Mike Norvell understands his role as Florida State looks to rebound in 2025

Mike Norvell has a lot on his plate as the Florida State Seminoles head into the 2025 season.

He must get his program back on track, or it could cost him his job. Norvell had gone 31-17 over his first four seasons in Tallahassee. He even had the Seminoles knocking on the door of the College Football Playoff before quarterback Jordan Travis' career-ending leg injury in 2023.

Unfortunately, the highs that FSU experienced in 2023 were blotted out by the lows of the 2024 season, which saw the Seminoles go just 2-10 with multiple embarrassing losses.

Norvell is now trying to regain his mojo as he works to get Florida State prepared for the upcoming season. The way he sees it, it's his job to uphold the standard of FSU football, and to him, that means making sure that it is met everywhere and at all points in his program.

“Obviously, we have a high standard here,” Norvell said in his Monday media availability (h/t On3). “We all have to uphold that. We ask a lot of our players, we ask a lot of our coaches. I ask a lot out of myself. If I’m not willing to be able to address all things that I get to see and impact to make sure that we’re upholding that, then, obviously, I’m not doing my job.”

Following a 52-3 loss to Notre Dame, offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans were all handed their walking papers.

Former college head coach Gus Malzahn now runs the offense, and former Nebraska associate head coach and defensive coordinator Tony White is in charge of the defensive side of the ball.

The Seminoles are also pinning a lot of hope on Boston College transfer QB Tommy Castellanos, who has potential as a dual-threat for FSU. 

There are some new faces in charge, but ultimately, success or failure for SU in 2025 comes down to Norvell and his ability to lead them.

Is his past success an indicator that he can be the one to right the ship? We'll likely get that answer early in the 2025 campaign. Florida State plays Alabama to kick things off on Aug. 30.