Florida State expected to hire Mike Norvell as head coach

In case Mark Stoops’ recent words and actions didn’t end speculation of him being a potential candidate for the Florida State job, today’s news might do the trick.

This evening, news broke that Memphis head coach Mike Norvell has agreed to a deal with Florida State to become the school’s next head coach, with a press conference scheduled for tomorrow.

ESPN was one of numerous major outlets to report the news on Saturday.

Breaking: Memphis' Mike Norvell has agreed to a deal to become Florida State's next head coach, sources tell @ClowESPN. pic.twitter.com/EUEi2NBxj0

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2019

In four seasons at Memphis, Norvell has led the program to unprecedented heights, including a 12-1 finish and an AAC title game victory this season. The Tigers are expected to earn an invitation to the Cotton Bowl as the highest-ranked Group of 5 team.

Stoops, who reportedly met with Florida State officials in late November and withdrew his name from consideration, told reporters after UK’s blowout victory over UT Martin two weeks ago that he was “going to be at Kentucky” next year and moving forward.

“This is where my heart is, this is where I’m going to be,” said Stoops. “I’m going to be at Kentucky.”

Now, it looks like any chance of a potential change of heart are officially gone.