40 Facts About Mike Norvell

Early Life and Playing Career

Mike Norvell's journey to becoming a top college football coach began with his own experiences on the field. His early life and playing career laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Birth and Early Life: Michael Kelly Norvell was born on October 11, 1981, in the United States. His early years were marked by a passion for football.

2. Playing Career: Norvell played wide receiver at Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, Texas, under the guidance of former Houston Oilers tight end Mike Barber. This experience helped shape his understanding of the game.

3. College Football: He walked on at Louisiana Tech in 2000 and later transferred to the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) from 2001 to 2005. At UCA, he set the school's all-time reception record with 213 catches for 2,611 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns.

4. College Achievements: During his senior season in 2005, Norvell's UCA Bears team won the Gulf South Conference championship and made it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs, finishing the season 11–3.

Transition to Coaching

After his playing days, Norvell transitioned to coaching, where he quickly made a name for himself with his innovative strategies and leadership skills.

5. Coaching Career: Norvell began his coaching career in 2007 as a graduate assistant at Central Arkansas, his alma mater. This role marked the start of his coaching journey.

6. Early Coaching Roles: He then moved to Tulsa, working under Gus Malzahn, and later became the offensive coordinator at Pitt under Todd Graham. These roles helped him develop his coaching philosophy.

7. Arizona State: Norvell spent four years as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona State. During his tenure, the Sun Devils averaged 38.1 points per game and scored nearly 2,000 points.

Success at Memphis

Norvell's time at Memphis was marked by significant achievements, both on and off the field. His leadership brought the Tigers to new heights.

8. Memphis Tigers: On December 4, 2015, Norvell was introduced as the 24th head football coach of the Memphis Tigers, becoming the youngest FBS head coach in the nation at the time.

9. Memphis Success: During his tenure at Memphis, the Tigers ranked second in kickoff return defense and boasted the nation’s fifth-best kickoff return average. They also forced 29 takeaways and ranked in the top-15 in scoring offense and passing offense.

10. Academic Achievements: Under Norvell's guidance, Memphis posted single-year APR scores of 991 in 2018-19, 988 in 2017-18, and 976 in 2016-17. The football team earned its highest grade-point average in program history in the fall of 2017.

11. Player Development: Through his first three years at Memphis, 55 players earned their bachelor’s degree, including eight on the 2019 team.

Leading Florida State Seminoles

Norvell's move to Florida State marked a new chapter in his career. His impact on the Seminoles has been profound, leading the team to significant victories and accolades.

12. Florida State Seminoles: Norvell was named Florida State's 11th full-time head football coach on December 8, 2019. He has since built the Seminoles back among the nation's elite.

13. Offensive Philosophy: Norvell's offenses are known for their explosive nature, averaging 37.4 points per game during his seven years as a head coach, the third-highest average in the FBS.

14. 2019 Season: In his first year at Florida State, Norvell immediately put his stamp on the program. The Seminoles started the season strong, setting the stage for future success.

15. 2023 Season: At the start of the 2023 season, Norvell and the Seminoles were ranked #8 in the AP Poll. They began with a neutral site victory over #5 LSU Tigers, 45–24, in Orlando.

16. Clemson Victory: In week 4, Norvell and the Seminoles defeated an unranked Clemson Tigers team 31–24 in an overtime thriller, their first since 2014.

17. Duke Victory: Later in week 8, Florida State played the #16 Duke Blue Devils at Doak Campbell and emerged victorious with a 38–20 win.

18. Miami Victory: In week 11, the Seminoles completed an 8–0 conference sweep of the ACC with a 27–20 rivalry victory over the Miami Hurricanes.

19. Florida Victory: Two weeks later, after a 24–15 victory over in-state rival Florida Gators with a back-up quarterback, the Seminoles finished the season with a perfect 12–0 record for the fourth time in program history.

20. Conference Championship: In week 14, Florida State faced the then #14 Louisville Cardinals in the ACC Championship Game and won 16–6, claiming their first conference championship since the 2014 season and the school’s nineteenth conference title.

21. College Football Playoff: Despite Florida State’s 13–0 record, they were ranked fifth in the College Football Playoff committee’s final rankings, becoming the first undefeated Power Five conference champion to be left out of the Playoff. Instead, they were invited to the Orange Bowl to face the Georgia Bulldogs.

