Florida State University fired head football coach Mike Norvell on November 1, 2026, following a 3-4 start to the season that included three consecutive losses, the latest to Clemson. Norvell had compiled a 23-4 record over the 2022 and 2023 seasons but the program declined sharply, posting a 2-10 record in 2024 and a 5-7 mark in 2025. The Seminoles owe Norvell a reported buyout of approximately $50 million, which may complicate the search for his successor.
Among the leading candidates identified by Florida State insiders is Duke head coach Manny Diaz. Diaz, a Miami native and 1995 Florida State graduate, has guided the Blue Devils to a 6-2 record this season and an 18-9 mark over his first two years, including a 2025 ACC championship victory over Virginia in overtime. He signed a contract extension through 2031 in April. Diaz previously served as head coach at Miami from 2019 to 2021, posting a 21-15 record, and spent two seasons as Penn State's defensive coordinator.
Additional candidates are being considered, though specific names have not been publicly disclosed. Florida State remains one of the most prestigious destinations in college football, and the search is expected to attract significant interest.
