Florida State's Tumultuous Season Continues
The Florida State Seminoles faced yet another setback, succumbing to the Clemson Tigers with a disappointing 24-10 scoreline this past Saturday. The defeat pushes their record to 4-5, raising serious concerns about head coach Mike Norvell's future in Tallahassee.
Under Norvell's leadership, the Seminoles have stumbled to five losses in their last six games, a stark contrast to their promising 12-0 season just a year ago, when they claimed the ACC Championship. Now, the pressure is mounting on Norvell, especially after such a lackluster performance against an unranked opponent.
“The pressure on Florida State to part ways with Norvell grows with each ugly loss.”
The Financial Dilemma
Should Florida State decide to terminate Norvell, they would face a staggering $58 million buyout clause tied to his contract. Yet, as athletic director Michael Alford confirmed, the school is committed to reassessing its coaching options at the end of the current season.
Looking Ahead: Who's Next?
As the season reaches its climax, speculation around potential replacements for Norvell is heating up. Analysts from various outlets, including Joe Rexrode of The Athletic, point to Oregon's offensive coordinator Will Stein as a leading candidate. At only 36 years old, Stein would represent a bold choice for a program looking to revamp its strategies and reclaim its spot among college football's elite.
Rexrode highlighted Stein's creativity paired with his ability to develop players, a crucial skill set for a team in dire need of a fresh approach. Oregon's offense has been a juggernaut this season, averaging over 50 points in multiple games—clearly a testament to Stein's capabilities as a coordinator.
Florida State's Upcoming Challenges
As the 2025 college football season approaches its last stretch, the Seminoles are set to face tough matchups against Virginia Tech, NC State, and their storied rivalry against Florida. How they perform in these games could ultimately dictate the future of Norvell as head coach.
With the clock ticking on the season, Florida State's management faces pivotal decisions that could shape the program's trajectory for years to come.
Only time will tell whether they will embrace a painful transition or continue down the road with Norvell at the helm. As college football fans, we will be keeping a close eye on these developments! Who do you think should lead the Seminoles into their next chapter?
Source reference: https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/florida-state-linked-to-top-coordinator-as-mike-norvell-replacement-in-2026-11017130
