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The Florida State Seminoles fired head coach Mike Norvell, according to ESPN's Andrea Adelson.
The move comes after they suffered their third straight loss, falling 36-24 to the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. They are now 3-5 overall and 1-4 in ACC play this season and 10-22 over the past three. The Seminoles reportedly owe Norvell roughly a $47 million buyout after signing him to a contract extension ahead of the 2024 season. It is set to be the third-biggest buyout in college football history, depending on if they reach a settlement and the offset language.
FSU struggled out of the gate, beating New Mexico State in Week 0 before losing to the SMU Mustangs in Week 1, it is the third straight year they have lost their ACC opener. They also lost to the Miami Hurricanes and have now lost eight straight rivalry games.
Norvell spent seven seasons at FSU, going 41-39 overall and 23-30 in ACC play. The Seminoles peaked under him in 2023, going 13-0 in the regular season and winning the ACC Championship. They appeared set to make the College Football Playoff but were left out by the playoff committee after star quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury against North Alabama.
That was the turning point under the Norvell tenure. The Seminoles were blown out by the Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl after numerous opt-outs. They entered the 2024 season as the No. 10 team in the country and the favorites to win the ACC and compete for a spot in the playoffs.
That is not what happened, as they had one of the most disappointing seasons in program history, opening the year on a three-game losing streak and finishing 2-10. Norvell overhauled the roster and coaching staff in the offseason ahead of a crucial 2025 season.
They started the year 3-0, beating the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 1 and appeared to be back. They were unable to maintain their momentum, going 2-7 in their final nine games to finish with a losing record for a second straight season. The Seminoles seemed poised to move on from Norvell during that season, but ultimately decided to retain him, giving him one last shot to get them back on track.