Florida State Fires Mike Norvell After 3-5 Season

Florida State has dismissed head coach Mike Norvell following a disappointing 3-5 start to the 2026 college football season, ending his seven-year tenure after the Seminoles fell from ACC champions to one of the conference's struggling programs. The university announced the decision Sunday, Nov. 1, and appointed Rick Stockstill as interim head coach while beginning its search for a permanent replacement.

Defensive coordinator Tony White and safeties coach Evan Cooper were also dismissed Sunday, according to a source cited by ESPN. Stockstill previously served as head coach at Middle Tennessee for 18 seasons and most recently worked as Florida State's director of scouting.

Norvell finished his Florida State tenure with a 41-39 record. His most successful campaign came in 2023, when the Seminoles captured the ACC championship with a perfect 13-0 record.

However, the program's momentum deteriorated after star quarterback Jordan Travis suffered an injury. The College Football Playoff selection committee excluded the undefeated Seminoles from the four-team playoff, and the program subsequently struggled to regain its championship form.

Florida State has recorded just 10 victories against 23 defeats since its 2023 championship season, including its 3-5 record in 2026. The university had previously faced mounting pressure to make a coaching change after the team finished 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 last season.

Florida State president Richard McCullough confirmed the leadership change and expressed appreciation for Norvell's service. He also emphasized the administration's expectations for the football program and its confidence in Stockstill's interim appointment.

"We have made the decision to change the leadership of our football program," said Richard McCullough, Florida State president. "We thank Mike Norvell for his commitment and service to Florida State and wish him and his family the very best. We understand the deep passion of Seminole fans and share their high expectations for this program.

We are confident in Rick Stockstill's ability to provide steady leadership during this transition. We will conduct a thorough national search for the program's next leader, someone who embraces Florida State's tradition of championship athletics and our standard of excellence."

The financial implications had previously complicated the administration's decision. Norvell's contract included a $50.3 million buyout, prompting university officials to give him another opportunity after the 2024 collapse. Florida State subsequently increased roster resources and reorganized its personnel department to improve results.

The administration had continued supporting Norvell even after athletic director Michael Alford was dismissed in September. However, growing dissatisfaction among supporters intensified following another disappointing season.

McCullough had acknowledged the frustration in a letter to the Seminoles community before the Clemson game. Florida State subsequently suffered a 36-24 defeat against Clemson on Saturday, despite entering the matchup as a six-point favorite.

Before kickoff, a banner flew over Doak Campbell Stadium calling for the dismissal of Norvell and board chairman Peter Collins. Attendance also declined dramatically during the fourth quarter, when much of the stadium was already empty.

Following the Clemson defeat, Norvell maintained that his players remained committed despite the team's struggles. He acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the program while expressing confidence in its ability to improve.

"Even with all the other bullcrap that we've had to deal with, these guys fight for each other," said Mike Norvell. "Are they pissed off? Yes.

Are they angry, sad, mad? All of it? Yes.

So am I. There's people that don't want to see you be successful. That's part of it.

It's really about what you do with the opportunity that's given, and are you willing to block all the other crap out and just go and be focused on your improvement and allowing your best to show up?"

His comments reflected the frustration surrounding a team that had repeatedly failed to maintain consistent performances. Florida State opened the previous season with a 31-17 victory over Alabama but subsequently lost to Virginia in double overtime, beginning a four-game losing streak that included a 20-13 defeat at Stanford.

"If we can consistently do that as a football team, program, players, coaches, everybody involved, then we will rise up, and I absolutely believe that's going to occur," said Mike Norvell.

Florida State briefly showed improvement this season, defeating Virginia 38-7 in October to reach a 3-2 record. However, subsequent defeats against Louisville, Miami, and Clemson pushed the Seminoles to 3-5.

Norvell recorded five losing seasons during his seven years in charge. His only winning campaigns came in 2022 and 2023, when Florida State successfully recruited experienced players through the transfer portal, particularly athletes with proven performances at smaller programs and remaining eligibility.

Quarterback Jordan Travis played a central role in the team's resurgence. His development under Norvell helped Florida State secure the 2023 ACC championship before the playoff exclusion disrupted the program's progress.

The Seminoles subsequently faced Georgia in the Capital One Orange Bowl after more than 20 players opted out or entered the transfer portal. Florida State lost 63-3, with Travis and nine other players also departing for the NFL.

Since 2024, Florida State has posted a 4-17 record in ACC games, including defeats against Stanford and Boston College and the first loss against Duke in school history. According to ESPN, the Seminoles' most recent regular-season road victory came against Florida on Nov. 25, 2023.