Mike Norvell started coaching at Memphis in 2016, just a few weeks before turning 35. The Tigers took a risk by hiring a young offensive coordinator from Arizona State, but Norvell proved himself with a 38-16 record and four bowl games in four seasons.
Now, in his fifth season at Florida State and with the Seminoles struggling at 0-2, Norvell will face his former team when Memphis (2-0) comes to Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday.
“I’ve got unbelievable respect for that program, a great love for that city,” Norvell said. “It was truly a wonderful experience when we got to live there and got to be a part of that program and continue to try to push and elevate it, really to where it is.
“I do believe it’s one of the top programs in the country when you look at the success that they’ve had, that they’ve been able to sustain.”
Despite changes in leadership—from Justin Fuente to Norvell to current coach Ryan Silverfield—Memphis has enjoyed 10 straight winning seasons.
Silverfield, who was under 40 when promoted from offensive line coach to take over for Norvell, has continued the success. Memphis is 33-18, with a 10-3 record in 2023 that included a bowl win over Iowa State.
Memphis is seen as one of the top Group of Five programs and a strong contender for an automatic spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.
Northern Illinois is leading the list after beating then-No. 5 Notre Dame and getting the last spot in the latest AP Top 25, while Boise State and Memphis are just outside the rankings.
A win on Saturday in Tallahassee would not only earn the Tigers a $1.3 million guarantee but also boost Memphis’ national standing.
“We’re not going to treat this game any different than we did our first two opponents,” Silverfield said. “This game will not be Silverfield versus Norvell. Him and I are very close friends. We sat within arm’s length of each other for four years.”
