Florida State head coach confident in his play calling ability ahead of rematch against Alabama

Oct 4, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Myers-Imagn Images

Alabama football will not get a shot at revenge against Florida State until the third game of the 2026 football season.

The Seminoles defeated the Crimson Tide last season in Tallahassee to kick off the year. Fortunately for Alabama, both teams’ seasons went in different directions after that point.

The Tide went on to clinch a berth to play in the SEC Championship game and made the College Football Playoff. The Seminoles finish the season with a 5-7 record and did not play in a bowl game.

Norvell now has a lot to prove this fall with Gus Malzahn no longer leading Florida State on offense as its offensive coordinator. Norvell is expected to be the play caller for Florida State, and he is confident.

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t,” Norvell said, per 247 Sports. “That’s, and you look,  I expect this year to be the best year of my life. You learn lessons. There are times you get knocked down — I’ve been there. Then you get back up and get better through it.”

Malzahn was a wizard of a play caller against Alabama when the Seminoles defeated the Tide. This was something a lot of Tide fans saw time and time again when Alabama faced Malzahn.

Norvell appears confident he can keep Florida State moving in the right direction.

“I’ve been really good at calling plays throughout my coaching career. I don’t say that in any way other than it’s just true,” Norvell said. “I feel very confident in our ability and who we get to coach.”

Beating Alabama in back-to-back seasons could play a critical role in Norvell achieving the goal of having the best year of his life as a college football coach.

The Tide will host the Seminoles on Sept. 19.