Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell is out of options, and he's almost out of time. After former Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn retired from coaching, Norvell replaced him as FSU's play-caller by calling his own number.
That's right. Norvell was the only man who would do the job. Per Noles247's Brendan Sonnone, "I'm told that Mike Norvell will call plays for FSU this season." The last time Norvell called plays was 2024, when the Seminoles went 2-10.
No veteran savior is walking through Doak's doors on 403 Stadium Dr. to be the program's play-caller. There wasn't enough interest in that risk from the pool of football coaches still looking for employment.
Tim Harris was named as the team's offensive coordinator, but his job will continue to be working with receivers and the passing game, plus continuing his strong work on the recruiting trail. Per A to Z Sports' Justin Churchill, "If there is one thing Harris has done well, it’s been the wide receivers coach for the Noles last season. Look at the season that Duce Robinson had, as well as the development of Micahi Danzy. He’s also done a good job of recruiting for the position, even if the star ratings haven’t exactly been there. For example, Jayvan Boggs could end up being an elite receiver whom Harris helped recruit."
Harris can bring in talent and coach up the receivers. Still, as long as Norvell's giving up good field position to the opposition and dialing up predictable, milquetoast plays, the Noles' offense has an artificial ceiling.
Mike Norvell's lack of established Gus Malzahn replacements means he's officially a lame duck
Norvell must feel the heat on his seat after Malzahn's sudden retirement.
If CBS Sports' Bud Elliot is correct, and the move was a financial one for FSU's books' sake, there is clearly a waning commitment to Norvell's future in Tallahassee. Given recent results, since their infamous 2023/2024 CFP heartbreak, it's hard to justify going overboard for their lame duck head coach.
It'll be another lost season for the Noles, as long as Norvell is running the show. Maybe an interim coach, like Harris, can pick up the pieces, but FSU is miles behind the rival Miami Hurricanes in their race for ACC supremacy.