FSU president evaluates Mike Norvell after firing AD

Florida State University President Richard McClullough spoke with the media on Monday, explaining the school’s decision to move on from athletic director Michael Alford, explaining why they made the move when they did, and more.

With Alford gone, all eyes are now on head football coach Mike Norvell, who has arguably the hottest seat in the country after back-to-back losing seasons and a 1-1 start to 2026. McClullough addressed his status with the program, briefly evaluating the job he has done.

“Look, I love Mike Norvell,” McCullough said. “He’s a great human being.I love what he does with our student-athletes. Our grades have never been better under his leadership. I love how he takes our student-athletes and helps them to be the best version of themselves.

“I love how he makes them competitive, and we love all that. And I have to tell you, nobody wants to win more than Mike Norvell. Except for maybe the players, me, Chairman Collins. I mean, we want to win. Of course we want to win. And, you know, college coaches are in the winning business, so that’s what we’re working on. I mean, we’re not really here to talk about Coach Norvell. This is really about AD Alford.”

Norvell is in his seventh season as FSU’s head coach and has a 39-35 record overall and a 22-27 record in conference play. They went 13-1 in 2023 and won the ACC, but have done nothing but struggle since then, going 8-18.

While pressure is mounting for the Seminoles to make a change, it will be a costly move to fire Norvell. According to Craig Myers of USA TODAY Sports, his buyout is $46.7 million if he is fired before Dec. 1, 2026. That would be the third-biggest ever.

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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU president evaluates Mike Norvell after firing AD