2025 has been a downright disaster for the Florida Gators, but there is at least the hope of brighter days ahead as Florida fans dream of having Lane Kiffin as its coach this time next week.
FSU fans, meanwhile, are forced to smile and nod as they do not have hopes of brighter days ahead after the university announced the Seminoles would bring Mike Norvell back for another season.
Mike Norvell to be retained as FSU's coach
December 2023 might go down as one of the most disastrous months in FSU's history. They were left out of the playoffs, proceeded to stomp around like children for a month, got blown out by Georgia, and gave Norvell an eight-year extension worth over $10 million a year.
It's that last tidbit that is coming back to haunt FSU, as Seminole fans would probably want off the Mike Norvell Experience, but they simply can't afford to. FSU has been desperate to try to get out of the ACC, but continues to fall flat on its face in its attempts.
Beyond the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Jordan Travis bailing FSU out, Norvell had a losing season in 2020, 2021, and 2024. If FSU falls to Florida on Friday or wins but loses its bowl game, that will make four losing seasons out of six since arriving in Tallahassee.
Seminoles fans are forced to look longingly over at Gainesville, as at least the Gators are attempting to improve things for 2026.
Because even if FSU manages to win on Saturday and goes on to win a bowl game in December, FSU's administration probably should learn a lesson from Florida:
Once it is obvious that the head coach you employ isn't the guy, you need to get rid of him right away. Because stringing that coach along in hopes of a magical turnaround never works out, even if you end the season on a high note.
Trust us on this one.
Florida and FSU face each other this Saturday at 4:30 ESPN2. Florida won last year's meeting 31-11 and planted a flag at midfield at the end of the game.