Paul Finebaum is ‘conflicted’ about Mike Norvell’s future at Florida State originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It’s been a dramatic fall from grace for Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell. After starting the season by knocking off then-No. 9 Alabama, the Seminoles have fallen out of the sky. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum believes the program may be running out of time to stop the slide.
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While on The Matt Barrie Show, Finebaum said he’s conflicted about Norvell’s future but admits the results speak for themselves.
“I wrestle with Mike Norvell,” Finebaum said. “Because at the core, I still believe that he’s capable of a lot. But you can’t argue with those results. Who would’ve thought after the Alabama win that Mike Norvell might be on a hotter hot seat than Billy Napier down the street?”
Napier was fired by Florida on Sunday. Could Norvell be facing a similar fate? “It’s truly remarkable to think about what has happened to him and this program,” Finebaum added.
After the Alabama upset, the Seminoles have dropped four straight ACC games and haven’t beaten a conference opponent in the past 13 months. Florida State is 5-14 dating back to the start of last season, and Norvell’s program was once considered a national power and now appears to be unraveling again.
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Norvell guided FSU to a 13-0 record and an ACC championship in 2023, but those days are long gone. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, the school has held “informal phone calls” about the future of the job. The challenge, however, is Norvell’s massive buyout of more than $54 million. It’s one of the largest in college football history and would top James Franklin’s $49 million from Penn State.
One of the aspects not being mentioned much is the overall cost to revamp the Noles coaching staff. That’s reportedly closer to a $100 million price tag, including Norvell’s buyout.
Finebaum said the Seminoles’ lack of response on the field raises concerns about whether Norvell’s message is still resonating with the players.
“There was so much buy-in too,” Finebaum said. “They turned it around, and he’s ultimately responsible. So, I would think he’s on a very slippery slope this morning.”
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Florida State heads into its bye week at 3-4, hoping to regroup before hosting Wake Forest on Nov. 1.
