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‘I Don’t Think It’s Jimbo Fisher’ — CFB Analyst Names 3 Potential Candidates For Florida State as Mike Norvell’s Job Hangs in the Balance

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell faces mounting pressure following a 44-20 loss to Louisville on October 10, 2026, a game that exposed significant defensive vulnerabilities and intensified speculation over his future. The Seminoles, who led 14-0 before losing control of the game, failed to capitalize on a fourth-and-goal opportunity near the end of the first quarter, allowing Louisville to score the game-changing 97-yard touchdown run by Isaac Brown, who finished with a career-high 235 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Louisville’s Kaleb Beasley sealed the win by stopping Florida State’s Jasen Lopez on a critical fourth-and-goal attempt, setting up the Cardinals’ decisive drive. The loss dropped the Seminoles to 3-3 (1-2 ACC) and marked their first road defeat since November 25, 2023, while also extending their recent struggles, including blowing a 21-6 lead against Alabama just four weeks prior.

Norvell, who called the performance an 'extremely poor performance,' now sits on the 'hottest seat' in college football, according to CBS Sports, with fans and analysts questioning whether he can restore the program’s competitive edge.

The Seminoles’ financial and on-field challenges further complicate Norvell’s position. Florida State’s athletic department is reportedly over $430 million in debt, a figure that underscores the urgency for a turnaround.

Meanwhile, the program’s 2026 roster cost just over $20 million in NIL spending, placing it in the middle of the ACC. Norvell’s contract includes a $46.7 million buyout, a financial hurdle that could deter the school from making a costly change.

Yet the loss to Louisville, combined with the Seminoles’ inability to secure a road win in nearly three years, has reignited calls for Norvell’s removal, with the upcoming game against Miami offering little immediate relief.

As the coaching search intensifies, a CFB analyst named three potential candidates for Florida State’s head coaching position, explicitly excluding Jimbo Fisher despite his storied legacy. The analyst highlighted Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, Duke’s Manny Diaz, and Louisville’s Jeff Brohm as alternatives.

Diaz, who previously coached at Florida State and Miami, stands out for his defensive expertise and recent conference title win at Duke. The analyst’s stance reflects a broader debate over whether Florida State should prioritize legacy over proven, contemporary leadership in its search for a coach who can navigate the program’s current challenges.

This report also draws on coverage from CBS Sports.

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