Coordinators Emerge as Options for Florida State’s Coaching Search

Florida State dismissed head coach Mike Norvell after the Seminoles opened the season 3-5. The program is now looking for a replacement, with the cost of Norvell’s reported buyout estimated at about $50 million. Rick Stockstill, the school’s director of scouting, has taken over as interim coach. The team has gone 10-22 overall since 2024.

Potential candidates include established head coaches as well as coordinators who have yet to lead a college team. Manny Diaz, who coaches Duke and has extensive ACC experience, has been described as a strong option. Other names raised include former Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher, SMU’s Rhett Lashlee and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham. Lashlee has a contract through 2032, while Dillingham recently agreed to a five-year extension at Arizona State.

Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann has appeared on multiple candidate lists. At 36, he has spent his coaching career on Kirby Smart’s Georgia staff, progressing from inside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator. Georgia ranks ninth in total defense, allowing 272.6 yards per game, and gives up an average of 14.9 points.

Analyst Brooks Austin also highlighted Utah offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, whose Utes are scoring nearly 39 points per game in his first season there. Austin pointed to Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines and Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Luke Olson as other possibilities. He cautioned that McGiven’s approach could face skepticism if results do not come quickly at a major program.

Florida State has not been reported to be pursuing Schumann. Its search could include both experienced head coaches and coordinators, with the Seminoles expected to pursue a permanent hire in the coming months.