Florida State fires Mike Norvell with up to $50 million buyout due

Florida State fired head coach Mike Norvell after a 36-24 home loss to Clemson left the Seminoles 3-5 overall and 1-4 in ACC play. President Richard McCullough said the program’s performance and lack of a positive trajectory drove the decision, following a decline after the team’s 13-1 season and ACC title in 2023. Norvell leaves with a 41-39 record; his buyout is reported at roughly $48.6 million to $51 million, though future coaching income could reduce the university’s payment, which adds to athletics debt reported at $437 million. Rick Stockstill was named interim coach as the university begins a search for Norvell’s successor. Norvell gave the team an emotional farewell, and the coaching change has created uncertainty for Florida State’s recruiting class, including several leading commitments from the Deep South.