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Brian Kelly hints at interest in Florida State coach opening: ‘Honor and privilege’
Brian Kelly has said that leading Florida State would be “an honour and a privilege”, signalling interest in the head coach vacancy after the Seminoles dismissed Mike Norvell. His comments matter because the programme is seeking a new leader after recent struggles, while Kelly is an experienced coach currently working as a pundit.
Florida State fired Norvell during a 3-5 season and reportedly still owes him $50.3 million. Kelly, who coached Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU, went 34-14 at LSU before being fired midway through the 2025 season. Florida State had consecutive losing seasons in 2024 and 2025, following a 13-1 campaign in 2023, and will use Rick Stockstill as interim coach.
In short
- Brian Kelly called the Florida State job an honour and privilege.
- The Seminoles fired Mike Norvell during a 3-5 season.
- Rick Stockstill will serve as interim coach.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Kelly’s record at major programmes and his experience rebuilding teams could make him a credible candidate to steady Florida State after two losing seasons. His description of the role as an honour and a privilege may reflect genuine respect for the programme, while his interest could give the university access to an accomplished coach at a moment of change.
The case against
Florida State could reasonably question whether Kelly is the right fit, given that LSU dismissed him midway through the 2025 season despite a 34-14 record there. The vacancy also comes with uncertainty and a substantial financial commitment after Norvell’s reported buyout, so the university may prefer a different candidate or a more thorough search before deciding.
Explained simply
Florida State University’s Seminoles are a college American football team in Tallahassee, Florida. The head coach leads the team and its programme; after Mike Norvell’s dismissal, the university is looking for a new permanent coach, with Rick Stockstill serving in the interim.
Brian Kelly has coached several major college teams, including Notre Dame and Louisiana State University (LSU). He led LSU to 34 wins in 48 games before leaving during the 2025 season, and is now working as a pundit.
The vacancy follows a sharp change in Florida State’s results: the team went 13-1 in 2023, then had losing seasons in 2024 and 2025. The appointment will shape the programme’s direction, while Norvell’s reported $50.3 million buyout makes the coaching change a significant financial commitment.