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Florida State football: A look at the contract extension signed by head coach Mike Norvell

Florida State football head coach Mike Norvell received a three-year extension and a significant bump in pay following a 10-win season for the Seminoles, the university announced Wednesday afternoon.

Norvell originally signed a 6-year, $26.5 million contract with the Seminoles on Dec. 8, 2019 after leaving his position with Memphis. The new contract promises an average salary of $8.05 million, which nearly doubles his $4.5 million annual salary from the original contract.

The extension also puts him on par with Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and vaults him over Florida coach Billy Napier.

Cristobal reportedly makes $8 million per year with the Hurricanes. He led UM to a 5-7 record in his first year in 2022 and will be entering the second year of a 10-year contract. Napier makes an average of $7.4 million per year on a seven-year contract. He led the Gators to a 6-7 record in his first season in 2022.

Norvell swept both of his in-state rivals this past season, scoring at least 45 points in both games in the same season for the first time.

In September 2022, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney signed a new 10-year, $115 million contract that extended him through the 2031 season.

The Seminoles, along with Alabama and national champion Georgia, were the only three teams to rank in the top-15 in yards per play on offense and defense. Those three teams were also the only ones ranked in the top-20 in total defense, scoring defense, total offense and scoring offense.

I’m grateful for the trust our administration continues to place in me to lead the Florida State football program,” Norvell said in a statement released by FSU.

“President Richard McCullough, the Board of Trustees and Michael Alford have been important pieces in our success, and the alignment we have makes me excited for the future of this program. I appreciate their support and vision to continue our climb toward the top of college football.

"I’m also thankful for the people who brought me and my family here three years ago, along with the players and staff whose commitment has helped us build this foundation. The future is bright here in Tallahassee.”

Here is what Norvell is set to make over the next six seasons, per contract details the university shared with Democrat:

  • 2023 — $5.335 million

  • 2024 — $7.335 million

  • 2025 — $7.585 million

  • 2026 — $7.835 million

  • 2027 — $8.085 million

  • 2028 — $8.335 million

  • 2029 — $8.585 million

Norvell made $3,035,000 in 2022, leading the Seminoles to their first 10-win season since 2016 and the 25th in program history.

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The season culminated in a Cheez-It Bowl victory over Oklahoma.

Norvell has a 18-16 record at Florida State. His team went 3-7 in 2020 and improved to 5-7 in 2021 before the dramatic improvement in 2022.

He owns a career 56-31, which includes a 38-15 stint with the Tigers (2016-19).

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The buyout

As FSU is still paying the buyout of Norvell's predecessor, fans will wonder what a potential buyout for Norvell could look like.

In 2023, the buyout comes in at $6 million and is reduced each year thereafter. Here's the breakdown:

  • 2023: $6 million

  • 2024: $4 million

  • 2025: $3 million

  • 2026: $2 million

  • 2027: $2 million

  • 2028: $1 million

  • 2029: no buyout

FSU's contract states the buyout for Norvell would come in equal quarterly installments over the first twenty-four months following the date of termination, with the first such installment due within thirty (30) days of the termination date.

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Additional incentives

As is standard with college football contracts, Norvell can earn more money each season based on incentives. The incentives are all bowl or college football playoff related and can max out at $950,000.

FSU is expected to be a contender in the 2023 College Football Playoffs with the returns of quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, as well as defensive end Jared Verse and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett.

Here's the breakdown of the incentives:

  • Non-College Football Playoff ("CFP") Bowl Appearance $100,000

  • CFP New Years' Six Bowl Appearance $200,000

  • CFP First Round Game Appearance $250,000

  • CFP Quarterfinal Game Appearance $375,000

  • CFP Semi-Final Game Appearance $500,000 or CFP National Championship Game Appearance $750,000

  • CFP National Championship Game Win $950,000

Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: A look at the contract extension signed by Mike Norvell