Florida State head coach Mike Norvell entered the 2026 college football season on the hot seat following back-to-back losing years in Tallahassee.Â
After leading Florida State to a 13-0 regular season and an ACC championship in 2023, Florida State finished 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025.Â
Norvell holds an overall record of 38-34 at Florida State, including a 22-26 record in ACC play through six seasons. As FSU aims to meet fans and boosters’ expectations, questions surrounding Norvell’s contract and potential buyout details have emerged.
Norvell signed an eight-year contract extension prior to the 2024 season valued at more than $84 million through 2031, averaging roughly $10 million annually. Following the 2024 season, Norvell agreed to a restructured arrangement that directed $4.5 million toward institutional revenue-sharing initiatives. His contract includes a scheduled $150,000 salary increase each season.
If Florida State terminates Norvell without cause during or before the conclusion of the 2026 season, the university would owe him approximately $51 million, according to On3.com. If the decision occurs after the 2026 season, the buyout figure drops to roughly $45.6 million.
According to On3.com, Norvell is owed 85% of his remaining salary and supplemental compensation. The buyout would reportedly be paid in monthly installments of approximately $800,000 through 2031 if fired after this season.Â
Florida State opened the 2026 season with a home win over New Mexico State before taking on SMU.Â
The remaining schedule includes a non-conference road contest at Alabama on Sept. 19 and the regular-season finale against rival Florida on Nov. 27 in Tallahassee.Â
Florida State’s 2026 Football Schedule:
