Mike Norvell addresses Alabama pursuit, decision to stay at Florida State

As Alabama embarked on a search to replace Nick Saban after his sudden retirement, Mike Norvell’s name came up right away. He has turned Florida State around in a big way after taking over the program in 2020, and he had the Seminoles on the precipice of the College Football Playoff this year after winning the ACC.

Ultimately, he chose to stay in Tallahassee — and it got him a nice payday.

Norvell received a contract extension that will net him $10 million per year over eight years. He’s locked in with the Seminoles, although Alabama made a run at him. Norvell didn’t say much about Greg Byrne’s pursuit during an interview with ESPN’s Andrea Adelson, but said the idea of continuing to build up Florida State was a factor in his decision.

“You respect the place, you respect the position,” Norvell told Adelson. “At the end of the day, it still comes down to the right fit. It still comes down to the place where you want to be, and what puts you in a position that you can pour everything you have into it.

“We’ve been able to do that over the last four years here at Florida State. There’s a lot of excitement around our program. I’m just excited to continue to build upon the foundation that’s been laid.”

Norvell was out recruiting when he spoke with Adelson, calling the last 24 hours “wild” and “chaotic” as the rumors swirled. But now that he’s staying at Florida State, the university promised him an increased recruiting budget as part of more funding for resources. That comes in addition to his lucrative extension.

Now, as Alabama prepares to make Kalen DeBoer’s hire official, Mike Norvell said he’s shifting his focus the task at hand.

“There’s certain places where you hear or talk to or whatever that opportunity might be, but ultimately it came down to what we’re doing here,” Norvell said. “There’s been so much work and investment. We put our heart into everything we do here. To the players that have pushed so hard and to the guys that have come in, the excitement about what’s ahead, it’s been a wonderful place for me and my family. After four years, I’ve truly fallen in love with what it is to be a Seminole, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead this program.

“We’re just getting started on our journey.”