Florida State football has all the ingredients for success. With a rich tradition of greatness, a roster brimming with talent, and an unwavering commitment from boosters and supporters, there’s no reason why the Seminoles shouldn’t be competing for championships year in and year out. Just last season, FSU posted an undefeated regular season, reminding the college football world that it can still dominate at the highest level.
And yet, here we are: a season of unexpected turmoil, heartbreak, and disappointment. With just two games remaining in a dismal 2024 season, FSU is staring at a shocking 1-9 record. In the wake of this disaster, both offensive and defensive coordinators, along with the receivers coach, were let go on Sunday. The decision to part ways with key coaching staff is the latest sign that Florida State’s football program is far from the juggernaut it should be.
But what went wrong? How did a team that appeared poised to build on its 2023 success descend into such chaos?
The Tradition and Resources
Florida State’s football program is one of the most storied in college football history. Under legendary head coach Bobby Bowden, the Seminoles rose to prominence, dominating the college landscape and earning multiple national championships. That success was built on a foundation of outstanding talent, excellent recruiting, and a commitment to excellence that remains a part of the program’s DNA.
Today, FSU still benefits from a strong financial infrastructure. The Seminole Boosters, Inc. and generous NIL collectives provide significant resources for the program. With these financial advantages, FSU is capable of attracting top-tier recruits from across the country. It has a recruiting base that many programs would envy, from the talent-rich state of Florida to a nationwide network of high school powerhouses.
FSU also enjoys an intangible yet powerful connection to Bowden, who built the program into a national powerhouse. That history and legacy loom large over the program, giving coaches and players alike an aspirational model of what FSU football is capable of achieving.
The Mike Norvell Era
When Mike Norvell took over as head coach in 2020, he inherited a program in need of a reboot. The Seminoles had gone through a rough patch following Bowden’s retirement, with inconsistency at the coaching level and a series of underwhelming seasons. Norvell promised a return to FSU’s glory days—a vision that captivated fans and boosted optimism.
In year one, FSU faced numerous challenges. COVID-19 disrupted the season, and Norvell was forced to navigate a difficult transition. By year two, though, things were looking up. A seven-win campaign in 2023 brought renewed hope, and many expected FSU to challenge for an ACC title and make a serious run at the College Football Playoff in 2024.
The Seminoles seemed to have the pieces in place: a talented quarterback in Jordan Travis, explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball, and a solid coaching staff. Expectations were high heading into the 2024 season.
The Fall from Grace
However, what has unfolded in 2024 has been a stunning fall from grace. After a promising start to the season, the Seminoles have faltered badly. A combination of injuries, inconsistent play, and missed opportunities has led to a series of defeats that have left fans scratching their heads. FSU’s lone win came in a narrow victory over a struggling opponent, further highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued the team.
More troubling than the losses, however, has been the lack of improvement. FSU’s offense, which was expected to be one of the most potent in the ACC, has been stagnant. The defense, once a strength of the program, has been leaky and vulnerable. The inability to close out games, a hallmark of championship-caliber teams, has been glaring. The team’s failure to adjust and execute in crucial moments has led to mounting frustration.
In response, Norvell made the difficult decision to dismiss his offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and receivers coach—part of an effort to salvage what’s left of the season. But this move raises the question: Is it enough?
The Deeper Questions
For all the criticism and upheaval, Norvell’s tenure must be viewed through a broader lens. Yes, coaching changes can provide a quick fix, but they also reflect deeper issues that cannot be addressed with a simple shakeup. Florida State has the resources, the talent, and the tradition. What it lacks, perhaps, is the consistency and leadership needed to build a true championship program.
Norvell is a bright, capable coach, but his reboot of FSU needs to go deeper. It’s clear that there is a disconnect between the program’s potential and its performance on the field. Whether that’s an issue of player development, game preparation, or something more fundamental, it’s becoming apparent that FSU’s struggles cannot simply be attributed to bad luck or a few bad apples.
If Florida State is serious about returning to the top of the college football world, the program must reexamine its overall structure and approach. That includes coaching, sure, but also player culture, recruitment strategy, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to adapt to an ever-evolving college football landscape.
What’s Next for FSU?
With just two games remaining, Norvell and the Seminoles are left with little more than pride to play for. The question remains: Can FSU regroup and finish the season on a positive note?
Regardless of the outcome, the Seminoles must use this season as a wake-up call. The path forward requires more than just a few personnel changes. It demands a comprehensive rethinking of how to get Florida State football back to where it belongs—competing for national titles and dominating the ACC.
With its rich tradition, vast resources, and passionate fanbase, Florida State should not be in this position. But the road to recovery will require more than just superficial changes. It will take a complete and honest reckoning with what FSU is, what it can become, and how to get there. Until that happens, the Seminoles’ struggles will likely continue.
Mike Norvell’s reboot needs to go deeper. Only then can Florida State rise again.
