Florida State's head coaching vacancy, which opened on Sunday after the Seminoles finally dismissed Mike Norvell, can be filled by a former Auburn offensive coordinator. Deion Sanders, who was thought to be a former Tigers head coaching candidate, but confirmed to me that he never spoke with Auburn, is not.
According to KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM's Benjamin Allbright, "For the Colorado fans hoping l Florida State would “poach” Deion Sanders, I’m told (laughing) he’s not on the short list. Lashlee and Dillingham are two names to watch there."
Rhett Lashlee is currently leading SMU through the Mustangs' transition to the ACC. It's gone well for Lashlee so far, with resources in abundance despite SMU not taking any money from the conference media rights deal for the first seven years the Mustangs are in the conference.
Kenny Dillingham is leading Arizona State and, like Lashlee at SMU, led the Sun Devils to the 2024/2025 CFP but hasn't been back and won't return this year. Dillingham was reportedly an option for the Michigan head coaching vacancy that was filled by Kyle Whittingham. If the Wolverines weren't enough to draw Dillingham out of Tempe, it's unclear if FSU is.
These names are interesting as former Malzahn assistants, considering Gus was supposed to be the offensive coordinator coming into the 2026 season but retired in February after the portal window closed. Malzahn was the offensive coordinator in 2025, helping lead the Seminoles to a shocking 31-17 win over Alabama in Week 1 last August.
Why did Florida State fire Mike Norvell?
Norvell was fired on Sunday because Florida State lost 36-24 to Clemson at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
Fans flew a banner before the game advocating for Norvell's dismissal. That was the final straw for him.
"Yesterday was a bit of a defining moment for me," said Florida State President Richard McCullough, who took the feedback from the fans seriously.
Former Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels looks to finish the season with Tim Harris Jr. as his new play-caller with Norvell gone.
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