Somehow, some way, Mike Norvell has found it within himself to believe that this year will be better than the last. The Florida State Seminoles head coach enters the 2026 season very much on the hot seat. The 2023 ACC championship campaign was three years ago. It has been a total disaster in Tallahassee ever since. Meanwhile, Florida fans are well aware of the struggles he has faced of late.
Norvell reflected on last season during the ACC Spring Meetings in Amelia Island earlier in the week.
"Being able to sit back and see some of the evolutions of rosters and roster turnover kind of gave me a good perspective on things I really like, things that have been successful, as well as areas where — I'm not necessarily saying limit — but there just might be different ways to introduce concepts or implementation. It was a good year for me."
He then asserted himself as still being a strong play-caller, even though Florida State has struggled.
"I've been really good at calling plays throughout my coaching career. I don't say that in any way other than it's just true. I feel very confident in our ability and who we get to coach."
Norvell finished by saying that he "[expects] this year to be the best year of [his] life". Good grief...
"I expect this year to be the best year of my life. You learn lessons. There are times you get knocked down — I've been there. Then you get back up and get better through it."
If calling one's own plays did not work for Billy Napier, why would it work for Norvell this time around?
Mike Norvell betting on himself again has Florida Gators fans in stitches
Let's be honest with ourselves. The last two years at Florida State may have done irreparable damage to Norvell's coaching reputation. This is a guy who helped Memphis win the Group of Five before briefly turning Florida State around. He was a maven in the transfer portal for a bit, but his on-field coaching chops have largely been rendered useless vs. Power Four competition. There is also this...
After Jordan Travis' playing career sadly came to an end vs. FCS North Alabama during cupcake week of the 2023 season, Norvell opted to go with DJ Uiagalelei at quarterback in 2024, and Gus Malzahn's former UCF guy Tommy Castellanos in 2025. After one year as Florida State's offensive coordinator, Malzahn opted to retire and be part of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. What a turn!
So with Florida State pivoting to former Auburn and Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels for this season, Norvell better hope he has a few aces up his sleeve. If FSU does not win enough games to be comfortably bowl eligible, Norvell might be out of a job. Daniels was an incredibly erratic player for Stanford and Auburn. Why would it be any different at Florida State? What does this mean for Florida?
For the Gators, they will have a real shot to end Norvell's tenure at Florida State by beating the 'Noles in Tallahassee at the end of the regular season. If that does happen, do not be the least bit surprised if FSU goes big-game hunting. They should try to pry one of their own away from another ACC foe in Manny Diaz, but that may not work. Should Diaz prefer to stay in Durham, it might be Mark Stoops...
Regardless, Florida fans should be laughing at the hilarity of Norvell because they now have Sumrall.
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