Mike Norvell’s job security and reputation as head coach have undoubtedly been affected by Florida State’s disastrous 2024 season. It was not just a jolt from the blue but also one of the most devastating seasons in FSU’s history. Why? This was a season where Seminoles dipped their toe against Georgia Tech in a cesspool and couldn’t notice the warning signs all around. This was the second-largest drop in CFB history after finishing 13-1 in 2023. So, what exactly is Mike Norvell doing not to repeat the 2024 blunders?

For starters, there has been a massive staffing overhaul at Florida State. Mike Norvell has hired the new offensive line coach, Herb Hand, after an appalling showing from Alex Atkins. Then, the FSU head coach fired the DC Adam Fuller and hired Tony White to take care of the defense. Then Evan Cooper, another talented coach, was hired to coach safeties, and Tim Harris Jr. was hired to take care of the wide receiver unit after firing Ron Dugans. However, the main game changer will be the new OC, Gus Malzahn.

A former head coach of UCF, Auburn, and Arkansas State, with vast experience in perfecting the playbook, the OC comes with a ton of experience. At Auburn, the head coach led the team to the 2014 BCS championship game, incidentally against FSU. This was the same season when Malzahn orchestrated the single greatest season turnaround in SEC history as the team bagged the SEC West title. The former head coach and now FSU OC will undoubtedly be the key to FSU’s success going forward. Still, there must be some things FSU should be wary of.

Brian Smith, in his podcast ‘Locked on Seminoles’ on April 11th, talks about the warning signs FSU ignored against Georgia Tech and cautions to not repeat the same going forward. “I knew something was off. They (FSU) were getting pushed around by Georgia Tech. They had lost their way. Florida State football should never be in that scenario ever, ever, ever. They’ve (Georgia Tech) got some good players, but they are still not in the same stratosphere, especially compared to Florida State’s D-line. They couldn’t match, but their O line was more chemistry-laden. It was more effort. It was more desire. They were all on the same page.” Well, the game was undoubtedly grim, but what lies ahead now? What can FSU do differently than earlier?

For starters, the O-line should be rectified immediately and with top priority. This was one area where FSU played worse than some lower-rung ‘group of five teams.’ It wasn’t a performance to begin with; it was an outright humiliation. The Seminoles allowed the most sacks in the country. Moreover, there were glaring communication gaps between the players, and pass protection too was non-existent. However, now it seems things are changing.

FSU has made significant strides to beef up its O-line unit ahead of the 2025 season. Mike Norvell went heavy into the transfer portal and signed four OLs amongst 11 total transfers. Moreover, all of these linemen the head coach has signed have played at the highest level and are built-in tanks with weights over 310 lbs. Take, for example, FSU’s recent acquisition from Ole Miss, Micah Pettus, a 6’7″ and 350 lbs LB tackle. He did well in protecting Jaxson Dart’s blind side last year and will look to do the same at FSU. Other additions like Luke Petibon (IOL) from Wake Forest and Adrian Medley from UCF are also quite promising in that regard.

Mike Norvell opens up about Thomas Castellanos’ woes

Whatever type of season DJ Uiagalelei had last season, his dance with the Seminoles has now finished. Now enters a whole new type of QB in Thomas Castellanos from the Boston College Eagles, who will look to take FSU back to its winning ways. The QB is practicing well in the spring games and is laying out a prospective blueprint for the upcoming season. Still, there had been some concerns regarding his decision-making ability, although the QB is still a good dual threat to FSU. Mike Norvell recently cleared his stance on the issue.

“There was an MA [missed assignment] at another position that should have helped eliminate the tip,” Norvell explained. You make the most of what you can. If you see it, these are the other options.” Norvell was stressing not to pay heed to Castellanos’ spring practice interceptions that were highlighted in the media. And also pointed out the reason as “the defensive back made a good play.” Terming the whole scenario as being “a good teaching moment…Tommy specifically has done a good job of working to try to own the football.”

Surely, there must be some work for Castellanos to do in his decision-making ability, but the QB seems to be progressing and learning well. Moreover, the QB room is also quite competitive in the ACC. Moreover, with the recruiting class of wide receivers, Norvell has pulled off the competition; it will be more pronounced and interesting.