The move comes with a reported $50.3 million buyout and leaves Rick Stockstill in charge on an interim basis.
Florida State fired Mike Norvell on Sunday following a 36-24 loss to Clemson, ending a seven-season run that produced a 41-39 overall record and a 23-30 mark in ACC play. Director of scouting Rick Stockstill will take over as interim head coach while the school conducts a national search.
Norvell's firing comes at a steep price, reportedly a $50.3 million decision for Florida State. He signed an eight-year extension before the 2024 season worth more than $84 million through 2031, roughly $10 million annually, then agreed to a restructured deal after that season. The timing underscores how quickly things unraveled: Norvell led Florida State to a 13-0 regular season and an ACC championship in 2023, only to go 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025 before this year's 3-5 start forced the school's hand.
Florida State now faces a search complicated by a heavy buyout and athletic department debt, with the program needing a proven roster builder to return the Seminoles to relevance in the ACC. Former Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has reportedly been lobbying behind the scenes for the job, holding conversations with donors about the current NIL landscape and roster needs, though it remains unclear whether Florida State has any interest in bringing him back.