Swinney Condemns Banner Targeting Norvell at Florida State
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney criticized a banner calling for Mike Norvell’s firing after Clemson beat Florida State 36-24 at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 1.
On November 1, Clemson defeated Florida State 36-24 in Tallahassee, but Clemson coach Dabo Swinney focused after the game on a banner flown over Doak Campbell Stadium. It called for Norvell’s firing and misspelled his surname as “Novell.” The banner also targeted Peter Collins, chair of Florida State’s Board of Trustees, and was funded through a fan-organized GoFundMe, one report said.
Swinney said he saw the banner during warmups and found it disrespectful to Norvell and damaging to the players. He defended Norvell as a person and a coach, and criticized the tendency to condemn coaches and staff after losses. Swinney also praised Florida State and recalled former coach Bobby Bowden as one of his personal heroes.
The result deepened pressure on Norvell: Florida State is 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the ACC, with the loss marking its 17th in its last 21 conference games. Florida State outgained Clemson but never led. Quarterback Ashton Daniels threw for 350 yards and two touchdowns, while also throwing three interceptions. Clemson freshman Tait Reynolds contributed three scores, including two touchdown passes.
Norvell said his team continued to believe and fight despite the loss, while acknowledging frustration and high expectations. Removing him would carry a reported buyout of about $47.1 million, a significant complication for the financially strained athletic department.