Brian Kelly’s Florida State interest raises new questions after Urban Meyer highlights Mike Norvell’s $50.3 million buyout

Urban Meyer has raised serious questions about Florida State’s ability to afford its next head coach after the university fired Mike Norvell. The former Ohio State coach is concerned about the program’s financial position, especially with Norvell’s reported $50.3 million buyout. Meanwhile, former LSU coach Brian Kelly has expressed interest in the vacant job, adding another name to the growing coaching discussion.Urban Meyer raises major Florida state concerns after Mike Norvell’s $50.3 million buyoutFlorida State’s decision to move on from Mike Norvell has created a difficult situation for the university. The Seminoles fired him on November 1 after an unsuccessful 3-5 start to the 2026 season. He finished his time in Tallahassee with a 41-39 record across six-plus seasons, despite previously leading the team to an undefeated 13-0 regular season in 2023.Speaking on the Triple Option podcast on November 3, Urban Meyer questioned how the university would manage the financial pressure. He also referred to comments made by Florida State president Richard McCullough about the school’s financial position.“The president, I watched the interview today because I was interested. He sounds like a guy, I mean, the financial restraints. I know they’ll find the money, but as of now, that place is in financial ruins,” Meyer said.The biggest concern is Norvell’s contract. According to On3, his buyout is around $50.3 million following his midseason dismissal. Florida State also has to deal with the cost of parting ways with other members of the coaching staff and bringing in replacements. On3 sources have estimated that firing the staff and hiring a new head coach could push the overall expense towards $100 million.Florida State’s existing financial position makes that decision even harder. According to On3, which cited Sportico’s Daniel Libit, the university reported $437 million in athletics-related debt for fiscal year 2025. Much of that amount is connected to the renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium and the construction of a new football operations centre.Meyer also questioned whether Florida State should spend another huge amount on an established coach.“To hire new staff, buyouts, paying off the coaching staff, and hire a quality new head coach with the market it is, I’m curious. I love Mike Norvell; he’s going to be fine. But what the h*** do they do at Florida State?” he added.Instead, Meyer pointed towards coaches such as Curt Cignetti and Bob Chesney, who built their reputations outside the biggest college football programs before moving to major jobs.“The table’s been set with Bob Chesney and Curt Cignetti, and you can get them cheap,” Meyer said, suggesting that Florida State could consider a less expensive coaching option.Brian Kelly expresses interest in Florida State job after Mike Norvell’s firingWhile Meyer believes Florida State should be careful with its next coaching decision, Brian Kelly has already shown interest in the opportunity. The former Notre Dame and LSU coach discussed the vacancy during an appearance on SiriusXM’s College Sports Radio on November 3.Kelly admitted that an unemployed coach might welcome almost any opportunity, but he also spoke positively about Florida State’s history and fan base.“When you’re talking to an unemployed football coach, every job’s a great job, you know? But Florida State, look, I’ve got a great history with Florida State, great games,” Kelly said.He also added that leading the Seminoles would be “an honor and privilege.”Kelly brings plenty of experience, having coached at Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU. His LSU team finished with a 34-14 record before the university dismissed him during the 2025 season. However, his previous LSU contract also came with a reported buyout of more than $50 million, which raises another financial question for Florida State.There is also a leadership issue at the university. Florida State dismissed athletic director Michael Alford in September, leaving president Richard McCullough and interim athletic director Bruce Warwick to oversee the transition. Rick Stockstill has been named interim head coach while the Seminoles look for Norvell’s replacement.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.