Report: Florida State committed to 'substantial' financial increase in resources to keep Mike Norvell

While he’s staying in Tallahassee to coach the Florida State program for now, Alabama apparently took a long, hard look at trying to hire Mike Norvell away from the Seminoles. But for now, Norvell is staying put.

And a big reason behind his decision to stay was not only a hefty contract extension, but further promises to expand funding for the football program, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger. The promises included expanded budgets and resources for recruiting and other functions of the program.

Norvell was also offered, and took, an eight-year contract extension that will raise his pay to more than $10 million annually.

Florida State is also currently undertaking a massive facilities project for football, investing nearly half a billion dollars into football stadium renovations and a football-specific operations center. The current price tag is around $450 million.

And as it became clear the Seminoles would retain Norvell, the giddy feeling couldn’t be contained. Florida State athletic director Michael Alford sent a not-so-cryptic message to Seminoles faithful on Friday.

Norvell reportedly was set to interview with Alabama

While Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne has told us to believe nothing about the coaching search, there is still speculation out there. Oregon‘s Dan Lanning put an end to his name being linked with the Crimson Tide, announcing he will not be leaving Eugene. A few names remain to replace Nick Saban and according to a report, three could earn interviews.

“Among those emerging as serious contenders along the lines of earning interviews: Washington coach Kalen DeBoer, Norvell and incumbent Tide offensive coordinator Tommy Rees,” John Brice of Football Scoop said.

If Lanning was the hottest name out the gates, the title may not belong to DeBoer. He is fresh off a national championship appearance and is a proven winner. DeBoer’s story was told many times while Washington made a College Football Playoff run, beginning at Sioux Falls and eventually landing in Seattle.

A number Alabama fans could get behind is DeBoer’s career record as a head coach, coming in at 104-12. While the majority of those wins are not at the FBS level, it speaks to the type of programs DeBoer has built in the past.

Rees would be the most familiar candidate of them all. Saban hired Rees this offseason to replace Bill O’Brien, snatching him from Notre Dame. There was a learning curve for the Alabama offense this season but things eventually got figured out with Jalen Milroe at quarterback.

Rees has never been a head coach in his life and is less than a decade into his coaching career.