Florida State Fires Mike Norvell After Loss to Clemson

Florida State fired Mike Norvell on November 1, 2026, ending his tenure after more than six seasons. The decision came about 12 hours after the Seminoles lost 36-24 to Clemson at home, leaving them 3-5 overall and 1-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Norvell leaves with a 41-39 record at Florida State. The team has gone 10-22 since the start of the 2024 season, following a 13-1 campaign in 2023 that included an ACC championship but ended with the Seminoles left out of the College Football Playoff.

Florida State president Richard McCullough said the school had decided to change the program’s leadership. He thanked Norvell for his service and said the university would conduct a national search for the next coach.

Rick Stockstill, a Florida State alumnus who worked as a director of scouting, will serve as interim coach for the rest of the season. The Seminoles are scheduled to play at Boston College on November 7.

Norvell’s contract runs through 2031. His buyout is estimated at about $47 million to $50.3 million, with contract language allowing the amount to be reduced if he takes another job. Buyouts for assistants who leave could push Florida State’s total cost beyond $50 million.