Mike Norvell issues a bit of a Florida State guarantee that he better back up

One of the most surprising developments for FSU football this offseason was followed by one of the least surprising.

When offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn retired in early February, it was a surprise. There had been rumors that Malzahn was searching for another head coaching opportunity, but nothing was going to materialize, and he was expected to stay in Tallahassee for another year. The Seminoles had recently received a commitment from transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels, who was thought to be picked specifically for his potential fit in Malzahn's offense, but despite that, the 60-year-old coach decided to call it a day.

Mike Norvell quickly promoted wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. to offensive coordinator and, to the surprise of no one, he re-installed himself as the primary play caller on offense. It's a move that Norvell believes will be the best for him and the best for the Seminoles.

"I've been really good at calling plays throughout my coaching career. I don't say that in any way other than it's just true. I feel very confident in our ability and who we get to coach," Norvell said.

Mike Norvell has elite expectations for himself as a play caller

Last year was a different year for Norvell. Coming off of a shockingly disappointing 2-10 season in 2024, Norvell replaced both his offense and defensive coordinators, hiring Malzahn and Tony White, respectively, and then he had to take a back seat as a play caller. The thought was that Malzahn, a veteran with head coaching stints at Arkansas State, Auburn and UCF, was going to run the offense and White was going to run the defense. This alignment gave Norvell the opportunity to look at the big picture and see if he could pinpoint the areas where FSU was falling short as a program and fix them.

Now it's a year later and Norvell is back running the offense. It's a role he's been in for most of his tenure at FSU and as a head coach in college football. He had to give way to Kenny Dillingham at times in 2020 and 2021, but there was no question who was dialing up the plays from 2022-24 and there will be no question in 2026. It's something Norvell admits he's looking forward to.

"I expect this year to be the best year of my life. You learn lessons. There are times you get knocked down — I've been there. Then you get back up and get better through it," Norvell added.

Norvell needs this to be the best year of his life. His job is on the line. The apathy surrounding Seminoles' football has never been higher. FSU fans are looking for any reason to believe in Norvell after two very disappointing seasons and four losing seasons in six years. The two-year run that saw the Seminoles go 23-4 over 2022 and 2023 seems like it was a century ago. Norvell has to hope the confidence he has in himself shows up on the scoreboard. 

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