Florida State may have a familiar name in mind to replace Mike Norvell

Jimbo Fisher. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Florida State may have a familiar name in mind to replace Mike Norvell

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 18, 2026 4:44 PM ET

It is well-known that the Mike Norvell era for the Florida State Seminoles is coming to an end in the near future. The university began the week in the news with the firing of athletic director Michael Alford.

Norvell's dismissal could come as soon as after Saturday's game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, and FSU is reportedly looking into a reunion with a former coach of the program.

Jimbo Fisher is on Florida State's radar

According to college football insider Bruce Feldman, FSU is looking into a possible reunion with former head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Fisher spent eight seasons with the Seminoles (2010-2017), going 83-23 and winning three ACC Championships (2012-2014) and a National Championship in 2013.

According to reports, Fisher "really wants" the FSU job if it becomes available and hopes a reunion between the two sides can happen.

Florida State is looking into bringing back Jimbo Fisher as head coach if they fire Mike Norvell, per @BruceFeldmanCFB.

Fisher reportedly "really wants the job" after spending 8 seasons as the Seminoles' HC and winning a national championship in 2013. pic.twitter.com/D893DluIDx
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 18, 2026

Jimbo Fisher is now pushing hard behind the scenes to return to Florida State as their next head coach, per @TheAthletic.

Fisher is waiting on the Seminoles to fire Mike Norvell, which could happen as early as this weekend.

Fisher was Florida State’s head coach from 2010-2017. pic.twitter.com/n4iTMhMSSv
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 18, 2026

Can Jimbo Fisher coach in the new era of college football?

After his departure from Florida State, Fisher spent the 2018-2023 seasons at Texas A&M, compiling a 45-25 record before being fired just two weeks before the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Fisher's departure from the college football scene was just prior to the new era of transfer portal and NIL madness, leaving many to wonder if he can adapt his coaching style to the new-school way of NIL money and roster overhauls.

This could all become a moot point if Norvell and the Seminoles go on a crazy run and somehow reach the College Football Playoff. That is unlikely to happen, though, so it will be intriguing to see when the decision to Norvell comes and if that means a reunion with Fisher is the direction the administration decides to go.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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