Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney criticized a banner flown over Doak Campbell Stadium before and during the first half of Saturday's 36-24 victory over Florida State. The banner read "FSU: Fire Novell" – misspelling Norvell's name – and was attributed to a person named Peter Collins.
Swinney called the display "embarrassing" and "shameful," noting the misspelling and defending Norvell as a good man and a helluva football coach. He said the banner bothered him during pre-game warmups and expressed disappointment that fans would target a coach's humanity.
Florida State falls to 1-4 in ACC play, marking the program's 17th loss in its last 21 conference games. Norvell's buyout is reported at $46 million, a significant figure for an athletic department under financial strain. The Seminoles' struggles follow their exclusion from the 2023 College Football Playoff despite a 13-0 season.
Clemson freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds sparked the offense with three total touchdowns, including his first two touchdown passes since the season opener against North Carolina in mid-September. Most FSU fans had left the stadium by the fourth quarter with the team trailing by three scores.
Norvell addressed his job security after the loss, stating he believes in his players and their fight for the program. He acknowledged fan frustration but emphasized the work being poured into the team.
