Former Florida State quarterback and CBS Sports HQ analyst Danny Kanell has never been one to shy away from bold opinions, and his recent comments about his alma mater and embattled head coach Mike Norvell captured the attention of Seminole fans across the country. As Florida State sits at 3-4 heading into its idle week, mired in a four-game losing streak, Kanell’s assessment was both realistic and cautionary, reflecting the uneasy state of a once-proud program now searching for stability
The best-case scenario for Florida State is that Mike Norvell would run the table and put this abysmal losing streak in the rear-view,” Kanell said. “But I don’t know if that would alleviate the concern of Florida State fans. It is going to be really hard for him to win back the Florida State fans. If he wins at Clemson and wins at Florida, there is a path for him to do that. … But I think it will be an uphill battle for him to do that.”
Kanell’s comments underscore the tension in Tallahassee as the Seminoles continue to underperform just one season after reaching the pinnacle of the ACC. Norvell’s tenure, now in its sixth year, has been marked by peaks and valleys. After enduring a rough start that included records of 3-6 in 2020 and 5-7 in 2021, Norvell appeared to have turned the corner. His 10-3 campaign in 2022 and a 13-1 season in 2023 capped by an ACC championship and near College Football Playoff berth — restored optimism and earned him a lucrative contract extension.
However, that optimism has quickly faded. Florida State’s 2-10 collapse in 2024 and its current 3-4 record have reopened old wounds. Fans who once believed Norvell was the long-term answer now question whether the program has regressed. The Seminoles’ offensive struggles, inconsistent quarterback play, and defensive breakdowns have raised doubts about the direction of the team.
FSU athletic director Mike Alford attempted to calm the storm earlier this week, announcing that a “comprehensive review” of the football program will take place once the season ends. While Alford acknowledged his disappointment with how the season has unfolded, he emphasized that the university remains “fully committed” to helping Norvell and the team rebound. Still, such statements often precede tough decisions, especially in a program with Florida State’s championship pedigree.
Norvell’s contract adds another layer of complexity. In 2024, he signed an eight-year extension averaging over $10 million per season, cementing him among the highest-paid coaches in college football. However, after this season’s struggles, Norvell agreed to a one-year restructuring that reduced his 2025 salary to about $5.4 million, redirecting the savings toward FSU’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives. Should the university decide to move on, the buyout would be staggering approximately $59.2 million, representing 85 percent of his remaining contract. That figure could be paid either in a lump sum or through installments running through 2031.
For now, Norvell’s future likely hinges on how Florida State finishes the season. Wins over Clemson and Florida could provide a lifeline, restoring some faith among a restless fan base. But as Kanell suggested, it will take more than a few victories to erase the disappointment of recent seasons and convince Seminole Nation that Norvell can still lead FSU back to national prominence.
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