Brian Kelly’s Florida State interest raises new questions after Urban Meyer highlights Mike Norvell’s $50.3 million buyout
“The table’s been set with Bob Chesney and Curt Cignetti, and you can get them cheap,” Meyer said, suggesting that Florida State could consider a less expensive coaching option.
The Seminoles fired him on November 1 after an unsuccessful 3-5 start to the 2026 season. He finished his time in Tallahassee with a 41-39 record across six-plus seasons, despite previously leading the team to an undefeated 13-0 regular season in 2023. His buyout is around $50.3 million following his midseason dismissal, according to On3. On3 sources have estimated that firing the staff and hiring a new head coach could push the overall expense towards $100 million. Which cited Sportico’s Daniel Libit, the university reported $437 million in athletics-related debt for fiscal year 2025, according to On3. His LSU team finished with a 34-14 record before the university dismissed him during the 2025 season. However, his previous LSU contract also came with a reported buyout of more than $50 million, which raises another financial question for Florida State.
Because i was interested, “The president, I watched the interview today.
I know they’ll find the money, but as of now, that place is in financial ruins,” Meyer said. But Florida State, look, I’ve got a great history with Florida State, great games,” Kelly said. Florida State’s decision to move on from Mike Norvell has created a difficult situation for the university. He sounds like a guy, I mean, the financial restraints. The biggest concern is Norvell’s contract. Florida State also has to deal with the cost of parting ways with other members of the coaching staff and bringing in replacements. Florida State’s existing financial position makes that decision even harder. Much of that amount is connected to the renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium and the construction of a new football operations centre. “When you’re talking to an unemployed football coach, every job’s a great job, you know? Kelly brings plenty of experience, having coached at Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU.