TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Florida State University has reached a deal with Memphis University coach Mike Norvell.
FSU officially named Mike Norvell as the head coach Sunday morning. Athletic Director David Coburn says Norvell inked a six year deal with the program.
“I’m humbled and honored for the opportunity to be the head coach at Florida State University, one of the iconic brands in college football,” Norvell said. “I’m so very excited for the future and the opportunity to return Florida State football to one of the nation’s elite. I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running, putting together a great signing class, a tremendous coaching staff and joining arms with our current and former players to help elevate our football program each and every day.”
Norvell led Memphis to its first AAC title in its third straight conference championship game. His .717 winning percentage is the highest in Memphis history and ranks 10th among active coaches with at least four years of experience at the FBS level.
The news comes after Willie Taggart was fired nine games into his second season.
Odell Haggins has served as interim head coach since then and lead the team to bowl eligibility. Coburn confirmed to ABC 27 that Haggins isn't going anywhere and will stay with the program.
The coaching search was assisted by Glenn Sugiyama of global executive search firm DHR International.
Mike Norvell attended the University of Central Arkansas from 2001 to 2005. There he played wide receiver and set the school's all-time reception record.
Norvell earned two degrees from Central Arkansas, completing his bachelor’s degree in social science in 2005 and his master’s degree in training systems in 2007. Norvell and his wife, Maria, have a daughter, Mila.
He was named head coach of the University of Memphis in December 2015 and two years later, signed a new contract with the university which made him the highest paid coach outside of the Power Five conferences.
The Tigers have won eight or more games for six straight seasons with Norvell at the helm for the past four.
