Parting Thoughts
So no I don't think the team quit on Mike Norvell. A particular unit may have quit on their position coach for some reason.
I've never seen that level of drop-off from a unit. The 2018 and 2020 offensive lines are better than this 2024 version, and that's saying something.
Have individual players checked out as the season progressed? There's some truth to that, and there were red flags with some players going into the season. I wrote about that here.
However, I think that's an instinct as seasonal goals evaporate early, and guys look to protect their bodies when they don't believe they have any shot to win a game(and they are already getting paid well).
I'm not in agreement with it and probably would have sat some of those guys. However, that goes back to Norvell not holding coaches accountable, so he is culpable in the grand scheme.
The good news is most of these older guys will exhaust eligibility and exit the program. Some players may get steered toward the transfer portal, and a couple may declare for the NFL Draft.
Which players stay at FSU and who leaves will be telling, but there will be a massive roster overhaul either way. The new coordinators may potentially bring some players or have their eye on potential guys in the transfer portal. Either way, it'll create a better opportunity to reset team culture and become player-led again.
However, the biggest thing the coaching staff must do is address the offensive line(and defensive line to a slightly lesser degree). If they can do that, it'll greatly increase their chances to win several more games in 2025.