Despite getting one of the biggest upsets this season during their season opener, as well as a hot start, the Florida State Seminoles have been struggling, with fans calling for head coach Mike Norvell to get fired. Despite this, the school has stuck to its guns and is unwilling to fire him because of the coach’s massive buyout clause in his contract.
If he gets fired now, the school could owe the coach $58.4 million for that buyout, an amount that FSU has been wanting to save by keeping Norvell. However, if the team’s slide continues, this could result in the school losing even more money by keeping the coach.
The money that is not spent on paying Norvell’s buyout would not be going to player salaries or the school trying to lure new recruits, but would continue to be paid to Norvell as part of his salary. As On3’s Andy Staples pointed out, the many that they are “saving” may be more akin to a gamble than anything.
“Unless this reprieve launches a complete turnaround that makes the Seminoles successful on the field and allows Norvell to coach out the remainder of his contract (which goes through 2031), Florida State didn’t save $58.4 million. The Seminoles are gambling on that miracle turnaround, but history suggests that’s unlikely.” Staples said.
According to the coach’s contract, should he get fired? Norvell would receive 85% of his base salary and supplemental pay for the remainder of the contract.” This was agreed upon after he signed a multiyear contract extension in 2022, getting a raise of $2.5 million after leading the Seminoles to a 10-win season earlier. He also led the team to an ACC title that season.
Reports Indicate Florida State Plans To Keep Mike Norvell In 2026
As for Norvell’s time at FSU, he would seem to have his job secured until the 2026 season, with the school possibly rebuilding around the coach. Instead of paying him money for his buyout, the school is reportedly planning to enhance its roster for the coach.
Reports also indicate that there might be some roster shakeups, as FSU offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn was asked if he would be returning next season, but he gave a cryptic answer and said he will be trying to beat Florida on Saturday and maybe qualify for a Bowl game. This means that Malzahn might possibly be let go before next season, and further staff shakeups may be expected.
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