Mike Norvell’s Florida State Seminoles endured another tough loss on Saturday night by dropping 24-10 to Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers in Death Valley. The loss marked Florida State’s fifth in its last six outings.
The outcome is far from what Seminole fans envisioned when Norvell was brought on board in December 2019 following his four-year stint at Memphis.
Fans Continue Demanding Mike Norvell’s Firing After Clemson Loss
Before Saturday’s loss, Norvell’s Florida State squad was ranked No. 39 nationally, according to the PFSN College Football Playoff Meter. The Seminoles now sit at 4-5 overall, while Norvell holds a 37-32 record at FSU, including 21-25 in ACC play.
This season has already seen elite coaches such as Brian Kelly and James Franklin lose their jobs, but Norvell managed to keep his. FSU athletic director Michael Alford even confirmed last month that Norvell would remain the team’s head coach through the remainder of the 2025 season.
However, following the loss to Clemson, FSU fans’ frustration flared up again with renewed calls for Norvell’s firing.
“For the record: I am absolutely 100% unequivocally in favor of firing Mike Norvell. I also cannot fathom spending nearly $100 in buyouts to do so. Just an impossible position to be in. This is pure misery,” a fan said.
For the record: I am absolutely 100% unequivocally in favor of firing Mike Norvell.
I also cannot fathom spending nearly $100M in buyouts to do so.
Just an impossible position to be in. This is pure misery.
— Kevin Tucker (@kevin_tucker_) November 9, 2025
“Thought FSU might be able to right the ship after a great game… but we are back to complete dog shit and we all know we’re stuck with Mike Norvell and that ridiculous contract,” one said.
Thought FSU might be able to right the ship after a great game… but we are back to complete dog shit and we all know we’re stuck with Mike Norvell and that ridiculous contract.
I hate my life.
— 💰Dolla Bill Dave💰 (@DaveInTheRC) November 9, 2025
“I wish I could make millions being as useless as Mike Norvell is #Noles,” a person said.
Norvell went 13-0 in the 2023 regular season and captured the ACC title, but his results since then have been disappointing. Florida State still has games left against Virginia Tech, NC State, and Florida, but the fan base continues to grow restless with back-to-back losses.
“Hopefully, Death Valley is the death of Mike Norvell’s FSU coaching career,” one added.
“One of the greatest gifts Mike Norvell has given me is complete apathy toward FSU football. I just find it hard to care anymore lol,” a fan said.
One of greatest gifts Mike Norvell has given me is complete apathy toward FSU football.
I just find it hard to care anymore lol.
— Wilson Lemieux (@WilsonLemieux) November 9, 2025
However, Alford mentioned that FSU plans to reevaluate the coaching situation during the 2026 offseason. Several replacement candidates are being considered, with The Athletic’s Joe Rexrode predicting that Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein could become Florida State’s next HC once Norvell gets fired.
Norvell signed an eight-year extension before the 2024 season, keeping him under contract through 2031 at over $84 million before incentives. His buyout is estimated at $58.4 million, marking the second-largest in college football history.
