Why FSU football assistants say sticking with Mike Norvell is a positive

Business was conducted as usual for Florida State football on Sunday.

Despite widespread speculation and intrigue on the future of Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell, the program pushed on as usual. Clarity came when FSU announced Norvell will return to coach the team in 2026, which meant all eyes turned to preparation for a rivalry clash with Florida.

The Seminoles held normal team meetings and practiced in the evening. Both offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Tony White feel the statement released by FSU's administration to keep Norvell can help lift some pressure on players.

"First of all, our players love Coach Norvell," Malzahn said. "I think anything like that helps teams, helps finish, and all that. I expect that to be a positive."

"I believe that statement only brings positive vibes for everybody... You see the guys jump around at practice," White said. "Good vibes, any positive energy hopefully perpetuates itself into more positive energy."

Norvell said in the press release he will "institute fundamental changes in specific areas to improve performance to meet FSU’s championship standard." Both Malzahn and White said they are focused on finishing the season strong and helping the team get bowl eligible.

The program is expected to undergo staff changes, and White said everyone is under the microscope, given the results on the field. But both coaches said they intend to return to the program.

With Norvell's future clear, bowl eligibility is the lone focus for FSU football

The Seminoles (5-6, 2-6 ACC) are a game away from a postseason bid and need to win on the road for the first time since 2023, with the last win away from home coming against the Gators.

A 21-11 loss to NC State took FSU's winless run away from home to 10 games. Both Malzahn and White want improvement from their sides of the ball ahead of the season finale against the Seminoles' rival, with White saying there is "no scoreboard" in a game as tense as that.

Malzahn said the offense needs to slow things down and take a simple approach against Florida.

"Bottom line this week, going to the Swamp, obviously playing a rival, we've got to find a way to generate points," Malzahn said. "We've got to get off to a good start, and that's what we will be focused on."

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter @__liamrooney.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Mike Norvell staying a good thing in FSU football coordinators' eyes