Florida State is searching for a new leader. The university announced Sunday that Mike Norvell is out as head coach, Rick Stockstill will serve as interim coach, and a national search will begin immediately. Norvell finishes his tenure with a 41-39 record, with the Seminoles sitting at 3-5 this season.

For Seminoles fans, the next question is obvious: Who can bring consistent winning football back to Tallahassee?

Florida State needs a coach who can recruit, develop players and build a roster capable of competing year after year. The next hire also needs a strong supporting staff and a realistic plan for navigating the transfer portal.

These seven coaches are potential fits discussed in national coverage—not an official Florida State shortlist. The order reflects our assessment, rather than confirmed interviews or negotiations.

1. Manny Diaz — Duke Head Coach

Manny Diaz offers an intriguing combination of Florida State connections and head-coaching experience. A 1995 FSU graduate, Diaz began his coaching career with the Seminoles and was part of the program’s 1999 national championship staff. He later led Miami before becoming Duke’s head coach.

That background should earn him a serious look. He understands the recruiting territory and has experienced the demands of leading a prominent program in Florida.

His previous connection to Miami might divide fans, but Florida State should focus on what he would bring now. What would his offense look like? Who would develop the quarterbacks? How would he approach rebuilding the offensive line?

Sports and Music Dad’s take: Diaz belongs near the top of the interview list, provided his offensive staffing plan is as convincing as his defensive résumé.

2. Jake Dickert — Wake Forest Head Coach

Dickert’s work at Washington State and Wake Forest makes him an appealing candidate. Both stops give Florida State an opportunity to evaluate how he develops players and builds competitive teams.

For the Seminoles, the appeal would be establishing dependable habits throughout the program. Player evaluation, preparation and improvement along the line of scrimmage should carry considerable weight in this search.

The challenge would be applying those methods at a school with greater visibility and championship expectations. Dickert would also need to present a convincing plan for recruiting Florida and keeping its best prospects close to home.

Sports and Music Dad’s take: One of the strongest options for a program seeking a stable foundation.

3. Kenny Dillingham — Arizona State Head Coach

Dillingham would bring familiarity and offensive excitement. The former Florida State assistant led Arizona State to the 2024 Big 12 championship, giving his candidacy substance beyond his connection to Tallahassee.

Florida State could study how he assembled that team, developed its offense and created belief within a rebuilding program.

Availability would be a major question. Arizona State is his alma mater, and the Seminoles should not assume that their name alone would persuade him to leave.

FSU would need to demonstrate that it can support his vision with the staff and roster resources required to compete.

Sports and Music Dad’s take: Make the call. Dillingham would be an exciting possibility if there is mutual interest.

4. Eli Drinkwitz — Missouri Head Coach

Drinkwitz would represent an ambitious pursuit. His Missouri résumé includes an 11-2 season in 2023 and a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.

The attraction is clear: an experienced head coach who has demonstrated that he can build a competitive power-conference team.

The financial commitment would require careful consideration. National reporting has identified his substantial Missouri salary as an obstacle, particularly with Florida State already facing the expense of Norvell’s departure.

Hiring an established coach only works if the school can also support the team around him.

Sports and Music Dad’s take: Worth exploring if Florida State has the financial backing to make the entire operation competitive.

5. Glenn Schumann — Georgia Defensive Coordinator

Schumann would offer a different direction: a first-time head coach developed within a successful program. His Georgia experience includes overseeing the defense and working with the Bulldogs’ inside linebackers.

For Florida State, the appeal would be building a clear defensive identity while pursuing talented recruits across the Southeast.

The uncertainty involves running the entire program. Coordinating a defense and managing a major college football operation are different responsibilities.

FSU would need detailed answers about his offensive coordinator, quarterback development, player retention and delegation.

Sports and Music Dad’s take: A serious candidate to interview, especially if he can present a complete staffing plan.

6. Rhett Lashlee — SMU Head Coach

Lashlee deserves consideration after guiding SMU to the College Football Playoff in 2024. His résumé also includes experience as Miami’s offensive coordinator.

An offensive coach with head-coaching experience could appeal to a fan base eager to see a productive, confident attack.

Florida State should examine how his approach would translate to its personnel and recruiting priorities. The school would also need to establish whether he sees Tallahassee as the right next step.

Sports and Music Dad’s take: An attractive option to investigate, with availability a major unknown.

7. Jason Eck — New Mexico Head Coach

Eck represents the possibility of hiring a rising program builder. His experience leading Idaho and New Mexico makes him an interesting alternative to established power-conference coaches.

The evaluation should focus on whether his methods would translate: identifying overlooked talent, developing players and assembling an effective staff.

Florida State would bring a substantial increase in expectations and public scrutiny. Eck would need to explain how he would manage that transition while building recruiting relationships in the region.

Sports and Music Dad’s take: Include him in the process and carefully examine his plan for handling the scale of the job.

Who Should Florida State Hire?

My first three calls would be Manny Diaz, Jake Dickert and Kenny Dillingham. That is a preference, not a prediction about how the search will unfold.

Diaz offers familiarity and experience. Dickert presents an intriguing approach to building a dependable program. Dillingham brings offensive appeal and a conference championship on his résumé.

Whoever gets the job should arrive with clear answers about quarterback development, offensive line recruiting, player retention and staff accountability. Florida State also needs its administration, financial supporters and football leadership working toward the same goals.

A successful introductory press conference can energize fans for a day. Building a team they can trust will take considerably more work.

Seminoles fans: Who would be your first choice to lead Florida State back into championship contention?