The college football season has been nothing short of electrifying. It’s not just the action on the field—coaching changes have added a whole other layer of drama.
Big-name coaches are on the hot seat, and underperforming teams are thinking about sweeping changes. The coaching carousel just keeps spinning, sometimes faster than you can keep track.
This past weekend? No exception. Two high-profile coaches might be facing the axe after some pretty dismal performances.
Let’s dig into the situations with Mike Locksley at Maryland and Mike Norvell at Florida State. What led them here, and what could possibly happen next?
The Coaching Carousel Spins Faster
The 2023 college football season has been a wild ride, both on and off the field. Each week, fans get more than just thrilling games—there’s always a new twist with the coaching staff.
Now, it looks like two more coaches might be joining the list of those who’ve been shown the door. After about eleven weeks, a few coaches seem to be on their way out, though nothing’s certain yet.
But honestly, the writing seems to be on the wall for Mike Locksley and Mike Norvell. You can feel the tension building.
Mike Locksley’s Struggles at Maryland
Mike Locksley came into this season with a lot to prove. His time at Maryland has been rocky, and not having star quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa just made things tougher.
The Terrapins started out strong at 4-0, but then the wheels fell off. Five straight losses later, Maryland fans are understandably frustrated.
That latest loss to Rutgers? It just stung. The mood among fans is pretty clear: they’re ready for a change.
Financially, firing Locksley isn’t as impossible as it might be elsewhere. Maryland would owe him about $13 million if they decided to move on.
In the college football world, that’s not an outrageous sum. So, the university has some flexibility if they want to make a move.
Florida State’s Dilemma with Mike Norvell
Florida State is in a tough spot. The Seminoles promised fans they’d review the team’s performance at season’s end.
But honestly, anything short of firing Mike Norvell will probably go over like a lead balloon. The team’s been rough—just 2-12 in ACC play since 2024.
Losing to a struggling Clemson team didn’t help matters. The frustration is just piling up around the program.
The Financial Hurdle
The biggest hurdle in firing Norvell? The money. If Florida State pulls the plug after this season, they’d owe him around $58 million.
That’s a staggering amount, even for a big-time program. It’s enough to make anyone pause before making a decision.
Results have been so poor that it feels like they’re just delaying the inevitable. Still, that financial burden could force the Seminoles to hesitate.
The Implications of These Potential Firings
Letting a head coach go mid-season or after a rough stretch isn’t just about the coach. It shakes up the players, the recruits, and the whole vibe around the team.
For Maryland, moving on from Locksley could open up a fresh start. There’s talent on the roster, and maybe a new coach could finally make something of it.
Florida State’s Path Forward
Florida State’s situation is a bit messier. It’s a storied program, and expectations are always sky-high.
Firing Norvell would cost a fortune, but maybe that’s the price of getting back to where they want to be. The real challenge? Finding a replacement who can work within those financial constraints and still turn things around.
Conclusion
The 2023 college football season has been a wild ride. High stakes, quick turnarounds—honestly, it feels like nothing stays the same for long.
Mike Locksley and Mike Norvell? Their futures are up in the air. Will they stick around, or is someone new stepping in soon?
The coaching carousel just keeps spinning. It’s almost dizzying at this point.
If you want more details or the latest updates, check out the full story on Saturday Blitz.
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