Mike Norvell on Alabama interest after Nick Saban retirement: 'Florida State is truly special'

Mike Norvell was on the Alabama list, reportedly, after Nick Saban’s retirement., but the Florida State coach ultimately stayed put in Tallahassee.

It’s hard to pass up an opportunity to go to Tuscaloosa and follow Saban. It’s also a pressured packed scenario, one Kalen DeBoer took head on by leaving Washington after going to a national championship game.

But Norvell believes he has everything he needs at Florida State, the pieces in place to bring a title to the university.

“Florida State, the job that I … get to work, is truly special and it is a special place,” Norvell said on Dusty and Danny in the Morning. “You go through your career and you know opportunities, conversations whatever they might be, you know and it’s the same for assistant coaches you know, as they go and you know, young men when they’re getting to pick places of where they want to choose to go to school, it’s always about the fit. 

“And you know, I truly believe that I have a special opportunity at a special place and you know, we really poured our heart into this program and continue to push it to get it back to where I was ultimately believe it deserves to be and that’s among the elite of college football and we’re excited about the the steps that have been taken.” 

But one ACC title and 13-1 season later, Norvell said it’s just the beginning. He was thrilled to stay put and continue his quest in Tallahassee.

“But I still believe there’s so much more in front of us and you know who I get to do it with,” Norvell said. “You know, we got a great administration from our president, Board of Trustees athletic director, a great alignment. There’s been an incredible investment. We got over $350 million of facility enhancements going on, whether it’s at Doak Campbell stadium or a football only facility, it’s so much investment to where we’re going.”.

Florida State and Norvell go into the 2024 season as one of the favorites in the ACC. With an expanded College Football Playoff, it might be hard to keep the Seminoles out this time.

Once you’re in the tournament, anything can happen.

“And it’s really special and so I’m grateful for the job I have and I’m working hard every day to make sure I represent all those in a first class fashion,” Norvell said. And so it’s just kind of staying focused on that next step that’s in front of us.”