Home / Sports / FSU Fires Norvell After Snub, Diaz Eyed
FSU Fires Norvell After Snub, Diaz Eyed
3 Nov
Summary
- Mike Norvell was fired after an undefeated regular season and ACC title.
- Manny Diaz, an FSU alum, led Duke to an ACC title in 2025.
- FSU's defense struggled significantly throughout the season.
Florida State has parted ways with head coach Mike Norvell. This decision follows an undefeated regular season and an ACC championship in 2023, which was controversially not enough to secure a College Football Playoff spot. Norvell's seven-year tenure in Tallahassee concluded with five losing seasons. Defensive coordinator Tony White and safeties coach Evan Cooper have also been terminated.
The university is actively seeking a replacement, with Duke's head coach Manny Diaz emerging as a prominent candidate. Diaz, a Florida State alumnus, has a strong track record, including leading the Blue Devils to an ACC title in 2025 and achieving a 68% win rate with a 24-11 record.
Diaz's coaching career spans back to 1998, including a period as a graduate assistant at Florida State. His defensive expertise is notable, having coached Penn State's defense to a No. 2 national ranking in 2023. This defensive acumen is particularly relevant as Florida State's defense has been identified as one of the worst in college football, marked by significant late-game collapses.
Florida State President Richard McCullough emphasized the need for the next coach to be "a Florida State" person. Diaz's connection to the university and his ACC experience position him as a strong contender to restore the program's former success.
