Mike Norvell, a graduate of Florida State University in 2005 and 2007, assumed the role of the university’s 11th head football coach in December 2019.
Norvell’s Vision for Florida State Football
“I feel honoured and privileged to lead Florida State University’s football team, a renowned name in college football,” expressed Norvell.
“I’m enthusiastic about revitalising Florida State football to a top-tier program.
I’m eager to start immediately, recruiting top talent, assembling an outstanding coaching team, and working closely with our current and former players to enhance our football program daily.”
Norvell’s Background And Family
Norvell, who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas, excelled as a football player, setting records for career receptions and ranking fifth in career receiving yards.
He was honoured with induction into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Norvell obtained his Bachelor of Science in Education in 2005 and his Master of Science in 2007 from UCA.
His wife, Maria, also graduated from UCA in 2003. Together, they have a daughter named Mila.
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Norvell’s Coaching Career
Norvell’s coaching journey began as a graduate assistant for the UCA football team in 2006.
Since then, he has worked as an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa, University of Pittsburgh, and Arizona State University.
As head coach for the Memphis Tigers, Norvell spent four seasons, achieving a .717 winning percentage, the highest in Memphis history.
This places him 10th among active coaches with at least four years of experience in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.
Under his leadership, Memphis became the first university to compete in three consecutive American Athletic Conference Championship Games, a feat accomplished by only 12 head coaches.
Additionally, Norvell is one of just seven head coaches to achieve this milestone within their first four years as head coach.
Thrilled to Have Coach Norvell on Board
“We are thrilled to have Coach Norvell as the leader of our football program,” expressed Florida State President John Thrasher.
“After speaking with numerous individuals about Coach Norvell, it’s evident that he is among the top coaches in the country.
This is underscored by the opportunities already presented to him. Through our interviews, it became apparent that Coach Norvell is the ideal candidate to guide our program to championship success.”
The Norvell Family’s Generosity at UCA
Current student-athletes at the University of Central Arkansas benefit from a generous donation made by the Norvell family to UCA Athletics.
The donation led to the establishment of the Mike and Maria Norvell Nutrition Center in 2016.
This centre provides healthy meals, snacks, and drinks to UCA student-athletes from all varsity teams and is housed within UCA’s Strength and Conditioning/Indoor Facility.