Florida State Coach Mike Norvell Finds Himself In Hot Seat After 14th ACC Loss Since 2024

Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles have not been able to capture the magic of their 2023 season. After winning their first game of the season against New Mexico State, Norvell’s fourth-quarter time management against SMU drew online criticism after the Seminoles fell 27-24.

With over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, the score was tied 24-24; both teams traded the ball before SMU drove down the field to secure the game-winning field goal. During the fourth quarter, Florida State had one timeout for the final 14 minutes of the quarter. The final timeout was called when SMU was on Florida State’s 6-yard line with 1:09 left on the clock.

During the game, many fans on social media were displeased with Norvell’s time management, pointing out that the team fell short with a +4 turnover difference and used two timeouts in the third quarter.

Already two games into his seventh year coaching the Seminoles, Norvell has been in the hot seat after two losing seasons since the school’s 13-1 record in 2023. The FSU football program’s downfall began when it fell short of making the four-team College Football Playoff in 2023. Finishing 13-1 and winning the ACC championship made the team look like National championship contenders, but after missing out, several players opted out for their Orange Bowl game against Georgia, where they were dominated 63-3.

The downfall has continued with this past loss; Florida State has lost 14 ACC games since their conference championship. In 2024, Norvell signed an eight-year extension worth around $84 million. According to ON3, the program still owes Norvell 85% of his contract ($51 million) if it fires him before the end of the season. The program would owe him $45.6 million if they decide to fire him after the 2026 season.

Florida State had a bye week after their defeat against SMU. The Seminoles will travel to Tuscaloosa to face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Depending on the result, this could bring life to the FSU season or continue the program’s downward spiral over the past few years.