By now, most people are well aware of FSU’s disastrous 2-10 finish, which was the first time since 1973. And how it has been etched in college football history for all the wrong reasons. But enough about these grim stats. After all, they are just numbers, and in the 2025 season, they can change for good, right? At least, that’s what Mike Norvell is out to do as he hired a new defensive analyst, who also has a previous connection with Tony White, FSU’s defensive coordinator.

Last year, the Seminoles ranked 108th out of 134 teams in total defense and allowed 385.9 yards per game. This was a stark contrast with their 2023 season when FSU ranked 14th in stop rate (75%) and their DC, Adam Fuller, helped the team reach 13-0 in the regular season, grabbing an ACC championship. However, now that Tony White is the new DC on a $1.6 million contract for FSU, the defense is expected to improve.

Last year at Nebraska, Tony White’s defense was the only unit that was racking up top numbers game after game. For instance, they ranked 12th nationally in defense, allowing just 104.8 yards per game, and were 18th in scoring defense. So, the expectations are high with Tony White as Mike Norvell’s new DC. And guess what? Norvell just hired an old companion of White who also has significant experience as a head coach in FBS.

According to a recent report by 247 Sports’ Brendan Sonnone, Mike Norvell has added former Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett to the analyst role. “Florida State has hired former Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett to its coaching staff in an analyst role, Noles247 has learned. Arnett is expected to help the Seminoles on the defensive side of the football, working under defensive coordinator Tony White.” Reported Brendan Sonnone. But what is Zach Arnett’s connection with Tony White?

When White was the linebackers’ coach in New Mexico in 2008, Arnett was playing as a linebacker for the Lobos. So, that old relationship will surely rekindle, and the two will have a great time together. As for Arnett’s individual experience, his resume is stacked with it. Arnett began his career at San Diego State, where he was hired as a graduate assistant when Rocky Long was the head coach. After three seasons in, Arnett was promoted to linebackers coach and was named their DC in 2018.

The new FSU defensive coordinator left his San Diego State job and was hired by Syracuse for just 11 days as their DC. He quickly switched to the same role at Mississippi State under Mike Leach, and when the head coach was hospitalized in December 2022, he was named interim head coach. After Mike Leach’s death, Arnett was named the 35th head coach for the program, but was fired in November and didn’t complete the full year. Apart from these stints, he also worked as a defensive analyst at Ole Miss last year, but Ole Miss later fired him. All in all, Arnett’s experience will be crucial now, combined with Tony White’s coaching prowess for FSU.

FSU AD, Michael Alford, sets the record straight on Mike Norvell’s firing rumors

Mike Norvell is entering the 2025 season with harsh criticisms on his back and high expectations after the debacles of the last season. No slip-up will be forgiven, and at least 8 wins would be required if Mike Norvell does not want to face scrutiny. That being said, his $9.9 million per year salary, which goes till 2031. His buyout remains 85% of the remaining compensation, and that’s why firing him will be too costly for FSU. So, given that, what would be the expectations from him?

FSU AD, Michael Alford, appeared on the June 9th episode of the Gramlich and Mac Lain podcast and set the expectations for Mike Norvell. “It’s the same expectations I have every year, improvement. We are changing our offensive philosophy. I think it’s a great move. Mike and I spoke about it for a couple years ago when he became the offensive coordinator, how long did he want to do that before we had to make another adjustment. To be able to get Gus [Malzahn] when that opportunity presented itself. You’re talking about historically one of the greatest offensive coordinators in college football. It’s just to have him now full time, just want to coach the offense, and I call him the mad scientist is one him sitting there.” The message seems simple.

FSU is persisting with Mike Norvell, because it’s too costly not to do that. But setting aside the costly buyout money, Mike Norvell has shown progress this season with hiring one of the offensive maestros in Gus Malzahn. He has also roped in a 20th-ranked class nationally, which is great after a 2-10 season, and has cut down his overreliance on transfer portal players. All of this combined shows that the 2025 season might be where the revival happens.