Florida State fired head coach Mike Norvell on Sunday after a 36-24 loss to Clemson dropped the Seminoles to 3-5. The university owes Norvell nearly $50 million, subject to mitigation, the third-largest buyout in college football history.
Norvell, who posted four 10-win seasons (two at Memphis, two at Florida State) and a perfect 13-0 regular season in 2023, has three primary options for 2025. He could pursue another head coaching job, with potential openings at Memphis if Charles Huff departs, or at Maryland and Baylor depending on their searches. North Carolina State appears focused on Philip Rivers. Industry sources say Norvell prefers a head coaching role but will wait for the right fit.
If a head coaching vacancy does not materialize, Norvell could become an offensive coordinator. Oregon and Oklahoma are seeking coordinators after dismissing Drew Mehringer and Ben Arbuckle. Norvell has a long relationship with Oregon's Dan Lanning, dating to their time at Pittsburgh and Memphis. Both programs have defensive-minded head coaches, which could ease his transition. However, taking a coordinator job may reduce his buyout due to state income taxes.
Norvell could also take a year off to reassess and build a plan for his next job. While not his preference, a break could allow him to study the landscape and consult informally. Recent examples show mixed results: Pat Fitzgerald returned to a head job after a year, but Jimbo Fisher and Ed Orgeron struggled to regain head coaching positions. The longer a coach stays out, the harder the return, though exceptions like Scott Frost exist.
