Rumblings from Tallahassee are that if Alabama beats Florida State badly on Saturday, Mike Norvell will be fired. FSU fan site Chop Chat is already discussing the best coaches to replace Norvell, stating, "It's only a matter of time."
Firing Norvell may be a no-brainer for FSU, but doing it will come with a heavy price. Reportedly, Norvell has a $50 million buyout through this year or season. Purportedly, it does not have to be paid out in a lump sum. On3's Pete Nakos estimated that Norvell's and his assistant coaches' buyouts will total $100 million.
Based on recent projections, FSU has a more serious problem than paying Norvell and staff buyouts. The Noles' football player payroll could be seriously lacking. Nakos reminds us that top football player payrolls are now $45-50 million. It is believed that Florida State could only afford to spend $25 million.
Alabama has a money advantage over FSU
According to The Athletic's project tracking the football budgets of the 68 Power Four teams, the Seminoles lag behind 27 other teams. Twelve of the higher payroll teams are in the SEC, including FSU's major rival, the Florida Gators. Mississippi State has a larger payroll than FSU, and Vanderbilt and Arkansas are almost equal to FSU.
FSU's weak performance may have little to do with poor coaching and is mostly the result of inadequate financial resources.
Is FSU stuck in a no-win situation? Landing a top replacement for Norvell will cost another huge chunk of money. Plus, any prospective coach willing to consider FSU will demand a guarantee of a significant increase in player payroll funds.
Looking back over FSU's most recent 10 seasons suggests that the only smart decision FSU has made was firing Jimbo Fisher. Ironically, Fisher wants to coach again and is financially set for life from the huge buyout Texas A&M paid him. Perhaps he could be a bargain hire for FSU.
Mike Norvell cannot keep his team from thinking about all the negative external factors. Norvell, his staff, and concerned players cannot afford any distractions during their visit to Tuscaloosa.
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