​Reuters Connect – N/AWhy Florida State shouldn’t fire Mike Norvell after embarrassing ordeal to SMU appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Coach Mike Norvell found himself firmly on the hot seat entering the 2026 college football season after a 5-7 2025 campaign, a narrative he attempted to shut down with preseason comments. Norvell’s team started with its back against the wall and opened up with an unimpressive 34-17 home win over New Mexico State on Aug. 29, setting the stage for Monday night’s game against ACC foe SMU.The No. 19 Mustangs proved too much for Norvell’s team, handing Florida State a 27-24 home loss and casting another dark cloud over a Seminoles program that has fallen substantially since its undefeated 2023 regular season.The Seminoles gave up 585 passing yards and 8.7 yards per play to coach Rhett Lashlee’s Mustangs, a shocking result for a program known for its stellar pass defenses over the years. Norvell’s record with the Seminoles now stands at 39-34, an unacceptable mark for a highly paid coach at what used to be one of college football’s premier programs.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Fans are calling for the end of the Norvell era at Florida State, but now is not the time to make a coaching move in Tallahassee for several key reasons.Mike Norvell’s last stand?The Seminoles have a bye week next up on the schedule before traveling to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to take on coach Kalen DeBoer’s No. 13 Crimson Tide on September 19. Norvell’s experience is needed to lead the program into what is one of the toughest road trips in college football.September 19 also represents a golden opportunity for Norvell to rally the troops and put together a game plan capable of leading the Seminoles to what could be a job-saving victory against sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell and the Tide.Dismissing Norvell now would put the Seminoles in a tough spot entering their next game. Preparing for one of the SEC’s top programs is tough enough without the distraction of a high-profile firing, making now the perfect time for FSU athletic director Michael Alford to show support for his football team’s head coach.Without Alford’s support, expect more talk of Norvell on the hot seat, which would only serve as a distraction heading into the meat of Florida State’s schedule.Expensive buyoutNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesBuying out Norvell’s contract before the end of the 2026 season would be a costly pivot for Alford and the Seminoles as Norvell would be owed approximately $51 million according to On3.com. Waiting until the end of the season would save over $4 million, and give Alford extra time to put together his list of potential replacements while waiting in the wings for other coaching changes to be made and candidates to become available.Norvell’s current contract is valued at more than $84 million and runs through 2031, a commitment that Florida State should