Florida State University fired head football coach Mike Norvell on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following a 3-4 start to the season. The decision comes after three consecutive losing seasons: the Seminoles went 2-10 in 2024, 5-7 in 2025, and 3-4 in 2026. Norvell had previously led the program to a combined 23-4 record during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The university reportedly owes Norvell a buyout of approximately $50 million.
The coaching search is now underway for one of college football's historically premier destinations. Among the early candidates identified is Duke head coach Manny Diaz. Diaz, a Miami native and 1995 Florida State graduate, has compiled a 6-2 record with the Blue Devils in 2026. He previously guided Duke to an ACC championship in 2025 with an overtime victory over Virginia and signed a contract extension through 2031 in April. Diaz also served as head coach at Miami from 2019 to 2021, posting a 21-15 record, and spent two seasons as Penn State's defensive coordinator.
Additional candidates are being considered as Florida State navigates a coaching transition amid the evolving landscape of college football.
