Day one of ACC Media Days gave fans and reporters plenty to talk about.
From perceived quarterback slights to conference rankings, every fanbase had their fair share of talking points to get them through the home stretch of the offseason.
Believe it or not, though, the main attraction from the first day of ACC Media Days was none other than Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell.
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Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles looks on after a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023, in Gainesville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Despite his 7-17 record over the last two seasons — or, perhaps, because of it — Norvell’s offseason moves have been heavily scrutinized, and on Wednesday in Charlotte, the embattled FSU coach was a hot commodity among most of the media members in attendance.
It likely stems from his exorbitant buyout, but the topic on a lot of media members’ minds was whether Norvell is letting the idea of being on the hot seat affect his preparation for this coming season.
Norvell, to his credit, is brushing it all off and remaining focused on the year ahead.
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He told The Athletic he doesn’t believe he’s coaching for his job in an interview on Wednesday, then doubled down and told On3’s Brett McMurphy that he’s confident heading into the season.
“I have a lot of confidence in who I am, the people I get to do it with and the opportunity that we have in front of us,” Norvell said. “If we fulfill that, then the rest of it will take care of itself.”
While he is right about that, it’s hard to see where the confidence is coming from for Norvell.
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Florida State head coach Mike Norvell waves to fans before the start of an NCAA college football game against Jacksonville State Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
Somewhere hiding deep inside Norvell is a winning coach, evidenced by his 23-4 record during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, but that feels like a lifetime ago in the world of college football.
The Seminoles haven’t exactly been crushing it in the talent acquisition realm either, though it might not be through any monetary fault of their own.
High-level recruits and transfer portal targets likely view Norvell and the situation at Florida State as radioactive, with the proof being squarely in the pudding in the form of their 2027 recruiting class.
The Noles currently have the 53rd-ranked class as we speed towards the start of the season, with only six composite four-stars in the fold, a paltry sum for a program of FSU’s ilk.
The point is, the deck is stacked against Norvell for 2026 and beyond (if there happens to be a “beyond”).
If the beleaguered head coach can work himself out of this jam, it would be nearly unprecedented, and could have something to do with the aforementioned buyout.
I doubt the brass in Tallahassee wants to commit the capital to terminating Norvell, so both head coach and athletic department are stuck in limbo for now.
Head coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles meets with Brock Glenn #11 in the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on Dec. 30, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)
It hardly sounds like a situation any coach would be confident heading into, but give Norvell credit for at least putting on his best poker face while at ACC Media Days.
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I’m not sure I necessarily believe Norvell, and, to be honest, I’m not sure even he believes what he’s saying, but there is still a whole season left to be played.
Perhaps Norvell and crew pull off a minor miracle, but I’m not holding my breath.
