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Florida State’s coaching situation has quickly become one of college football’s biggest storylines. Mike Norvell entered 2026 under serious pressure after two difficult seasons. The Seminoles went 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025. They opened 2026 with a 1-2 record after losing 50-36 at Alabama. Florida State also fired athletic director Michael Alford on Sept. 14. That move added another layer to the uncertainty surrounding the program. Norvell remains Florida State’s head coach. However, speculation about possible replacements continues to grow. Here is a look at seven candidates connected to the opening, ranked by their current fit and profile.
- Jimbo Fisher
Jimbo Fisher would bring the most obvious connection to Florida State. Fisher coached the Seminoles from 2010 through 2017. He posted an 83-23 record during his Tallahassee tenure. He also won the 2013 national championship with Florida State. Fisher also won three straight ACC championships from 2012 through 2014. He later left Florida State for Texas A&M. His Aggies tenure produced a 45-25 record before Texas A&M fired him in 2023. Fisher has not coached since then. Still, his history makes this possibility different from every other candidate. Florida State fans already showed interest when Fisher returned to Tallahassee recently. The biggest question involves how Fisher would handle modern college football. NIL, revenue sharing and the transfer portal have transformed roster building.
- Kenny Dillingham
Kenny Dillingham brings a younger profile and direct Florida State experience. Dillingham worked at Florida State under Norvell during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He later became the Arizona State head coach. Dillingham led the Sun Devils to the Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff in 2024. Arizona State also produced multiple NFL players during his tenure. He reportedly turned down Michigan this offseason to remain at Arizona State. That decision could make a return to Tallahassee complicated. Still, his familiarity with the program gives him an intriguing connection.
- Rhett Lashlee
Rhett Lashlee has emerged as another major name in the discussion. Lashlee currently leads SMU, which has quickly established itself as an ACC contender. The Mustangs went 15-2 during their first two ACC seasons. Lashlee also brings extensive offensive experience. He previously served as Miami’s offensive coordinator from 2020 through 2021. The biggest hurdle involves getting him away from SMU. Lashlee signed an extension that runs through 2032. Florida State could still make the call. However, the Seminoles would have plenty of financial and competitive factors to overcome.
- Glenn Schumann
Glenn Schumann represents the coordinator route. Schumann currently serves as Georgia’s defensive coordinator. He started his coaching career at Alabama before joining Georgia in 2019. Georgia has produced 11 first-round defensive picks during Schumann’s time with the program. That résumé has made him a popular name on coaching search lists. Schumann has not yet become a Power Four head coach. Florida State could offer him his first opportunity. That makes him a less proven option than Fisher, but also a potentially fresh direction.
- Charles Huff
Charles Huff has built a strong coaching résumé through several stops. Huff previously worked under Nick Saban at Alabama. He later became a head coach at Marshall, Southern Miss and Memphis. He currently leads Memphis and has a combined 41-26 record across his head-coaching stops. The Memphis connection creates an interesting subplot. Norvell coached the Tigers before taking over at Florida State. Huff could provide a different voice and approach. However, Florida State might hesitate to repeat that coaching pipeline.
- Brian Hartline
Brian Hartline would represent one of the more aggressive hires. Hartline currently coaches South Florida. He previously became one of college football’s most respected recruiters at Ohio State. He helped recruit and develop several elite receivers, including Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. Hartline also brings strong Florida ties from his recruiting work. The major question involves experience. Hartline has only recently taken over a program as a head coach. However, his recruiting reputation could make him an appealing long-term candidate.
- Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders would bring the biggest name recognition to the search. Sanders remains a Florida State legend after starring for the Seminoles from 1986 through 1988. He earned unanimous All-American honors in 1987 and 1988. Sanders currently coaches Colorado. He owns an 18-21 record with the Buffaloes, according to The Sporting News’ latest candidate breakdown. His Florida State connection makes the possibility easy to understand. However, Sanders also has significant contractual ties to Colorado. He signed a five-year, $54 million extension that runs through 2029. That contract would make a move more complicated.
The Bigger Picture
Florida State has plenty of potential names to consider if Norvell leaves. Fisher offers history and championship experience. Dillingham offers youth and familiarity with the program. Lashlee brings recent ACC success and offensive expertise. Schumann represents an accomplished defensive coordinator. Huff offers head-coaching experience and program-building experience. Hartline brings elite recruiting credentials. Sanders would bring an unmistakable connection to Florida State’s history. For now, however, these remain potential candidates rather than confirmed finalists. Florida State has not announced a coaching search. The Seminoles’ next steps could depend heavily on how the 2026 season unfolds. That leaves plenty of questions surrounding Norvell and the future of Florida State football.
The question is when Norvell going to fired and the Florida State Seminoles will have a big decision to make.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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