If rock bottom had a basement, Florida State might have just found it. The once-proud Seminoles, a program that seemed on the brink of revival, now find themselves spiraling into uncertainty. Head coach Mike Norvell, once hailed as the architect of FSU’s resurgence, is suddenly on the hot seat, with faith in his leadership hanging by a thread.
And perhaps the most damning sign yet? His biggest believer, Josh Pate, is starting to lose hope.
“If 2025 is not drastically different for Florida State, I may be out.”
For a coach whose tenure has already weathered storms of controversy, heartbreak, and disappointment, this is the last thing Norvell needed. But let’s be real—no one can blame Pate for having doubts.
The Fall from Playoff Contenders to Punchline
Remember when Florida State fans believed 2024 was their redemption arc? The brutal playoff snub in 2023 had them rallying behind the idea that, with a 12-team format on the horizon, their time was coming.
Narrator: It was not.
Instead of a triumphant return to dominance, FSU’s 2024 season descended into chaos. The team’s quarterback situation was a disaster, with DJ Uiagalelei, Brock Glenn, and Luke Kromenhoek all failing to fill the void left by Jordan Travis. The offense sputtered, the defense crumbled, and suddenly, Florida State fans were left staring at a nightmare scenario:
“Florida State had more inches of snow than wins this season!”
That joke stings because it’s closer to the truth than anyone wants to admit.
So, what does Norvell do when everything is falling apart? Hit reset.
A Desperate Coaching Overhaul: Will It Save FSU?
To his credit, Norvell isn’t sitting on his hands. He recognized the problems and went full scorched-earth mode on his coaching staff:
- Offensive Coordinator Alex Atkins? Gone.
- Defensive Coordinator Adam Fuller? Gone.
- Wide Receivers Coach Ron Dugans? Also gone.
Was it necessary? Absolutely.
FSU’s offense ranked among the worst in the nation, while the defense collapsed at every crucial moment. A staff shake-up was the only logical move, but here’s the burning question:
Did Norvell make the right hires?
Gus Malzahn: Savior or Walking Red Flag?
For offensive coordinator, Norvell went big, landing Gus Malzahn.
On paper, Malzahn is a high-profile hire, but the reality is murkier. His tenure at UCF ended in flames, and let’s not forget—the man resigned right before he could be fired. That’s not exactly a confidence booster.
However, there’s no denying Malzahn’s offensive pedigree. If anyone can inject life into this stagnant attack, it might be him. But if things go south? FSU fans will be quick to turn on him.
Tony White: A Gamble on Defense
The defensive coordinator hire is even more intriguing. Instead of a proven commodity, Norvell rolled the dice on Tony White, a guy known for his 3-3-5 defensive scheme.
White’s approach could be a stroke of genius or an absolute disaster—there’s no middle ground. His system demands elite athletes and total buy-in, and if the transition doesn’t click? FSU’s defense could somehow get even worse.
Tim Harris: The Most Puzzling Hire of Them All
And then there’s Tim Harris, the new wide receivers coach.
Harris has a solid reputation, with UCF desperately trying to keep him and FIU pushing to hire him. That’s a positive sign, and his work with Javon Baker (who went from Alabama bust to draft prospect) is noteworthy.
But let’s be real—is this the hire that fixes FSU’s biggest weakness? Fans aren’t convinced.
The Smigiel Disaster: Losing a Blue-Chip QB
Just when things couldn’t get worse, FSU took another gut punch—the loss of five-star QB Brady Smigiel from their 2026 recruiting class.
And this isn’t just about one player—it’s about what it represents.
Smigiel lit up his junior season, throwing for 60 touchdowns, just three interceptions, and adding 11 rushing scores. That’s video game-level dominance. Naturally, his stock skyrocketed, and suddenly, Florida State wasn’t the hottest option anymore.
Now? Six major programs are in the mix for Smigiel, including:
- Michigan
- Michigan State
- Ohio State
- Washington
- South Carolina
- UCLA
Norvell’s shot at reeling him back in? Close to zero.
And let’s be clear—losing a potential franchise quarterback in a rebuild is devastating. If FSU doesn’t find a new answer under center, they’ll remain stuck in irrelevance.
The Verdict: Is Norvell Running Out of Time?
Right now, Mike Norvell is walking a tightrope over a raging fire.
The coaching changes were necessary, but risky. The quarterback situation is a mess. Recruiting is trending downward. And perhaps most importantly? The belief in him is fading.
Josh Pate’s warning wasn’t just a throwaway comment—it was a reflection of the growing doubt surrounding Norvell’s future.
If 2025 doesn’t bring a major turnaround, Norvell won’t just lose Josh Pate’s support—he might lose his job.
