A once proud and elite program, Florida State football struggled to begin the Mike Norvell era in 2020, going 8-13 in the first two seasons under his tutelage. However, Norvell quickly quieted the doubters, with the Florida State Seminoles reverting to form, posting a remarkable 23-3 record since 2022. Norvell, previously the frontman for the Memphis Tigers from 2016 to 2019, took over in Tallahassee, Florida, following a short but uninspiring two seasons of Willie Taggart leading the Seminoles.
Norvell has smoothly nailed the transition to leading a Power Five power, much to the pleasure of a former national championship-winning coach. On Thursday, longtime Ohio State and Florida bench boss Urban Meyer supported Norvell while appearing on The Triple Option podcast.
Urban Meyer: Praises Florida State football HC Mike Norvell
After going 8-13 in his first two seasons leading the Florida State football program, Mike Norvell has turned the organization around, exemplified by a 23-3 record. Florida State will look to defend their ACC Championship next season despite losing numerous starters, including longtime quarterback Jordan Travis. Former title-winning coach Urban Meyer believes Norvell is more than qualified to lead the Seminoles in the post-Travis era while keeping them atop the ACC standings.
Urban Meyer on #FSU head coach Mike Norvell.
“I really think he’s one of the top coaches in America.” #Noles pic.twitter.com/BebcM2qZl4
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) August 22, 2024
“You know I love Florida State. I think they lost a lot. But the first thing you always look at when I evaluate teams is their schedule. I think it’s somewhat manageable. I know it’s tough, but they have Clemson at home, at Miami (FL), at Notre Dame. I think Mike Norvell is one of the most underrated coaches,” said Norvell in an interview on The Triple Option podcast. During a six-week stretch, the Seminoles will be battled and tested in 2024 after facing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Clemson Tigers, and Miami (FL) Hurricanes.
Meyer points towards Norvell’s ability to make FSU relevant again as the most significant indicator of the Seminoles being CFP-relevant in 2024. “They were awful in 2020; they were 3-6, but I mean bad, awful. There were a lot of issues in the locker room, and I am an old Gator. And so I looked at that and said, ‘How did Florida State get so bad?’ But look at what this coach has done. He went 3-6, 5-7. They won ten games, and then last year undefeated. I really think he is one of the top coaches in America. I think they’ll be there, standing in the top 10.”
Mike Norvell: Entering Fifth Season with Florida State Football
In 2024, the Florida State football program will again be led by Irving, Texas native Mike Norvell. The 42-year-old started his coaching career immediately after playing, landing with Central Arkansas as a GA in 2006. Norvell left for Tulsa the following season, spending four years with the program. During that stretch, he worked as a GA, wide receivers coach, and pass game coordinator. Norvell darted for the Pittsburgh Panthers in 2011, holding the co-OC role. However, his stint with Pitt was short-lived, with Norvell taking the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach job at Arizona State.
After four seasons with ASU, Norvell landed his first head coaching job with the Memphis Tigers in 2016. He posted a 38-15 record while being the leadman with Memphis, including twice finishing the season ranking in the AP Top 25. Memphis also had a top-15 offense in his four seasons with the team. Following the departure of Willie Taggart in 2019, the Florida State football program inked Norvell to a six-year, $26.5 million deal. Florida State is fresh off a remarkable 13-1 campaign, including a perfect regular season record.
Florida State Football: Looking For Return to CFP
Last season, the Florida State football program finished the regular season 13-0, highlighted by a narrow victory against the Louisville Cardinals in the ACC Championship. However, despite their accomplishments, they become the first Power Five program to go undefeated, win their conference championship, and not make the College Football Playoff. Last year’s omission marks the ninth straight season the Seminoles did not make the CFP.
Next season will be the first time since 2019 that Florida State does not have the services of quarterback Jordan Travis. Instead, the Seminoles will look for former five-star prospects and two-time transfer D.J. Uiagalelei to lead the offense this fall. Uiagalelei has thrown for 43 touchdowns against 14 picks across his past two seasons.
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