# Florida State searches for new head coach after firing Mike

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/florida-state-and-clemson-college-football-matchup
> Updated: 2026-11-05T00:06:53.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3.

Following a 36-24 home loss to Clemson, Florida State University has fired head football coach Mike Norvell, effective immediately. University President Richard McCullough announced the decision after the team began the 2026 season with a 3-5 record.

Norvell, who led the Seminoles since 2020, leaves with a career record of 41-39 at the school. While his tenure included a 13-0 regular season and an ACC championship in 2023, the program has faced significant struggles, including a 10-22 record since the start of the 2024 season. Due to a contract extension signed in 2023, Norvell is reportedly owed a buyout estimated between $47 million and $50.3 million, which is among the largest in college football history.

As part of a leadership overhaul, defensive coordinator Tony White has also been relieved of his duties. Rick Stockstill, a former Middle Tennessee head coach and current FSU director of scouting, has been named interim head coach. The university has hired Daniel Parker to lead a national search for a permanent successor and a new athletic director.

Several names have surfaced in discussions regarding the coaching vacancy. Former LSU and Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly expressed interest, stating that leading the program would be an “honor and privilege.” Other names mentioned by analysts include former Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher and Colorado coach Deion Sanders. 

The coaching uncertainty has already impacted recruiting, with three-star tight end prospect Troy Silberzahn and three-star 2028 defensive end Meshi Dobson both announcing decisions to decommit from the program. Additionally, the team faces roster depletion due to injuries, including season-ending losses for running backs Sam Singleton Jr. and Ousmane Kromah, and the absence of defensive linemen Kevin Wynn and Deante McCray.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-05: Florida State football faces injuries and recruiting losses

Following the firing of Mike Norvell, Florida State football faces multiple recruiting decommitments and significant player injuries ahead of their matchup against Boston College.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-state-football-faces-injuries-and-recruiting-losses

### 2026-11-02: Florida State searches for new head coach after firing Mike Norvell

Florida State has fired head coach Mike Norvell, triggering a high-profile search for a successor amid a $50.3 million buyout and recruiting instability.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-state-fires-mike-norvell-with-50-million-buyout

### 2026-10-31: Florida State fires head football coach Mike Norvell

Florida State has fired head football coach Mike Norvell following a loss to Clemson, triggering a buyout of approximately $50 million. Rick Stockstill will serve as interim head coach.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-state-coach-mike-norvell-addresses-loss-to-clemson

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Cite as: Florida State searches for new head coach after firing Mike. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/florida-state-and-clemson-college-football-matchup