The Florida State Seminoles dropped a 27‑24 decision to the SMU Mustangs on Saturday, a result that many supporters considered avoidable and that has intensified criticism of head coach Mike Norvell.
The Coaching Controversy
Norvell is under contract through 2031 on an eight‑year, $84 million deal that guarantees a buyout of 85% of his remaining salary if he is dismissed before December 2026, a figure estimated at $46.7 million.
That potential payout would place Norvell third in the all‑time college football buyout rankings, trailing only Jimbo Fisher’s $76.8 million termination cost at Texas A&M and Brian Kelly’s $54 million exit fee from LSU, while a previous dismissal of Willie Taggart in 2029 had cost the university $18 million.
Despite a 13‑1 season in 2023, Norvell’s tenure has produced a cumulative record of 8‑18 overall and a conference mark of 3‑17, prompting fans to demand his removal even as the financial penalty looms, and the Alabama Crimson Tide has reportedly explored hiring him to replace Nick Saban.