Florida State University (FSU) fired football Coach Mike Norvell on Sunday.
The move came a day after Clemson beat the Seminoles 36-24 in Tallahassee, handing FSU its fifth loss of the season. Norvell, who was in his seventh season, finishes with a 41-39 record.
The Tallahassee Democrat reported Sunday afternoon that FSU President Richard McCullough told Norvell he was being terminated. According to the Democrat, Norvell was at the football facility with members of his staff while university leaders met and decided to end his tenure.
The announcement came shortly before a 3:30 p.m. team meeting.
“We have made the decision to change the leadership of our football program,” McCullough said. “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.”
Rick Stockstill will serve as interim head coach. Stockstill, an FSU alum, played quarterback for the Seminoles from 1977 to 1981 under legendary Coach Bobby Bowden. He rejoined the program in 2024 as Director of Offensive Scouting.
The decision carries a steep price. Norvell’s buyout is roughly $47 million, or 85% of his remaining salary on a contract that runs through the 2031 season, according to The Associated Press. That ranks among the largest buyouts in college football history.
Norvell was scheduled to make $10.3 million this year. His contract includes offset language that would reduce the payout if he takes another job. Buying out his assistants would push the total well past $50 million.
Norvell’s buyout alone exceeds the combined buyouts of Maryland’s Mike Locksley, North Carolina State’s Dave Doeren and Baylor’s Dave Aranda. Florida State is now the fourth Power Four program with a coaching vacancy.
Norvell’s tenure included a brief revival. The Seminoles won 19 straight games from the middle of the 2022 season through the ACC championship game in December 2023, a run that earned Norvell a contract extension.
Florida State has mostly struggled since 2015 under Jimbo Fisher, Willie Taggart and Norvell.
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