Florida State started this season with a statement win over Alabama. The Seminoles opened 3-0 and looked ready for a championship run.
Then came the road trip to Virginia. That loss started a collapse that’s now threatening Mike Norvell’s job.
“For the second time this year, Mike Norvell and Florida State football were at the center of it — though on the opposite end. The No. 8-ranked Seminoles, ahead of a massive Week 6 game against No. 6-ranked Miami, went on the road to Virginia for a Friday night game and left with their first blemish on the season,” USA Today’s Zac Al-Khateeb wrote.
Florida State has lost four straight games since that Virginia defeat. The program that started the season ranked in the top 10 is now facing questions about its head coach’s future.
Norvell delivered what sounded like a final plea after Saturday’s loss.
“I’m pouring everything I have into this university with every bit of the work, the focus, the absolute edge and urgency to get this better. And at the end of the day, it’s about the on-the-field results, and we’ve come up short and we’ve not done it.”
This marks the second consecutive disappointing season for Florida State under Norvell. The program is now seriously considering a coaching change.
The financial cost would be massive. Sources indicate the total expense for firing Norvell and his staff while hiring a replacement could reach nine figures.
“Sources tell Pete Nakos momentum continues to build from Florida State decision makers to move on from Mike Norvell. The all-in cost to fire Norvell/his staff and make the next hire is in the $100M range,” On3 posted.
That’s a staggering investment for any athletic department. It also means Florida State’s next coaching hire becomes even more critical.
Missing on the next head coach could cost the program significantly more in recruiting losses and continued poor performance.
The Seminoles went from championship expectations to crisis mode in just one month. Norvell understands his position has become precarious after back-to-back seasons that haven’t met expectations in Tallahassee.
