Florida State · ACCFlorida State weighs Schumann, Diaz after firing Norvell
The reported candidates have ties to athletic director Jeff Purinton as Florida State searches for its 2027 coach at 4-5.
NOV 10, 2026
Florida State record
Duke record under Manny Diaz
Georgia defense's team record
01 · The NewsFlorida State Weighs Two Familiar Names
Florida State fired Mike Norvell during the 2026 season, and On3 has identified Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and Duke coach Manny Diaz as possible replacements, according to reporter Pete Nakos.
The names carry a connection to athletic director Jeff Purinton, making his first major football hire a search that begins with familiar relationships. Schumann and Purinton worked at Alabama from 2008 through 2015. Diaz, a Florida State graduate, and Purinton worked for the Seminoles in the late 1990s under Bobby Bowden.
Purinton described his connection to the school when Florida State hired him.
“Florida State is home to me in so many ways. It's where I went to school, where I got my start in this profession and where I learned from people who helped shape the way I've approached my career,” Purinton said in a statement.
Diaz brings current ACC head-coaching experience and has Duke at 7-2 in 2026. Schumann coordinates an 8-1 Georgia defense. The reported choices point to different paths for a program seeking its 2027 coach: an ACC coach with a winning season or a coordinator from one of the country's top teams.
Neither candidate is known to have interviewed or received an offer. Florida State has not detailed the circumstances of Norvell's firing. Purinton now has to choose the coach who can change where the Seminoles are headed.
02 · The StakesThe Stakes
Florida State is 4-5 after going 5-7 overall and 2-6 in the ACC in 2025. The next hire will determine whether the Seminoles can move back toward ACC and national-title contention or remain near the bottom of the conference.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
The two-season records sharpen the contrast between Florida State and the programs attached to these candidates. Diaz’s Duke is 7-2 after going 9-5 in 2025, while Florida State is 4-5 after a 5-7 season. Duke has already won two more games than Florida State managed all last season. Georgia is 8-1 after a 12-2 year.
Purinton’s choice therefore carries two different forms of evidence: Diaz’s results running an ACC program and Schumann’s role in a Georgia operation that has lost three games across the two listed seasons. Duke supplies the direct ACC comparison.
“Florida State is home to me in so many ways. It's where I went to school, where I got my start in this profession and where I learned from people who helped shape the way I've approached my career,”
Jeff Purinton04 · The Open QuestionsQuestions to Be Answered
Are Schumann and Diaz actually advancing in Florida State’s search?
An interview or offer would separate names linked by old working relationships from candidates Purinton is prepared to pursue. That distinction carries weight with Diaz leading a 7-2 ACC team and Schumann coordinating an 8-1 Georgia team. The first reported interview, offer or Florida State announcement will show whether either connection has advanced beyond the hot board.
05 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Which coaching path is Florida State choosing?
The reported choices point to different paths for a program seeking its 2027 coach: an ACC coach with a winning season or a coordinator from one of the country's top teams.
Has the search moved beyond the reported names?
Neither candidate is known to have interviewed or received an offer.