Alabama head coach candidate Mike Norvell announces he’s staying at FSU

Alabama head coach candidate Mike Norvell announces he’s staying at FSU

As the aftermath of Nick Saban’s shock retirement reverberated nationally, Alabama’s hunt for a replacement extended toward some of the biggest names in the sport. It won’t be Dan Lanning or Steve Sarkisian. And now we know it won’t be Mike Norvell.

The Florida State head coach seemingly tweeted out confirmation that he would be staying in Tallahassee. His post comes moments after athletic director Michael Alford tweeted white smoke, akin to the Vatican naming a new Pope, and a handshake emoji.

“GREAT DAY to be a FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLE!! The #CLIMBContinues grateful for to lead the #NoleFamily with our incredible staff,” Norvell wrote Thursday morning.

Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports then reported that Norvell has reached an eight-year contract worth more than $10 million annually. Saban was previously the No. 1 coach, earning over $11 million a year.

The move comes after Lanning, at Oregon, and Sarkisian, at Texas, posted similar videos. Lanning’s came on Thursday and Sarkisian tweeted last night, which was followed by reports of a contract extension being “close” between Sarkisian and the Longhorns.

Along with Norvell and Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, they comprised the names many believe UA athletic director Greg Byrne has sought over the last 48 hours. Now, all that’s left is DeBoer, who’s yet to accept a contract extension offered by the Huskies. DeBoer missed a Seattle radio show appearance scheduled for this morning.

Multiple outlets, including ESPN, reported that DeBoer, Norvell and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have emerged since the search started. Byrne is operating in the “72-hour” window to find Saban’s successor that UA gave players on Wednesday and has said not to expect public comment from him until a hire is made.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].