Florida State confirmed on Sunday that head coach Mike Norvell will return for 2026 football season, despite two turbulent years that have left the program fighting for bowl eligibility. The decision comes two days after a 21-11 loss at NC State dropped the Seminoles to 5-6 and extended their road losing streak to 10 games (they have not won away from Tallahassee since Nov. 25, 2023).
Per Yahoo Sports Ross Dellenger: “Mike Norvell will return as Florida State’s coach in 2026, sources tell
@YahooSports. The university president, AD and board are aligned in support of Norvell, who has pledged to make changes in areas of recruiting and player evaluation to enhance FSU’s roster.”
The mounting speculation about Norvell’s job status came after a stretch in which Florida State has gone 7-16 overall and 3-13 in ACC play, including six losses in its past eight games. The Seminoles must win at rival Florida next week to avoid missing a bowl for the second straight season. However, it should be noted that Norvell signed a lucrative extension after the 2023 season, and firing him next year would cost the university more than $50 million — roughly $72 million including his staff. Had Florida State made a change, it would have entered a crowded coaching market that already includes Florida, LSU and Penn State.
University President Richard McCullough said in an announcement:“FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford and I are in complete agreement that changes are needed for our program to improve. Coach Norvell embraces our support in that process and agrees that success must be achieved. He continues to demonstrate an unwavering belief in this program’s future, and so do we. This decision reflects a unified commitment to competing in the rapidly evolving landscape of college football, while maintaining continuity within the program … In addition to addressing the reality that on-field results have been far from acceptable to the FSU standard, we also realize our responsibilities as stewards of program revenues and how to best allocate those dollars to compete at an elite level – something we will not compromise. Throughout the assessment, one goal will remain beyond all others – achieving sustained championship-level success. We will address performance deficiencies in the program. These deficiencies may include structural changes to the very large and complex program FSU football has become, and these areas are where we will focus and invest.”
Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said: “Our responsibility is to do what gives Florida State the strongest competitive position – not just today, but for years to come. Florida State has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its football program over the past few years with high expectations. Chairman Collins, President McCullough and I are aligned in partnering with Coach and improving our ability to compete for championships. Our mission is unwavering in putting Florida State football at the forefront of college athletics.”
Norvell led the program at FSU to a 13-0 regular season and ACC championship in 2023, but the College Football Playoff committee excluded the Seminoles from the four-team field after quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending leg injury. A wave of opt-outs followed, and a depleted roster was crushed 63-3 by Georgia in the Orange Bowl. Most of that roster departed for the NFL, and FSU stumbled to 2-10 in 2024 — its worst finish since 1974.
Norvell acknowledged frustrations during his time with FSU, but emphasized his commitment to rebuilding: “This program has been built on belief, sacrifice, and putting the team first,” he said. “The driving motivation behind this is to make certain that we are doing everything properly to obtain and retain elite players, add critical pieces, and sustain long-term success. I love Florida State, and I am fully committed to this program, and our shared goals.”
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