Mike Norvell, Tony White are fired. FSU names interim head coach

After firing former athletic director Michael Alford on Sept. 14, Florida State announced it has fired former head coach Mike Norvell after seven seasons with the program. The Seminoles, currently riding a three-game losing streak, have gone 10-22 under Norvell in the last three seasons.“We have made the decision to change the leadership of our football program,” FSU President Richard McCullough said in a statement. “We thank Mike Norvell for his commitment and service to Florida State and wish him and his family the very best. We understand the deep passion of Seminole fans and share their high expectations for this program.”Head coach, defensive coordinator outDuring seven seasons with the ’Noles, Norvell went 41-39 in 80 games coached. He led the ’Noles to a 13-0 regular season record and an ACC Championship in 2023. Never miss a beat: Sign up for the FSView NewsletterFor the team’s accomplishments, Norvell was named the 2023 ACC Coach of the Year, won the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award, and was Awarded as the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year. This success did not follow the Seminoles into 2026. After the 36-24 home loss to Clemson University, the Garnet and Gold are currently riding a three-game losing streak. Florida State has named Rick Stockstill as interim head coach. Stockstill played quarterback for former head coach Bobby Bowden from 1977 to 1981. Stockstill, who was inducted into the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, was previously the Director of Scouting for offense.“We are confident in Rick Stockstill’s ability to provide steady leadership during this transition,” McCullough said. “We will conduct a thorough national search for the program’s next leader, someone who embraces Florida State’s tradition of championship athletics and our standard of excellence.”Florida State also announced the firing of former defensive coordinator Tony White, who joined Norvell’s coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season. In 20 games as defensive coordinator, White’s defense allowed an average of 24.7 points per game and surrendered more than 35 points in four of the team’s five losses in 2026. FSU football under Mike NorvellSince 2023, the Seminoles have been one of the lowest-performing Power Four teams in the country, accumulating a 10-23 record in its last 33 games. Under Norvell, FSU is also in a 13-game road losing streak, with the last win away from Doak S. Campbell Stadium coming against the University of Florida on Nov. 25, 2023.“You’ve got to go out there and you’ve got to win. That’s what it comes down to,” Norvell said in a postgame press conference after the ’Noles’ loss to Clemson. “I understand the frustration. We have high expectations for what we want it to be, and you can show up every day and pour what you have into it.”Following the 2023 season, while rumors of Norvell potentially leaving Tallahassee to coach Alabama swirled, Norvell signed an 8-year, $84 million contract extension. The extension, signed in 2024, ran through 2031.Now, Florida State is required to compensate him for 85% of what is left on the contract, leaving the Seminoles paying roughly $50 million to buyout Norvell.Norvell's legacyNorvell was known for his activity in the transfer portal and struggle to recruit blue-chip prospects out of high school during his last three seasons with FSU. Following Jordan Travis’ stellar season in 2023, Norvell pulled three transfer quarterbacks out of the portal in DJ Uiagalelei, Tommy Castellanos, and Ashton Daniels. The three signal-callers combined for a 7-16 record under Norvell. Norvell produced 19 National Football League draft picks during his tenure, the most recent being defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. Norvell also leaves the ’Noles with the 38th ranked recruiting class in 2027, a major fall since he brought in the 12th ranked class in 2024.The Garnet and Gold will be back in action, this time under a new leader in Stockstill, on Saturday, Nov. 7 against Boston College in Massachusetts. “Our vision has not changed,” McCullough said in a letter to Seminole Athletics fans and supporters on Oct. 27. “Florida State should compete for championships, develop exceptional student-athletes, attract outstanding coaches and personnel, and operate with the resources, leadership, and commitment necessary to succeed at the highest level of college athletics.”Cole Kruger and Francisco Garcia are the Sports Editor and Deputy Sports Editor for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com. This article originally appeared on FSU News: Mike Norvell, Tony White are fired. FSU names interim head coach