AP sources: Florida State introducing Norvell as new coach

Author: TERESA M. WALKER/ Teresa M. Walker
Published: Updated:
Memphis head coach Mike Norvell, left, celebrates with he team after they defeated Cincinnati in an NCAA college football game for the American Athletic Conference championship Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Florida State will introduce Memphis football coach Mike Norvell as their new coach Sunday, two people with knowledge of the decision said after the Tigers’ victory Saturday in the American Athletic Conference championship game.

Florida State announced during No. 15 Memphis’ 29-24 victory over No. 21 Cincinnati that that the new coach would be introduced Sunday at a news conference in Tallahassee before a men’s basketball game.

That coach will be Norvell, two people told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made.

Norvell refused to answer any questions about his future when asked on the field immediately after the victory, even with one Memphis fan kept repeating to himself that he hoped Norvell would announce he was staying with the Tigers. He also deflected when asked about Florida State’s news conference Sunday.

“All our focus tonight is about this football team,” said Norvell, who appeared emotional while his Tigers spoke earlier beside him. “It’s not about me. It’s not about anything. It’s about this team and winning an American conference championship. I’m grateful for these guys and what they put in today, and we’re excited obviously about what we were able to do tonight.”

Memphis lost the American title game the past two years, both on the road to UCF. Now the Tigers (12-1) are expecting to play in the Cotton Bowl as the best team from the Group of Five.

Asked if he would coach the Tigers in the Cotton Bowl berth Memphis expects representing the Group of Five, Norvell said simply, “Obviously, that’s the plan.”

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