Pasqualoni to Join Florida State Staff
The 77-year-old former Syracuse coach is expected to become a defensive analyst for the Seminoles next week, after the program fired head coach Mike Norvell.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
Paul Pasqualoni is expected to join Florida State's coaching staff as a defensive analyst next week, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel citing anonymous sources. The move follows Florida State's firing of head coach Mike Norvell after the team started 3-5 (1-4 ACC).
Why it matters
Florida State is reshaping its coaching staff midseason after firing Norvell along with defensive coordinator Tony White and safeties coach Evan Cooper. Pasqualoni's addition brings veteran defensive experience to a unit now led by Ernie Sims III.
Pasqualoni coached at Syracuse from 1987 to 2004, posting a 107-59-1 record over 14 seasons. Florida State's 3-5 (1-4 ACC) start preceded Norvell's firing.
The players
Paul Pasqualoni
Veteran college football coach who led Syracuse from 1987 to 2004 and spent decades as a defensive specialist in the sport.
Florida State University
Public university in Tallahassee whose football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference and has won multiple national championships.
Mike Norvell
Former Florida State head football coach whose tenure ended in 2026 after the team started the season 3-5.
The details
Pasqualoni, 77, previously coached at Syracuse and was an assistant at Avon Old Farms High School. Rick Stockstill is leading Florida State on an interim basis while the staff changes take shape.
Timeline
1987 to 2004: Pasqualoni coaches at Syracuse.
This season: Florida State starts 3-5 (1-4 ACC) before the firing.
Next week: Pasqualoni is expected to join the Florida State staff.
Roadmap
Midseason coaching changes at ACC programs have become a recurring response to disappointing starts, and Florida State's move follows that pattern. Pasqualoni's return to a staff role reflects a reliance on veteran defensive minds to steady a struggling unit.
Florida State fans will see a new defensive voice on the sideline as the Seminoles finish the season under interim leadership. The change may affect how the defense is game-planned in the remaining weeks.
The takeaway
Midseason staff changes can shift a team's direction quickly, but results over the remaining games will show whether Florida State's defense responds. Readers should watch for the official announcement to confirm Pasqualoni's role.
What happens next
Pasqualoni is expected to officially join the Florida State staff next week.
Further reading
For more on the Seminoles' season, see Football coverage in Tallahassee.
