Florida State’s coaching search is only beginning, but ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum is already pushing back on the idea that the Seminoles still offer one of college football’s premier jobs.
Speaking on McElroy and Cubelic
, Finebaum said he does not currently view the FSU opening as especially attractive, pointing to the program’s recent decline and the damage he believes has been done to its national reputation.“I don’t think that’s a good job at all,” Finebaum said, adding that Florida State’s brand has been “devalued” and its national image has taken a significant hit.
The criticism comes just days after Florida State fired Mike Norvell, ending his seven-year tenure with a 41-39 record. FSU is 3-5 this season after missing bowl games in each
of the previous two years, although Norvell also led the Seminoles to a 13-0 ACC championship season in 2023. Rick Stockstill is serving as interim coach while the university conducts a national search.
Finebaum did acknowledge some advantages. He pointed to Florida State’s location and the fact that the ACC remains a conference where a quick turnaround can create a realistic path to the postseason. Still, he compared the challenge of restoring FSU to the long-running attempt to return the Nebraska Cornhuskers to national prominence.
The conversation also turned to potential candidates, including former FSU coach Jimbo Fisher.
Finebaum said he was unsure how realistic a Fisher reunion would be and questioned whether a second stint would work, even while acknowledging that he still considers Fisher a strong coach at his core. He also mentioned Brian Kelly as another veteran name who could potentially enter the discussion.
Not everyone shares Finebaum’s pessimistic view of the opening.
Kelly, for example, said Wednesday that Florida State still carries major brand recognition and called leading the program an “honor and privilege” if the opportunity were ever presented.
That contrast may ultimately define the early stages of FSU’s search. Finebaum sees a program whose value has fallen considerably. Florida State, meanwhile, is betting that its history, recruiting territory, and championship expectations are still enough to attract the coach capable of restoring it.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Paul Finebaum questions the appeal of FSU's opening
