# Mike Norvell's hot seat just got hotter at FSU

> Florida State fired its athletic director but may keep its struggling coach to avoid a $45 million buyout.
- Title: Mike Norvell's hot seat just got hotter at FSU · Newsweek
- Summary: Florida State fired its athletic director but may keep its struggling coach to avoid a $45 million buyout. FSU leadership wants to keep Norvell despite poor…
- Keywords: mike norvell, florida state, fsu football, michael alford, athletic director fired, college football, hot seat, coaching buyout, smu loss, 2026 season, Mike, Norvell's
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/mike-norvells-future-at-fsu-takes-a-surprising-turn-as-hot-seat-talk-heats-up-12447731
- Author: Rowan Fisher-Shotton
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mike norvell, florida state, fsu football, michael alford, athletic director fired, college football, hot seat, coaching buyout, smu loss, 2026 season
## Norvell enters 2026 on the hot seat
Mike Norvell was arguably the most scrutinized coach in college football heading into this season. After FSU's collapse from 13-0 in 2023 to 2-10 in 2024, expectations were already low.
## Week 2 loss to SMU makes it worse
FSU beat New Mexico State 34-17 in Week 1 despite being favored by over 30 points, then lost to SMU 27-24. Both performances looked poor, sparking 'Fire Norvell' chants in Tallahassee.
## FSU fires athletic director Michael Alford
On Monday, Florida State fired athletic director Michael Alford in what appeared to be the first step toward a major program overhaul. The move raised questions about whether Norvell would be next.
## University leadership wants to keep Norvell
According to Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger, FSU's president and board chair have told others they like Norvell and don't want to pay his $50 million buyout. The decision could change if results get worse.

> they really like the coach and don't necessarily want to pay $50 million to fire the coach
## Massive buyout makes firing expensive
Firing Norvell now would cost FSU around $45.6 million, down from $51 million if fired after the season. It's one of the largest buyouts in sports history, making the financial burden a key factor in the decision.
## Upcoming games against Alabama and Virginia are critical
FSU faces No. 10 Alabama on Saturday and No. 23 Virginia on October 3. These matchups will likely determine whether Norvell survives the season or gets fired before the buyout increases.
## Key takeaway

FSU leadership wants to keep Norvell despite poor results, but massive buyout costs are driving the decision more than confidence in the coach.