Mike Norvell to return for 2026 season, FSU announces

Mike Norvell will remain the Florida State football coach for the 2026 college football season, the school announced on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The Seminoles announced the decision to retain their head coach two days after a 21-11 road loss to North Carolina State that dropped them to 5-6 on the season. FSU has dropped 10 straight games away from Doak Campbell Stadium and has not won a road game since a win over in-state rival Florida on Nov. 25, 2023.

‘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,’ FSU President Dr. Richard McCullough said in a news release.

‘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.’

Norvell led the Seminoles to a 13-1 record and the ACC championship in 2023, but FSU was denied a berth in the then-four-team College Football Playoff field following an injury to quarterback Jordan Travis.

Alabama targeted Norvell as a potential replacement for Nick Saban, following the legendary coach’s abrupt retirement. The Crimson Tide eventually hired Kalen DoBoer, with Norvell signing a massive extension with the Seminoles.

However, FSU went 2-10 in 2024 following an exodus of talent to the NFL. Following a rough 2024, Norvell’s decision to hire Gus Malzahn (offensive coordinator) and Tony White (defensive coordinator) looked to be a smart move, as the Seminoles opened the season with a win over No. 8 Alabama. However, after a 3-0 start, Florida State saw its season sink, starting with an upset loss at Virginia on the road.

‘Our responsibility is to do what gives Florida State the strongest competitive position – not just today, but for years to come,’ FSU athletics director Michael Alford said. ‘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.’

However, the Seminoles believe Norvell can turn things around, as he did before the magical run in 2023.

‘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,’ said Collins. ‘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.’

FSU closes out the 2025 regular season against rival Florida in Gainesville, Florida, on Saturday, Nov. 29. The Seminoles need a win to avoid missing a bowl game for the second straight year and the fourth time in six years under Norvell.

Mike Norvell buyout

If FSU had fired Norvell, it would have owed Norvell a little over $59 million in buyout money as of Sunday, Nov. 23, according to contract information obtained by the USA TODAY Network. His contract is set to run through Dec. 31, 2031.

Mike Norvell record at Florida State

In his six seasons under Norvell, Florida State has a 38-33 overall record and a 22-26 mark in ACC play. The Seminoles have finished with just two winning seasons during his tenure, which include a 13-1 record and an ACC championship in 2023.

‘This program has been built on belief, sacrifice, and putting the team first,’ Norvell said. ‘That set of values has always guided my actions, and those of our players. 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.’

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of how FSU fared under Norvell:

• 2020: 3-6, 2-6 ACC
• 2021: 5-7, 4-4 ACC
• 2022: 10-3, 5-3 ACC
• 2023: 13-1, 8-0 ACC
• 2024: 2-10, 1-7 ACC
• 2025: 5-6, 2-6 ACC

This story was updated to change a video.