When Florida fired Billy Napier on October 19, it sent shockwaves across the entire college football map. The Gators’ decision to eat his contract after a 22-23 record signaled one thing loud and clear. Job security is a myth in 2025. Ten coaches fired after Week 8. And now, another Sunshine State powerhouse might be next in line to write a nine-figure check for change. Because down in Tallahassee, the HC’s seat is burning hotter than a Florida summer afternoon.

Just one year ago, Mike Norvell was the golden boy of Florida State football. 13-0, an ACC title, and a sense that the Seminoles were “back.” Fast forward to now, FSU is 3-4, riding a three-game losing skid, and out of the ACC race before Halloween. The same coach who revived the program is now on the brink of being shown the door. Saturday’s 20-13 loss to Stanford was the latest punch in the gut. And replacement talks are already in the air. In a new episode on CBS Sports College Football on October 19, Chris Hummer laid out the potential candidates. “Lane was their target two years ago. And same people, guys like Drinkwitz and Alex Golesh, Jon Sumrall. Deion Sanders’ name is going to get thrown out there,” he said. As he bluntly added, “You’re not going to spend almost hundred million to go hire an assistant. At least in my opinion.”And in the world of college football, few names ring louder than Lane Kiffin and Deion Sanders.

Lane Kiffin feels tailor-made for a high-powered restart in Tallahassee. At Ole Miss, he’s crafted one of the SEC’s most lethal offenses while turning the Rebels into legitimate playoff contenders (50–19 since 2020). His $9 million-per-year deal runs through 2030, but if FSU decides to go all-in, he’d be the ultimate offensive mind to jolt the program back to national relevance.

Then there’s Deion Sanders, the prodigal son who never returned home. Florida State passed on Coach Prime last time, but with Mike Norvell’s seat melting, the thought of Prime Time pacing the sidelines at Doak Campbell is hard to ignore. Despite a modest 16-16 record at Colorado, his charisma, recruiting pull, and alumni ties could make him a lightning rod hire, especially if his health stabilizes.

If FSU decides not to break the bank for a headline hire, two stars are lurking – South Florida’s Alex Golesh (6-1) and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall (38-10). Both have built playoff-caliber programs with grit and innovation. Golesh’s win over Florida didn’t go unnoticed. Neither did Sumrall’s SEC-savvy resume. But when the boosters are this antsy, patience isn’t on the menu.

Will Florida State swing $100 Million to move on from Mike Norvell?

Mike Norvell’s contract runs through 2031, but those years may never see daylight. His buyout alone sits at a jaw-dropping $59.2 million, with the total cost of firing him and his staff estimated between $70 and $100 million, per Chris Hummer and On3. Sources told Pete Nakos that “momentum continues to build” for Florida State to move on from their HC. “The all-in cost to fire Norvell/his staff and make the next hire is in the $100M range😳” he wrote. 

Internal phone calls are already happening. As Nakos added, “Florida State decision makers are holding informal phone calls this morning to discuss the future under Mike Norvell.” The buyout may rival Jimbo Fisher’s $76.8 million Texas A&M payday but the pressure to win, and win now, might just make the risk worth it.

FSU’s next few games will either save Mike Norvell’s job or write the biggest check in program history. Because in Tallahassee, loyalty lasts only as long as the scoreboard looks good. And if the slide continues, don’t be surprised if the Doak lights up with one of college football’s biggest names and an even bigger bill.