Mike Norvell addresses relationship with players entering year three

After three years as the head coach for Florida State, Mike Norvell has a more solid connection with his players. He thinks he better understands them and they better understand the sort of culture he aspires for.

Norvell spoke recently, noting thatthe Seminole players are starting to get on the same page with him

“I think it’s the consistency in the message. You know, guys understand the expectation and they embrace a process of it, you know. I don’t care how long you’ve been apart of something, when you get challenges, it’s never fun for the individual. But when you see guys embracing the coaching and they embrace the opportunity to get better.”

Also, now that veteran players have been through the ringer with Norvell in previous seasons, they can mentor young guys on how to battle through the adversity that comes their way.

“And then you have guys who have been through it who have grown night and day from when they were here a year ago. When they are able to live it out and they see a young guys that might be getting challenged in a moment, or having a moment of adversity, they’re putting their arm around them saying…man, that was me. I was just there. And look at what — I’ve been able to overcome that. It grows in the confidence of the work.”

Norvell stayed with that theme of confidence for this year’s team.

“That’s one thing. I think we are a confident team. But the confidence does come from the work. And that’s where I tell them it’s every day. I mean, you’re gonna build it or you’re gonna lose it. Because, you know, anybody can get out there and talk. And you’ll see a lot of teams that will do a lot of it.”

No talk for Mike Norvell’s team. He wants all action.

“I want an action-based team. I want a team that steps on that field and they know what they’re about to accomplish because of the work that they put in. That’s something that’s critical for us, and you know, I think as we’ve gotten into having those experiences, you know, that’s what’s really been pushed within this team.”