. We did it with Jimbo Fisher, Willie Taggart, and now Mike Norvell. We always look for optimism, ways to provide a sense of how things could improve if things go south.
However, there’s always a time when it’s obvious it’s not going to work out, and it’s time to move on. We recognized that time in 2017 with Jimbo Fisher after the team quit on him in the Boston College game. We recognized that time in 2019 with Willie Taggart, when FSU looked ill-prepared against a bad Miami team after several blowout losses.
Mike Norvell should have been fired after the 2024 season, but his contract buyout and the 23-4 run over the previous two years (coupled with the CFP snub) spared him. He brought in two experienced coordinators to help things, and squandered a golden opportunity after a 3-0 start to get FSU back on track.
The Stanford loss is when we recognized it was time to move on from Mike Norvell. We understood why the FSU administration may not have wanted to make the announcement then, considering the amount it would cost. They’d have to get folks to agree to pay the buyout and to hire an entirely new staff. They’d also need funds for recruiting, and they just spent tons of money on the Football Only Facility, Doak Campbell Stadium renovations, etc.
The loss against Clemson on Saturday night was more confirmation that it was time to move on from Mike Norvell. We understand the financial ramifications of firing him, but ultimately, it’ll cost more to keep him. Here are five major reasons why FSU can’t afford to bring Mike Norvell back in 2026.