Mike Norvell reveals where his talks with Michael Alford stand about Florida State program

After another frustrating loss pushed Florida State to the brink, head coach Mike Norvell was asked directly about his communication with athletic director Michael Alford. With speculation about his future intensifying, Norvell made it clear that the two remain in constant dialogue as the Seminoles stumble toward the end of a disappointing 2025 season.

“I mean, Michael and I, we talk all the time,” Norvell said after FSU’s 21-11 loss at NC State. “He’s there. He’s at practice every week. He comes out, he’s actively around the program like he’s always been. I understand the expectation. I understand what we have to do. And we didn’t get it done tonight. It’s constant communication like we always have been.” 

The sentiment mirrors his earlier comments this season following a loss to Stanford, when Norvell vowed he was “pouring everything” into the program despite results falling short of expectations.

Alford addressed the state of Seminoles football back in October, issuing a statement that reaffirmed support but also signaled that accountability would come at season’s end: “Florida State football benefits from unmatched passionate support. … The commitment to our football program is unwavering,” Alford wrote. “We have high expectations. … We share the deep disappointment when results on the field are short of that standard. 

“Our comprehensive assessment of the football program will be completed at season’s end. Meanwhile, we are fully committed to helping Coach Norvell and the 2025 Seminoles strongly rebound in the coming weeks.”

Instead of rebounding, the Seminoles have spiraled deeper into inconsistency. Friday’s loss in Raleigh dropped Florida State to 5-6 overall and 2-6 in ACC play, continuing a baffling pattern in which the team has struggled to string together positive performances, especially on the road. Norvell is now 0-4 against NC State and has lost six of seven in the series, further amplifying frustration.

The pressure, fairly or not, keeps mounting. FSU sits one loss away from missing a bowl for the second time in three years and remains far from the program that they were expected to be.

Norvell insists he believes in what he’s building, but even he acknowledges that belief must be matched by wins: “The last results have not been good enough, and they have to get better,” he said earlier this year.

Florida looms next in Week 14, a rivalry matchup that suddenly holds massive weight for both programs. The Gators have endured their own chaotic season, firing Billy Napier and navigating a reset under interim leadership. 

On paper, it’s a winnable game for a Seminoles team searching for something positive to grab onto. In reality, nothing has come easy for Florida State in 2025.

One thing is certain, and that’s that Norvell and Alford will continue talking. What those conversations ultimately lead to will be decided by what happens next Saturday, and by a season-long evaluation that awaits after the final whistle.