Deadspin: Florida State fires Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Tony White
Florida State makes coaching changes
President Richard McCullough told ESPN on Sunday that Florida State had fired Norvell. On3 reported that defensive coordinator Tony White was also fired that day. The school named Rick Stockstill, its director of scouting, interim head coach. Stockstill, 68, previously coached Middle Tennessee for 18 seasons, from 2006 through 2023, and went 113-111.
Norvell’s record and contract
Norvell, 45, took over in December 2019 after Willie Taggart left a program with a losing record. After two losing seasons, Norvell led Florida State to a 10-3 record in 2022 and received his first contract extension.
Following the Seminoles’ 13-1 season and ACC title in 2023, Norvell signed an eight-year, $84 million extension. His contract reportedly provides 85 percent of the value remaining, an estimated $50.3 million.
Recent seasons brought setbacks
Florida State began the 2024 season ranked No. 10 in the Associated Press Top 25, then lost its first two games and finished 2-10. The team went 5-7 last year and is 3-5 this season, after consecutive losses to Louisville, then-No. 3 Miami and Clemson. Norvell’s record over six-plus seasons in Tallahassee was 41-39.
Key points
- Florida State fired Mike Norvell, and On3 reported defensive coordinator Tony White was also dismissed.
- Rick Stockstill was named interim head coach.
- Norvell’s teams went 41-39 during his six-plus seasons in Tallahassee.
- Norvell’s reported contract buyout is approximately $50.3 million.