22. Orange Bowl Loss: Georgia subsequently defeated Florida State by a score of 63–3. For the team’s accomplishments, Norvell was named ACC Coach of the Year, won the Bobby Dodd Trophy, and was awarded as the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year.

Personal Life and Education

Beyond the field, Norvell's personal life and educational background have also played a crucial role in shaping his career.

23. Personal Life: Norvell is married to Maria Norvell (Chiolino) with whom he has a daughter, Mila. His family has been a constant source of support throughout his career.

24. Education: Norvell earned two degrees from Central Arkansas: a bachelor’s degree in social science in 2005 and a master’s degree in training systems in 2007.

Coaching Philosophy and Style

Norvell's coaching philosophy and style have set him apart as a dynamic and innovative leader in college football.

25. Coaching Philosophy: Norvell is known for his up-tempo, pass-oriented spread offense, which he employed at Arizona State and brought with him to Memphis and Florida State.

26. Staff Retention: One of Norvell’s first moves as head coach at Memphis was to retain Darrell Dickey from Justin Fuente’s staff, naming him associate head coach/co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach.

27. Offensive Efficiency: Norvell’s offenses typically finish over the 50th percentile in air yards per attempt, showcasing his ability to manufacture high quarterback ratings.

28. Player Development: Under Norvell’s guidance, players have consistently developed both on and off the field. At Memphis, he emphasized academic achievement, and many players earned their bachelor’s degrees during his tenure.

Achievements and Recognition

Norvell's achievements and recognition highlight his impact on college football and his contributions to the sport.

29. Florida State’s Rise: Norvell has been instrumental in rebuilding Florida State’s football program. His leadership and strategic planning have contributed significantly to the team’s success.

30. ACC Coach of the Year: Norvell was named ACC Coach of the Year for his outstanding performance in the 2023 season, leading the Seminoles to a perfect 12–0 record and a conference championship.

31. Bobby Dodd Trophy: He also won the Bobby Dodd Trophy, which is awarded to the coach of a team that demonstrates outstanding achievement in college football.

32. Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year: Norvell was awarded as the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year, recognizing his exceptional coaching skills and contributions to the sport.

Team Culture and Community Engagement

Norvell's impact extends beyond the field, as he has fostered a strong team culture and engaged with the community.

33. Coaching Style: Norvell is known for his dynamic and innovative coaching style, which emphasizes speed, agility, and strategic play-calling.

34. Team Culture: He has been instrumental in building a strong team culture at Florida State, fostering a sense of unity and determination among the players.

35. Player Recruitment: Norvell has shown a keen ability to recruit top talent, both locally and nationally. His recruiting efforts have significantly contributed to the team’s success.

36. Game Strategy: His game strategy often involves a mix of high-powered offense and solid defense, which has proven effective in various matchups throughout his career.

37. Community Engagement: Norvell is actively engaged with the community, often participating in local events and supporting charitable causes. This engagement helps build a positive image for the program and fosters goodwill among fans and supporters.

38. Media Presence: He has a strong media presence, often appearing in interviews and press conferences to discuss team performance and strategy. This visibility helps maintain a high level of interest in the program.

39. Alumni Network: Norvell has built a strong alumni network, with many former players going on to successful careers in football and other fields. This network provides valuable support and resources for the program.

40. Legacy: As one of the most successful coaches in recent college football history, Mike Norvell is leaving a lasting legacy at Florida State. His commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches.

Mike Norvell's Impact on College Football

Mike Norvell's journey from a record-setting wide receiver to a top-tier head coach is nothing short of inspiring. His time at Memphis showcased his knack for building explosive offenses and strong defenses. Moving to Florida State, he quickly turned the program around, leading the Seminoles to a perfect 12-0 season in 2023 and an ACC Championship. Norvell's innovative coaching style, focus on player development, and commitment to academic excellence have left a lasting mark on every team he's led. His ability to recruit top talent and foster a winning culture makes him one of the most respected coaches in college football today. With accolades like ACC Coach of the Year and the Bobby Dodd Trophy, Norvell's legacy continues to grow. His dedication and strategic acumen ensure that his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.