Florida State University dismissed head football coach Mike Norvell on Sunday following the Seminoles' 36-24 home loss to Clemson the previous day. The defeat marked the program's third consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference loss and the 17th setback in Norvell's last 21 games against league opponents.
The university now faces a buyout estimated at just under $49 million, approximately 85% of the remaining salary on Norvell's contract that runs through the 2031 season. That figure would rank as the third-largest coaching buyout in college football history, behind the $77 million paid to Jimbo Fisher by Texas A&M and the $54 million owed to Brian Kelly by LSU.
Norvell signed a lucrative extension after the 2023 season when Florida State completed an undefeated regular season and captured the ACC title, though the team was excluded from the College Football Playoff due to quarterback injuries. The extension added two years and raised his annual salary by more than $2 million, placing him among the top 10 highest-paid coaches nationally.
Since that extension, the Seminoles have compiled a 7-17 record over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, making the 2026 campaign a critical juncture. Norvell was set to earn $10.3 million in 2026 with five years and $54.75 million remaining after this season. The buyout is subject to mitigation and could be reduced if Norvell secures another coaching position.
