Florida State head coach Mike Norvell recently offered a candid assessment of the Seminoles’ disappointing campaign, providing a brutally honest reflection on the team’s performance and his own expectations for the program. The 2024 season, which many expected to be a breakthrough year for the Seminoles, has instead been marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering where things went wrong.
Norvell, who took over as head coach of Florida State in 2020, acknowledged that the Seminoles have not met the standard they set for themselves heading into the season. After an impressive 2023 campaign, which saw the team finish strong and make a bowl game, expectations were high for 2024. Norvell’s squad had a strong nucleus of returning players, including key contributors on offense and defense, and the Seminoles appeared poised to challenge for a spot in a major postseason bowl. However, the results on the field have been underwhelming, leading to frustrations both within the program and among the fanbase.
In his remarks, Norvell emphasized the importance of accountability. “The standard at Florida State is to compete for championships, and right now, we’re not doing that,” he said. “We’ve had our share of setbacks, and it’s on me to get this team back on track. There’s no excuse for the inconsistency we’ve shown this season.” Norvell’s admission that the team’s shortcomings fall squarely on his shoulders reflects his commitment to the program and his responsibility as a leader. While the Seminoles have shown flashes of brilliance, they’ve also been plagued by errors in key moments, including turnovers, missed tackles, and questionable game management decisions.
One area that Norvell highlighted in his take was the team’s struggles with discipline and execution, particularly in high-pressure situations. “We have to be better prepared, more disciplined, and more focused,” he said. “Too many times, we’ve let opportunities slip away in the fourth quarter, and that falls on me as the head coach.” This self-awareness from Norvell underscores his determination to fix the issues plaguing his squad, rather than deflecting blame onto players or assistants.
The Florida State offense, which was expected to be a strength, has also been inconsistent. Quarterback play has been a focal point of criticism, with turnovers and missed throws at critical junctures hurting the Seminoles’ chances in several games. Norvell expressed frustration with the offense’s inability to sustain drives and finish in the red zone. “We have the talent to be successful on offense, but we need to execute better in key moments,” he explained. “It’s frustrating because I know we’re capable of more.”
Defensively, Florida State has been prone to giving up big plays at inopportune times, which has been especially evident in their losses. While the Seminoles have talent on the defensive side of the ball, inconsistency in coverage and a lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks have been major issues.
Despite these challenges, Norvell remains optimistic about the future. He spoke about the team’s potential to turn things around, noting that they have the talent and coaching to get back on track. “This season isn’t over,” he said. “We still have a lot to play for, and I believe in the guys in that locker room. But we need to come together and play at the level we know we’re capable of.”
In the end, Norvell’s brutally honest take on the disappointing season shows a head coach who is fully invested in improving his team, taking full responsibility for the issues, and acknowledging the need for significant progress. While the 2024 season may not unfold as hoped, his transparency and determination to lead Florida State back to prominence will be key to rebuilding the program and restoring the Seminoles to national relevance.
