Saying the days of college football have changed is an understatement. Between the NIL era, the transfer portal, constant coaching turnover, money grabs, and a shifting culture of what it means to work hard and reap the reward, the sport barely resembles what it was a decade ago.
Some Florida State fans might bristle at this next point, but Deion Sanders once said, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.” The relationship with Sanders has soured in parts of the fan base, but that line feels more relevant now than perhaps at any other moment in college football.
Sans a complete run of the table for Mike Norvell, the only guaranteed outcome in today’s version of college football is the paycheck. In a sport where branding and buyouts often outpace results, the line between “paid good” and “played good” has never been thinner.
READ MORE: FSU athletic director makes stunning statement on Mike Norvell’s future
And if I’m quoting FSU greats, another comes to mind. Bobby Bowden once said there are four stages of coaching: first, you lose big; then you lose small; then you win small; and then you win big. But lately, it feels like Florida State has been sprinting through all four stages in a loop rather than climbing them in order.
The administration has responded after Florida State’s fourth loss with what could be described as a familiar playbook: affirm the fanbase, acknowledge the standard, and call for patience. But while the statement projects composure, fans and alumni are reading between the lines, forming their own conclusions about what “evaluation at season’s end” really means.
This decision is dumb. Yes, the money is a lot, but you’re going to lose so much more by NOT firing Norvell right now.
– Recruits
– Booster support
– NIL contributions
– Fan supportAll out the door until he’s gone. Waiting until the end of the season will set FSU back further.
— TJ Salomone (@TJSalomone) October 20, 2025
Michael Alford deserves to be fired today. A complete slap in the face to every fan that supports this program.
I truly can’t believe Mike Norvell is still employed. This isn’t a serious athletic department. https://t.co/ll2X8l3XHl
— FSU Plays Daily (@FSUplays) October 20, 2025
By not firing Norvell you are signing up for a homecoming game with about as toxic an atmosphere as possible. How anyone thinks this is a good idea is beyond me.
— FSU Uniform Tracker (@NolesUnis) October 20, 2025
Mike Norvell was 42 years old when Florida State won its last ACC game. Norvell turned 44 two weeks ago. FSU has lost last 9 ACC games & is 1-11 in ACC play since 2024
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 20, 2025
When i turned it off Saturday night i turned it off for the year. I think im good on FSU football until the school gets serious about football again.
— Disguised Tweet Violating ‘Nole (@SpartacusNole) October 20, 2025
Title Packers Tampa Spt Guldan 3 / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel files, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Former FSU defensive back Greedy Vance
This what happens when you have 50 new players on the roster and lose 30 the year prior to the portal. Bringing in guys giving them more opportunity and money than people who already been in the program for multiple years. But hey who am I ?? https://t.co/gmcrRAtDfZ
— Greedy Vance🏁 (@iam_jvxiiii) October 20, 2025
College Football Hall of Famer Marvin Jones
This is always a tough thing when you see a coach you have a great deal of respect for go thru this. It’s never fun but it’s a part of the game ! Good Night Seminole land ! ❤️🙏
— Marvin Shade Jones (@MarvinJonesJets) October 20, 2025
Super Bowl Champion LeRoy Butler
I’m speechless @Seminoles smh!!
— leroy butler (blue check) (@leap36) October 19, 2025
2013 BCS National Champion Freddie Stevenson
I gotta start wearing a “I went to fsu when they were good” shirt around so people don’t look at me with that stank look in public
It’s crazy that it’s gotten this bad
— freddie stevenson (@strugglemade105) October 19, 2025
Former Linebacker Dontavious Jackson
It’s finna get ugly.
— 5 (@DJACKV_) October 20, 2025
Former Wide Receiver Kentron Poitier
I’m with you on that brudda been saying this for the past year or so. Where the loyalty to the ones that committed and been there for u? Transfer don’t owe you nothing but you give them the world that crazy. And the ones that there busting their ass just get push tho the back. https://t.co/j1R3NEr0As
— Kentron Poitier (@kentron_p) October 20, 2025
While the Seminoles have drifted back into national punchline territory, there is still time to gather the pieces scattered over the past two seasons. Running the table might not be enough, and given the remaining schedule, it might not even be feasible.
It starts with Wake Forest in early November, but among donors, boosters, and fans, there is an overwhelming sense that this could mark the beginning of the end for the current coaching staff.
READ MORE: Kickoff time, TV channel announced for FSU football vs. Wake Forest
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