FSU's Mike Norvell Gets Honest About Returning to Playcalling Duties

The Florida State Seminoles went through another overhaul this past offseason, most notably with the announcement of former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn's retirement. FSU promoted wide receivers coach Tim Harris, Jr., to fill the position, and, as in past seasons, head coach Mike Norvell will resume play-calling duties, a job he relinquished last year to focus more on the administrative side of the football program.

This didn't come as much of a surprise. Norvell won the ACC in 2023 and has a track record of producing explosive offenses under his direction. Norvell recently appeared on ACC Network's Inside ACCess to discuss retaking the reins on offense, emphasizing that the structure that the front office has built around him will help improve Florida State's chances of success this upcoming season.

Norvell Confident in Offensive Transition

Oct 4, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Over his 10 seasons as a head coach, Norvell’s offenses have averaged 34.6 points per game, the third-highest mark nationally among head coaches active from 2016–26, so there isn't much to disagree about his ability to find success with the right personnel. Florida State has aimed to correct its recent fall from grace, adding Harris and new general manager John Garret to the mix. The expansion of staff, Norvell says, will allow him the flexibility to focus heavily on the offense.

"Being able to promote Tim Harris as our new offensive coordinator. Tim is a wonderful leader of men and has done a great job, and has been in this role before," Norvell said. "With some of the developments within our program, the hiring of John Garrett and Taylor Edwards in our personnel and recruiting department, I think, has really allowed me a lot more flexibility to do the things that are necessary."

Continuity and Playmakers Define FSU’s Offensive Vision

Norvell and Malzahn's relationship started during their time at Tulsa where Malzahn helped mentor Norvell. A lot of the early foundations of Norvell's offense are based on that tutelage. Norvell doesn't feel like the transition back to playcalling will be that much of a hurdle.

"I think foundationally, there are so many things that carried over throughout the years… It is still about the 2026 Florida State football team and this offense," Norvell continued. "This is an offense that is built for playmakers, and I feel like we've got a great number of playmakers within this offense, and we'll be able to utilize their skills and their talents and showcase that in a variety of different ways."

Florida State paced the ACC in both total offense and rushing offense in 2025, marking the second time in four seasons the Seminoles have led the conference in both categories. FSU’s 472.1 yards per game ranked sixth nationally, which is on par with what is expected in Tallahassee, Florida. Norvell said that the main focus moving forward will still be on establishing the run and building explosive plays off of that.

"We still have to have a great focus on being able to establish the run, and I think that is something that is critically important," Norvell continued. "Obviously, the explosive plays that surround that and the things that we are going to be able to do on the ground and in the air, and being able to move and position our players to go out and showcase who they are."

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