Florida State has officially decided to make a major change to its football program, firing head coach Mike Norvell after seven seasons in Tallahassee. The decision comes following another disappointing loss, as the Seminoles fell 36-24 to Clemson on Saturday and dropped to 3-5 on the season.
Norvell’s departure marks the end of a tenure that featured some incredible highs but ultimately failed to produce the consistent success Florida State expected.
A Dramatic Fall for Florida State
When Norvell arrived at Florida State, the program was searching for a coach who could restore its championship identity. He eventually delivered one of the best seasons in school history in 2023, leading the Seminoles to an undefeated regular season and an ACC championship.
Despite finishing the regular season 13-0, Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff. That season appeared to establish Norvell as the long-term answer in Tallahassee.
However, things quickly went in the wrong direction. Florida State suffered a shocking 2-10 season in 2024 and followed it with another disappointing campaign in 2025. The Seminoles entered 2026 hoping to turn things around, but another losing record put Norvell’s future in serious doubt.
Florida State is now 10-23 since its undefeated 2023 regular season, making the decision to move on difficult to avoid.
Who Takes Over?
Florida State has named Rick Stockstill its interim head coach. Stockstill previously coached Middle Tennessee for 18 seasons and also has a connection to the Seminoles, having played quarterback at Florida State from 1977 through 1981.
His first responsibility will be trying to stabilize the program and give the team a chance to finish the season strong.
The university will also begin looking for a permanent replacement, with the next coaching hire becoming one of the biggest decisions in Florida State football.
A New Era Begins in Tallahassee
Norvell finishes his Florida State tenure with a 41-39 overall record. His 2023 season will remain a memorable accomplishment, but the struggles that followed ultimately cost him his job.
Florida State is now searching for its next head coach, hoping to find someone capable of bringing the Seminoles back to national championship contention.
