History of Mike Norvell in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 3, 2024

Michael Kelly Norvell is an American football coach who currently serves as the head coach at Florida State University. His coaching career includes positions at Memphis, Arizona State, Pittsburgh, Tulsa, and Central Arkansas. Notably, he played wide receiver for the University of Central Arkansas, where he graduated as the all-time receptions leader.

October 11, 1981: Birth of Mike Norvell

Mike Norvell was born on October 11, 1981.

October 1999: Norvell Begins Coaching Career

In October 1999, at the age of 17, Mike Norvell began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Grace Prep.

2000: Norvell Walks on at Louisiana Tech

Mike Norvell walked on at Louisiana Tech in 2000, before transferring to the University of Central Arkansas.

2001: Norvell Transfers to University of Central Arkansas

In 2001, Mike Norvell transferred to the University of Central Arkansas to play wide receiver.

2005: Norvell's Senior Season at UCA

In 2005, Mike Norvell was part of the UCA Bears team that won the Gulf South Conference championship and reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

2005: Norvell Graduates from UCA

Mike Norvell graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2005, having set the school's all-time reception record.

2007: Norvell Lands First Coaching Role

Mike Norvell was hired for his first coaching role at Tulsa in 2007, working under Gus Malzahn.

December 4, 2015: Norvell Becomes Head Coach at Memphis

On December 4, 2015, Mike Norvell was introduced as the 24th head football coach of the Memphis Tigers.

2016: Norvell's First Season at Memphis

The Memphis Tigers finished with an 8–5 record in 2016, Norvell's first season as head coach.

May 12, 2017: Norvell Receives Contract Extension at Memphis

On May 12, 2017, Mike Norvell signed a one-year contract extension with the University of Memphis, extending his contract through the 2021 season.

December 5, 2017: Norvell Signs Lucrative Contract Extension with Memphis

On December 5, 2017, Mike Norvell signed a five-year contract extension with Memphis, making him the highest-paid Group of 5 head coach in the country.

2018: Memphis Reaches Championship Game After Slow Start

The Memphis Tigers started the 2018 season 4-4 before winning their last four games to reach the American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game.

December 8, 2019: Norvell Becomes Head Coach at Florida State University

On December 8, 2019, Mike Norvell was officially appointed as the head football coach for Florida State University, signing a six-year contract worth $26.5 million.

2019: Successful Season and Championship Win at Memphis

In 2019, Mike Norvell led the Memphis Tigers to one of their best seasons, finishing 11-1 and securing a spot in the American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game. They defeated Cincinnati for the championship title and earned a berth in the Cotton Bowl against Penn State.

October 17, 2020: First ACC Coach to Defeat a Top 20 Opponent in Debut Year

On October 17, 2020, Norvell achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first ACC coach to lead his team to victory against a Top 20 opponent in their first year. Despite this achievement, Norvell's first season concluded with a 3-6 record, marked by a COVID-19 diagnosis that sidelined him for the rivalry game against the University of Miami.

2021: End Date of Norvell's Extended Contract

Mike Norvell's contract extension with the University of Memphis extended his contract through the 2021 season.

2022: First Bowl Game Victory and Return to Double-Digit Wins at Florida State

In 2022, Norvell led Florida State to a successful season, securing second place in the ACC Atlantic and earning an invitation to the Cheez-It Bowl. The Seminoles triumphed over Oklahoma, marking Norvell's first bowl game victory as a coach. This season, concluding with a 10-3 record, signified Florida State's return to double-digit wins for the first time since 2016.

2023: Undefeated Season, ACC Championship, and Coach of the Year Recognition for Norvell

The 2023 season marked a historic run for Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles. They achieved a perfect 12-0 regular season record, culminating in their first ACC championship title since 2014. Norvell's exceptional coaching earned him several accolades, including ACC Coach of the Year, the Bobby Dodd Trophy, and the prestigious Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year award.