Dillingham Sidesteps Florida State Coaching Opening
Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham deflected a question about Florida State’s vacancy at a November 2 press conference, saying his focus was beating Colorado. Florida State fired Mike Norvell on November 1.
Kenny Dillingham kept his attention on Arizona State’s next game when asked on November 2 whether he might become Florida State’s next head coach. “I’m trying to find a way to beat Colorado,” he said at a press conference. The Seminoles dismissed Mike Norvell on November 1, leaving the position open.
Dillingham also answered “probably not” when asked whether Norvell could join Arizona State’s staff in any role for the remainder of this season. Arizona State stands at 4-4, having fallen to BYU this past weekend.
Now in season four as leader of the Sun Devils, Dillingham guided them in 2024 to the Big 12 title and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
He has a history working with Norvell: Dillingham served as Florida State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2020 and 2021, after holding several assistant roles under Norvell at Memphis from 2016 through 2019.
Florida State president Richard McCullough said the university had decided to change the football program’s leadership. He thanked Norvell for his service and said the school shared fans’ high expectations. Norvell led the Seminoles to an ACC championship in 2023, but had four losing seasons. Florida State has won three national championships and 16 ACC titles.