Mike Norvell has got to go.
We watched it happen again: Florida State lost 20-13 to Stanford Cardinal. Yes, Stanford, a program struggling, missing key pieces, and yet they beat us. The recap says the Seminoles “were once again sloppy, getting called for a delay of game before the first snap… jumping offside on a fourth-and-1 hard count in the fourth quarter” and committing major special teams penalties. The more I watch this program under Norvell, the more I feel like we’re settling for mediocrity. If you’re a fan expecting tradition, excellence and discipline — you’re not getting it.
Why the “Should He Go?” Talk Isn’t Just Noise
- Mistakes + Discipline = Catastrophe
The Stanford game highlighted things you shouldn’t see in a program that thinks it competes at the top: multiple offsides/delay of game penalties, self-inflicted wounds. The recap: “delay of game before the first snap… another before a long field goal try that missed, jumping offside on a fourth-and-1…” That’s not talent. That’s preparation. That’s coaching.
- Conference Record Matters
That loss was the program’s ninth straight in the ACC. Yes — ninth straight. The mood around the program is grim. We’re supposed to be Florida State. Not going through multi-year conference losing streaks.
- The Fanbase Has Reached a Breaking Point
One article: “When Florida State opened the season with an impressive win over Alabama… Instead, the program is in utter dismay… Coming into Saturday night … the Seminoles fell once again. … The loss on Saturday night … was the final straw.”
(Saturday Blitz) Fans are fed up.
- The Financial Mess of Pulling the Trigger
Here’s the kicker: firing Norvell isn’t like turning the page lightly. One piece lays it out:
“If Florida State chooses to move on from Mike Norvell, they’d owe him over $58 million which is a massive cost to stomach.”
(Saturday Blitz) So yes, there’s logic in keeping him despite this mess — purely for cost avoidance. But is that acceptable for a program with high expectations? That’s the question.
So — Should He Be Fired? My Take: Yes, But…
If I were grabbing the megaphone outside Doak Campbell: Yes — it’s time to move on.
Here’s why:
- The program is stuck. Six years in, and the elite-level consistency is missing.
- The mistakes feel systemic, not fluke.
- The opposition we should beat (Stanford in this case) is beating us with ease.
- The fanbase, the alumni, the expectation — all misaligned with the results.
But… I get the “But…” part:
- That $58 million buyout is real. That kind of financial hit can tie the hands of an athletic director.
- There was some hope (e.g., the big win to open the 2025 season) that maybe things turned. But they didn’t.
- Sometimes you do need “one more year” to evaluate. But when the record in-conference is abysmal, “just one more year” risks alienating the fanbase and donors.
What Needs To Happen Now
If the decision is to keep Norvell (for now), here’s what I’d demand as a fan:
- A clear milestone plan: Cut the penalties in half. Win key ACC games. Show discipline.
- Coaching staff review: Are these assistants delivering? Are schemes competent?
- Recruitment and player development must improve. We need more visible progress.
- If those things don’t happen by mid-season or end of next year — then action must follow (regardless of buyout).
If instead the decision is to fire him: - Accept the financial hit and move quickly. The longer you wait, the harder recruitment and morale get.
- Hire a leader who restores discipline, expectations and the “Florida State standard.”
Final Word
I hate writing this, because I want to support the team, I want to believe. But the facts: repeated mistakes, trend line going down, conference losses stacking up, fans losing faith. If I were in the AD’s chair this morning, I’d say: Start the search.
We might pay more than we like, but we’ll get what we’re paying for if we stay stuck.
It’s not emotion — it’s results. And right now, the results under Mike Norvell aren’t acceptable for a program of Florida State’s tradition.
