Florida State fired football coach Mike Norvell on Sunday, Nov. 1, and named Rick Stockstill interim head coach. ESPN reporter Andrea Adelson reported the firing, citing university president Richard McCullough. Nicole Auerbach reported Stockstill’s appointment after the school announced it.
In a statement reproduced by Sports Illustrated, McCullough thanked Norvell and said Florida State would conduct a “thorough national search” for its next coach. He said the school was confident Stockstill could provide “steady leadership” during the transition. Pete Thamel described Stockstill as a longtime Middle Tennessee coach who had been an off-field Seminoles assistant.
The firing followed a 36-24 loss to Clemson on Saturday, Oct. 31. Norvell finished 41-39 overall and 23-30 in ACC play at Florida State, according to USA TODAY’s account and season records. After going 13-1 in 2023, the Seminoles went a combined 10-22 from 2024 through his dismissal, including a 3-5 start in 2026.
Pete Thamel reported that Norvell would be owed $50.3 million, subject to offset and mitigation. that the figure applies if Norvell was fired without cause. They also reported that Florida State owes additional money tied to an earlier pay cut and that Norvell’s future earnings would offset what the school owes him. The $50.3 million is a reported obligation, not a payment already made.
