In 2023, Florida State finished 13-0 and won the ACC title, earning Norvell an eight-year, $84 million extension through 2031. Since then, the program has struggled, posting a 2-10 record in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025. Norvell has remained in his role largely due to the size of the contract. A firing would trigger a substantial buyout—about $51 million now, with the cost dropping to roughly $45.6 million if the decision is deferred until the end of the season. Any new head coach would also face the challenge of rebuilding a program and staff.
Inside Doak Campbell Stadium, the mood was described as highly charged. An analyst attending the game noted a tense atmosphere, explaining that fans are torn between wanting immediate change and remaining loyal to the program. The frustration is palpable as the team has shown flashes of potential but has failed to sustain success, leaving observers to question how to translate short-term improvements into long-term stability.
Florida State did have opportunities to win against SMU. The defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions in the second half, and sophomore running back Ousmane Kromah ran for a career-high 116 yards, keeping the offense viable. However, the offense struggled on third down, converting only 2 of 15 attempts, and extended time on the field for the defense likely contributed to the late field goal that sealed the loss.
The Mustangs also turned the ball over four times yet still managed to secure the victory with a late 20-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining. Analysts highlighted that this was the kind of win Florida State needed to demonstrate progress, yet the Seminoles let another potential victory slip away, casting the program back into a period of persistent frustration commonly referred to as “purgatory” since 2024.
A pregame power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium added an unusual twist to the evening, delaying kickoff by nearly two hours due to disruptions to the PA system, scoreboard, and helmet communications. The game eventually began around 9:15 p.m. ET.
With the season continuing, Florida State faces a demanding stretch, including a bye week followed by games at Alabama, and then matchups against Miami, Central Arkansas, Virginia, and Louisville. If the results do not improve, the focus is likely to shift from evaluating Norvell’s current performance to evaluating the timeline and feasibility of making a coaching change.
Overall, the program remains at a crossroads, balancing a significant contract with a history of both championship-level success and recent underperformance. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as the team moves forward, seeking signs of genuine improvement and consistency that can restore confidence in the program’s direction.
