Florida State's football program has been through a disaster over the last couple of years, where they have accomplished a losing season in four of the past six years under Mike Norvell. This is something that is concerning for the fan base because they are used to competing for championships.
Individuals were shocked to see that Coach Norvell was retained by the administration for the 2026 season. Some thought that after his squad lost to Stanford on the road, he wouldn't be let back on the plane home to Tallahassee.
However, we have learned that the football program is in debt, which explains why there was no firing. The Seminoles have to pay for their football-only facility, Doak Campbell Stadium renovations, and buy-out for the ACC. All of that costs a major amount of money.
Mike Norvell continues to recycle this same quote over and over again about Florida State football
Florida State football had the luxury of having Bobby Bowden and Jimbo Fisher (and even Mike Norvell in 2022 and 2023), but the past two seasons have resulted in seven total wins. That is not the standard of the Seminoles' program.
Florida State opened the 2025 season with a victory over Alabama, which created buzz all over the sport. However, it was short-lived, as the Seminoles lost seven of its final nine games to not get to a bowl game.
Mike Norvell sat down with On3's Pete Nakos about the work that they have done this offseason.
NEW: Florida State's Mike Norvell tells @PeteNakos he's gone to 'work' this offseason🍢
— On3 (@On3) February 13, 2026
"I've put my head down and gone to work. That's what I've done. I've done that regardless in years past when there have been talks of other opportunities...
We were able to take some big… pic.twitter.com/wytq7cV4fl
When is the fan base going to stop seeing Coach Norvell live in a world where Florida State is competing for a championship? We all saw how the last two seasons have transpired, and even though I am very optimistic when it comes to this program, nothing has made me suggest that they are on their way to competing for championships at this moment in time.
It is rinse and repeat for Mike Norvell with the thought process with Nakos. It has burned this fan base time and time again, as they are tired of hearing about it. Actions speak louder than words, so it all begins in Week 0 as the Seminoles take on New Mexico State in Doak Campbell Stadium.