$84 Million College Football Coach Named Most Likely To Be Fired

The measure of a college football coach is often defined by immediate results rather than long-term potential. When a massive financial commitment meets a string of disappointing outcomes, a coaching staff's grace period vanishes quickly.

Athletic departments are increasingly willing to navigate astronomical buyout figures to find a winning formula. The pressure to justify an eight-figure contract creates an environment where every Saturday feels like a referendum on a coach's future.

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell finds himself at the center of this storm, as noted in a recent Fansided article, which labeled him a top candidate for termination in 2026. Despite signing a historic $84 million contract extension ahead of the 2024 season, the lack of momentum in Tallahassee since the Seminoles' stellar 2023 campaign has put the administration on high alert.

Mike Norvell hot seat rumors, Florida State 2026 firing predictions

Norvell’s journey has been a turbulent mix of elite success and baffling failure. After leading the Seminoles to a perfect 13-0 regular season and an ACC title in 2023, the bottom fell out during a disastrous two-win campaign in 2024.

The program showed minor signs of life in 2025 by finishing 5-7, but the progress was not enough to satisfy a fanbase accustomed to national relevance. Opening that season with a victory over Alabama proved to be a false dawn rather than a true resurgence.

Financial implications remain the primary hurdle for any potential change in leadership. Norvell is currently tied to a massive $84 million contract that runs through the 2031 season.

Mike Norvell before the game against Florida — Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell walks out of the tunnel before a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

If the school chose to move on after the 2025 season, they would be responsible for a buyout totaling approximately $58.4 million. That figure drops to $45.6 million following the 2026 season, making that year a critical pivot point for the university.

Athletic director Michael Alford has already signaled that the upcoming months represent a defining moment for the football program. He recently noted that failing to compete at the highest level is unacceptable given the resources currently provided.

To spark an offensive turnaround, Norvell is reclaiming his role as the primary playcaller following the retirement of Gus Malzahn. He will need to extract high-level production from quarterback Ashton Daniels, who arrived as a transfer from Auburn with limited statistical success.

Predicting the first four head coaches to get fired next season, via Fansided✌️ pic.twitter.com/HGYiBkWQ6v
— College Football Alerts  (@CFBAlerts_) February 19, 2026

The costs associated with a total overhaul are eye-watering, with some estimates suggesting the price of replacing the entire staff could exceed $100 million. This financial burden is balanced against the risk of further stagnation in the competitive ACC.

The 2026 schedule offers little room for a slow start, featuring early tests against Alabama and SMU. A difficult mid-season stretch against Clemson and Miami could ultimately decide if the administration is willing to pay the price for a fresh start.

The Florida State Seminoles' spring practices are expected to begin around Monday, March 9.