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FSU Fans Fly Banner: 'Fire Novell'?
31 Oct
Summary
- A plane banner reading 'Fire Novell' flew over Doak Campbell Stadium.
- Coach Mike Norvell has a buyout exceeding $45 million if fired after 2026.
- Florida State's football team has struggled since the 2023 season.
Frustration among Florida State fans has reached new heights, with some chartering a plane to fly a banner over Doak Campbell Stadium demanding coach Mike Norvell's dismissal. The banner, however, contained a spelling error, reading "Fire Novell." This action comes amidst a disappointing 2026 season for the Seminoles, who entered their matchup with Clemson with a 3-4 record and on a two-game losing streak.
The team's performance has declined significantly since their impressive 2023 season, where they finished with a perfect regular season but were controversially excluded from the College Football Playoff. Since their Orange Bowl loss to Georgia, Florida State's record has fallen to 10-21.
Mike Norvell signed an eight-year contract extension in early 2024, valued at over $84 million through the 2031 season. If terminated after the 2026 season, his buyout would be approximately $45.6 million, with a duty-to-mitigate clause requiring him to seek other employment.
Florida State's president, Richard McCullough, has acknowledged fan concerns, stating a commitment to making "right decisions for Florida State's long-term future." This sentiment follows the earlier dismissal of athletic director Michael Alford in September.
