Having fired Mike Norvell following a 3-5 start to the season, the Florida State head coaching job is open and one big name in coaching circles has shared his interest.

Florida State fired Mike Norvell over the weekend after the Seminoles fell to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in ACC play. This decision was caused by their apparently continuing decline. The team went 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025 after finishing the 2023 regular season undefeated and winning the ACC championship.

Rick Stockstill has been appointed interim head coach while they search for the next man who will take the program forward. Names like Manny Diaz, Eliah Drinkwitz, and even Deion Sanders have been mentioned as potential candidates. Now, one former LSU HC has thrown his hat into the ring.

Brian Kelly says it would be an ‘an honour and a privilege’ to lead Florida State Seminoles

Brian Kelly is looking to return to coaching after being fired by LSU in 2025. He went 34-14 with the Tigers, helping the team to 10 wins in 2022 and again in 2023, but could not deliver a playoff appearance during his tenure. He also led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for 12 years.

Kelly hasn’t hidden his desire to get back into the game, his latest quote is all but him asking to be given the Seminoles job.

“I’ve got a great history with Florida State, great games,” Kelly said. “I know what that’s like, the history and tradition of Florida State, playing in that state, and the fan base.

“So anytime you have an incredibly brand-driven, great tradition and history… There’s a want and desire to be part of something that has had that success and, certainly, leading that program, from anyone’s perspective, would be an honour and a privilege.”

FSU has a tough decision to make. Whichever coach they hire must ensure that they are able to lead the program back to prominence on a national level. It will be far from an easy job, and while they will already likely have some names in mind, there have been no rumours about Kelly being among them.