Florida State has not fired head coach Mike Norvell yet, but speculation about potential replacements is already circulating. Arizona State’s head coach, Kenny Dillingham, has been mentioned as a contender by college football analyst J.D. PicKell. In a video posted on X, PicKell listed coaches he would consider for the Florida State Seminoles job if it became available.
PicKell was blunt with his assessment of Norvell, succinctly stating, “Mike Norvell is cooked.” Dillingham followed soon after in the discussion. PicKell remarked, “I don’t know if he takes the job, but at least call Kenny Dillingham.” He posed the question of whether Dillingham might prefer staying at Arizona State, where his sentiment lies, but noted that the resources at Florida State could be enticing enough to consider a move.
Other names that PicKell mentioned include Duke’s Manny Diaz, SMU’s Rhett Lashlee, and Memphis’ Charles Huff. Notably, Jimbo Fisher was not included on PicKell’s list.
The Seminoles recently fell to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in ACC play following a 44-20 loss at Louisville on October 9. Louisville outscored FSU 44-6 after the Seminoles initially led 14-0, spurred by Isaac Brown’s 97-yard touchdown run following a failed fourth-down attempt by FSU. This marked Florida State’s 11th consecutive road loss under Norvell, who holds a 4-15 record in his last 19 conference games.
Firing Norvell would be costly. According to Pete Nakos of On3, Norvell’s buyout is estimated at about $51 million and comes with a duty-to-mitigate clause. Replacing Norvell and hiring a new coaching staff is projected to cost around $100 million.
Nakos noted that although a mid-season coaching change seems unlikely, it is still possible. He highlighted the issue of resources, pointing out that Florida State lags behind the top-funded programs in the ACC. The university also recently dismissed athletic director Michael Alford this fall.
Decision-makers at Florida State reportedly want a 7-5 record or better for Norvell to remain in his position through 2027. The team now requires wins against Miami, Clemson, Boston College, Pittsburgh, North Carolina State, and Florida to qualify for a bowl game.