Many Florida State fans were disappointed when the news broke on late Monday afternoon that Virginia Tech would hire James Franklin. Most FSU fans are ready to move on from the Mike Norvell era after a 2-10 season in 2024 and a .500 record so far this season.
The biggest hurdle preventing the FSU administration from moving on from Norvell is his huge contract buyout. FSU would owe Norvell around 53 million dollars if it were to fire him after the 2025 season.
There is some offsetting language in Mike Norvell’s contract that would help FSU save money if he were to take another job. It’s the same type of language Penn State had in Franklin’s contract. It’s important to note that Franklin and Norvell have the same agent, Jimmy Sexton.
Penn State and James Franklin recently negotiated his buyout down to $9 million, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) November 17, 2025
His contract called for a buyout of $49 million to be paid through 2031, which could be offset by future earning at another job. He’s now headed to Virginia Tech. pic.twitter.com/cWrg2EfPdJ
Franklin’s track record over the past decade or more at Penn State has been better and more consistent than Mike Norvell's at FSU. However, several open jobs remain that would likely take someone like Mike Norvell under the right conditions.
Oklahoma State, Arkansas, UCLA, and Stanford have openings, along with some heavy hitters like LSU, Auburn, Penn State, and Florida. It’s possible that some more openings could become available between now and the end of the season. There’s no guarantee another school would take Norvell, but it’s a good sign that his agent is willing to negotiate the buyout terms.
The tea leaves point to Norvell returning to FSU in 2026, especially if they win the two remaining games on the schedule. However, if things go south and they lose both, there could be mounting pressure to move in another direction.
FSU only paying 9 to 10 million instead of 53 million would be a massive win for the Noles and the next coach.