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How is Mike Norvell still employed? Buyout, leadership uncertainty keeping hot seat coach at Florida State

Mike Norvell remains the head coach at Florida State despite a 44-20 defeat to Louisville, a game in which the Seminoles surrendered a 14-0 advantage. Louisville running back Isaac Brown capitalized on the collapse with a 97-yard touchdown run and a 68-yard score, finishing with 235 rushing yards.

This loss marks the second time in four weeks that Florida State has blown a double-digit lead, following a similar collapse against Alabama. Historically, the program had not lost by 14 or more points after leading by 14 in any of the previous 385 games spanning three decades.

The university has been reluctant to dismiss Norvell due to a $46.7 million buyout clause in his contract. This financial hurdle is significant given that Florida State is currently spending just over $20 million on its 2026 roster, placing it in the middle of the ACC in terms of NIL investment.

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