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NewsWPLG Local 10November 2, 2026Miami-Dade County

Florida State University fires football coach Mike Norvell and incurs a nearly $50 million buyout

Photo: WPLG Local 10

Florida State University terminated football coach Mike Norvell on Sunday following a home loss to Clemson, installing assistant coach Rick Stockstill as interim head coach. The university faces a buyout of approximately $47 million to $50 million for Norvell and his staff under a contract running through the 2031 season. The dismissal follows a 10-22 record since the start of the 2024 season and a 1-5 start against Power Four programs this fall.

College SportsUniversity AdministrationAthletic Coaching
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Why It Matters

The university incurs an athletic department financial liability of roughly $50 million while launching a coaching search to restore competitiveness for a football program struggling through consecutive losing seasons.

Key Facts

  • Florida State University fired head football coach Mike Norvell on Sunday following a 36-24 home loss to Clemson.
  • Mike Norvell's buyout is approximately $47 million, representing 85% of his remaining salary through the end of his contract in 2031, with total buyout costs expected to exceed $50 million when including assistant coaches.
  • Assistant coach Rick Stockstill was appointed as interim head coach.
  • Norvell compiled a 41-39 record over six-plus seasons at Florida State, going 10-22 since the start of the 2024 season.
  • Florida State is 1-5 against Power Four programs this fall and has not defeated main rivals Miami, Florida, or Clemson since 2023.
  • Norvell's contract includes offset language that could reduce the buyout amount if he secures another employment position.
  • Florida State fired athletic director Michael Alford in mid-September.
  • The football program is currently 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the ACC, facing an upcoming game against Boston College.

Who's Mentioned

PersonRick Stockstill“Assistant coach named interim head coach”locationTallahassee“City where Florida State is located”PersonDJ Uiagalelei“Florida State quarterback”OrganizationAtlantic Coast Conference“Athletic conference”OrganizationBaylor“University athletic department”OrganizationMiami“Rival athletic program”OrganizationFlorida“Rival athletic program”PersonMike Norvell“Fired Florida State head football coach”PersonMark Long“AP Sports Writer”PersonRichard McCullough“Florida State University president”locationFlorida“State where the university is located”PersonWillie Taggart“Former Florida State football coach”OrganizationBoston College“Upcoming football opponent”PersonDave Aranda“Baylor football coach”OrganizationN.C. State“University athletic department”PersonAshton Daniels“Florida State quarterback”PersonMike Locksley“Maryland football coach”OrganizationMaryland“University athletic department”PersonDave Doeren“N.C. State football coach”OrganizationJacksonville State“Previous opponent”OrganizationClemson“Football team that defeated Florida State”OrganizationMemphis“Previous opponent”PersonTommy Castellanos“Florida State quarterback”OrganizationCollege Football Playoff“Postseason tournament”PersonJimbo Fisher“Former Florida State football coach”PersonMichael Alford“Fired athletic director”