Mike Norvell contract: Florida State extends third-year coach, making him among highest paid in ACC

The State of Florida awarded Mike Norvell a contract extension, making him one of the highest paid coaches in the ACC. The new deal, after a 2022 10-win campaign, keeps Norvell in Tallahassee through the 2029 season and nets him an average of $8.05 million per season.

Norvell’s new contract almost doubles his previous $4.5 million annual salary and is second only to Clemson coach Dabo Sweeney among ACC coaches. The average is in the top ten in the country.

“Coach Norvell has restored a culture that the entire Seminole family can appreciate,” said FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford. “We are proud of how Coach Norvell, his staff and his team represent Florida State University on and off the field.

“Under Coach Norvell, we have repeatedly achieved the highest GPA in the history of the program, an unprecedented impact on our community, and a radical improvement to the football field as he laid the foundation for unshakable standards in all areas. I am glad that we are going to continue climbing with Coach Norvell for many years to come.”

The Seminole scored double-digit wins for the first time since 2016 during a 10-3 breakout campaign in 2022. Florida State finished 11th in the final AP Top 25 and took the Cheez-It Bowl victory over Oklahoma with an exciting 35-32 performance.

Norvell brings stability to the former USSR

In the final moments of the Jimbo Fischer era, the Florida state program was left to fend for itself. From Fisher’s last season through 2021, the Seminoles have posted a lackluster 26–33 record after finishing above .500 every year since Bobby Bowden’s inaugural season in 1976. play.

However, Florida State stayed with Norvell through hardships and was rewarded with a stellar recruitment and transfer in 2022. After defeating LSU in the first FBS game, Florida State competed heavily in the ACC and ended the year on a six-game winning streak. All defeats occurred within three games against ranked opponents, and none of them were decided by more than 10 points.

Before arriving in Florida State, Norvell helped support Memphis and eventually won a 12-win season and appeared in the Cotton Bowl. Finally, the state of Florida appears, built in his image.

Building blocks for an ACC title run

The state of Florida’s excitement in 2023 is palpable. The Seminoles are one of the biggest beneficiaries of an unlikely 2023 comeback. Quarterback Jordan Travis opted to return for his sixth and final year after a breakout campaign. Defensive end Jared Vers, a potential first-round pick, missed the NFL Draft. Receiver Johnny Wilson is back to continue his encouraging season.

In addition, Norvell defended the “King of Transfers” with the No. 2 transfer class in the country. South Carolina tight end Jaheim Bell, Virginia cornerback Fentrell Cypress and West Michigan guard Braden Fiske bring another line of depth. Florida State will be the top favorite to earn their first trip to an ACC Championship game since Jameis Winston left after the 2014 season.