Florida State University fired head football coach Mike Norvell on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after the Seminoles fell to 3-4 on the season following a Week 9 loss to Clemson. Norvell compiled a 23-4 record in his first two seasons (2022-23) but the program declined sharply, posting a 2-10 mark in 2024, 5-7 in 2025, and 3-4 in 2026. The reported buyout owed to Norvell is approximately $50 million.
The Seminoles have now begun a search for their next head coach. According to insider coverage from Noles247, Duke head coach Manny Diaz has emerged as a leading candidate. Diaz, a Miami native and 1995 Florida State graduate, is 6-2 at Duke this season and 18-9 overall in his first two years with the Blue Devils. He led Duke to the 2025 ACC championship with an overtime victory over Virginia and signed a contract extension through 2031 in April 2026. Diaz previously served as head coach at Miami (2019-2021, 21-15 record) and as defensive coordinator at Penn State for two seasons.
Additional candidates are being considered, though specific names have not been publicly disclosed. Florida State remains one of the most prestigious destinations in college football, but the substantial buyout may influence the search process as the program navigates the evolving landscape of the sport.
