Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is feeling a bit more confident about his job security.
"I don't fear failure. I never have. I do fear regret," Norvell told The Athletic's Ralph D. Russo. "And the only thing that I could be in control of is me, the team, the guys that I get to lead on a daily basis.
"And so, you know, I just want to make sure that I don't regret any of the work or the investment into these guys to help put them in the best position for what I believe we can accomplish."
Norvell is entering his seventh season at Florida State following a four-year run at Memphis. After posting a 23-4 record across 2022 and 2023, the Seminoles have gone 7-17 the last two years and are coming off a disappointing 5-7 campaign.
Florida State started the 2025 season 3-0, highlighted by an upset victory over Alabama in the opener. However, the program went on to drop four consecutive games, all to ACC opponents. Ultimately, the Seminoles lost five contests by one score and finished the year ineligible for a bowl game.
Norvell's $51-million buyout is among the highest for college coaches. Ahead of last season's final game, Florida State announced that Norvell would return, shutting down any speculation that the school would move on after the year.
Fifth-year senior Ashton Daniels, who transferred from Auburn in January, was named Norvell's starting quarterback in April. He flashed his dual-threat ability toward the end of last season, posting 436 total yards and four touchdowns in a November loss to Vanderbilt.
"I'm excited about this group," Norvell said of his team entering the 2026 season. "Every position has a returning core."
Florida State opens the campaign against New Mexico State on Aug. 29.
