Florida State Pays $50 Million to Fire Coach Mike Norvell
The Seminoles' reported buyout could complicate their search for a new head coach after a slide from 23-4 over two seasons to 3-4 this fall.
By Elena Menon ·
Florida State University has entered the college football coaching carousel with a reported buyout of just over $50 million. The Seminoles fired head coach Mike Norvell on Sunday, November 1, making the program the fourth major Power 4 school to make a move this season and the largest financial commitment to date.
Norvell’s departure follows a sharp decline in performance. The team went a combined 23-4 during his first two years, spanning the 2022 and 2023 seasons. That record collapsed in 2024, when the Seminoles finished 2-10. The slide continued in 2025 with a 5-7 record, and the team is currently 3-4 in the 2026 season. The decision came after a Week 9 loss to Clemson.
While Florida State is a top destination in college football with substantial resources, the large financial obligation may limit the pool of candidates. The buyout creates a complex situation for the administration as they evaluate potential replacements.
Manny Diaz, the head coach at Duke, is one name identified on the shortlist by Noles247, the 247Sports affiliate covering the Seminoles. Diaz is a 1995 Florida State graduate and a native of Miami, giving him strong ties to the program and the state. He is currently 6-2 at Duke this season.
Kolby Crawford, a writer for Noles247, noted Diaz's recent success and long-term contract. Crawford pointed out that Diaz led Duke to the 2025 ACC title, securing an overtime win over Virginia in the championship game. He signed a contract extension through 2031 in April. Diaz also spent two seasons as Penn State's defensive coordinator and went 21-15 as Miami's head coach from 2019 to 2021.
The Noles247 staff has identified other potential candidates, including a figure described as a "proven program-builder at every level he's touched." The full list of names remains available to VIP members of the service, which is currently offering a 60% discount on annual subscriptions for new sign-ups.
The search is active as the team looks to replace Norvell. The reported $50 million cost stands out in a season where other major programs have made coaching changes. The Seminoles will now look to find a candidate willing to navigate both the on-field expectations and the financial reality of the position.
Source: CBS Sports
