Former AD says Florida State's Mike Norvell 'the epitome of what you want in a head football coach'

Laird Veatch knows firsthand the importance of college football in the Sunshine State.

Prior to being named Memphis’ director of athletics in October, he was the executive associate athletics director for internal affairs at Florida for two years.

Veatch also understands the commitment players must make to be part of a winning culture.

He was a four-year letterman at linebacker and senior team captain for College Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder at Kansas State in 1994.

So, when it comes to new Florida State football coach Mike Norvell, Veatch gave the Seminoles hire two thumbs-up, followed by a bat flip.

“He’s an incredible coach. You all hit a home run, no question,” Veatch said from the Cotton Bowl, where Memphis plays Penn State Saturday in Arlington, Texas. “Most impressive for me, there are no holes in his game. Mike’s the epitome of what you want in a head football coach.”

QB class:CFP features best set of quarterbacks in its brief history

Pricey success:Clemson spent more than $5 million on last two CFP trips to Arizona

Norvell seemingly had his choice of jobs a few weeks ago.

He could have remained at Memphis, where in his fourth season he led the Tigers to their first American Athletic Conference championship. 

He was linked to openings at Missouri and Arkansas.

However, when the carousel slowed, the 38-year-old stepped off and landed in Tallahassee at FSU.

Good, because FSU is the best job with a championship pedigree.

Yet, as the world knows, Norvell and the Seminoles have to mix organization, discipline and elbow grease on their journey back to national prominence.

Norvell, FSU’s third coach in four years, has been on the go since he won over Seminole Nation with his intensity and energy during his introductory press conference Sunday, Dec. 8.

Don’t expect Norvell to exhale.

“That boost of energy is not going to slow down,” Veatch promised.

“That’s part of who he is. It’s not a one-time burst.  It’s a constant source. He’s one of those unique people who's wired a little more different and a little more special than most everybody else.”

Barely four days on the job, Norvell quietly put together a strong recruiting class during the early signing period. Norvell flipped Louisville commit and four-start quarterback Chubba Purdy and added seven other four-star prospects.

He continues to fill out his staff that includes former Seminole assistants and players Odell Haggins and Ron Dugans.

The Seminoles depart Thursday for El Paso, Texas, to resume their preparation for the Sun Bowl against Arizona State Dec. 31.

Norvell will continue to observe his 6-6 team, one that is looking to avoid consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 1975-76.

Although considered one of the game’s best young offensive minds, Norvell likes to be involved in all three phases and every position group. He stresses accountability, good habits and a shared sense of purpose.

Veatch also explained that Norvell understands the impact a football coach and football program can have on a community and all the people who are engaged with it. He said Norvell embraces that role. 

“That’s part of what makes him special – not only his energy and his intelligence – it’s his genuine passion,” Veatch said.

“The culture he created. … the team you walk around with that’s obviously doing very well on the field but you feel very proud of off the field. All those things combined into one leads me to be very confident that (FSU) has hired a great coach.”

Norvell says FSU will play smart. It will play fast. It will play physical. And the Seminoles will be passionate about finishing everything they do.

’Tis the season for celebrations and resolutions.

FSU is six years removed from its last national championship.

The Seminoles have dropped five consecutive games to Clemson; three straight to Miami; and two consecutive to Florida.

Norvell was hired to reboot a proud program. It feels like he’s the perfect fit, but time will tell. Especially when the 2020 schedule features games against West Virginia and Boise State in the first three weeks.

Veatch was in Florida long enough to see and feel the intensity that encompasses college football between the beaches. And, quite frankly, there's nothing better than night football before a sold-out crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium. 

“Who I really feel sorry for in this whole thing is my friends over at the University of Florida. .. it’s going to be a little more competitive for them,” Veatch said with a good-natured laugh.

“I wish Mike (Norvell) all the best.”