Clemson coach Dabo Swinney sharply criticized a plane banner reading "Fire Novell" — misspelling Mike Norvell's name — that flew over Doak Campbell Stadium before Florida State's 36-24 loss to the Tigers on Saturday. Swinney called the display "embarrassing," "shameful" and "disrespectful" in his postgame news conference, defending Norvell as a good man, husband and father. "They didn't even have the freaking R in the name," Swinney said. "It's just disrespectful."
Norvell, in his seventh season, has gone 10-22 since winning the ACC title in 2023. The Seminoles fell to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in ACC play, tied for last place. University president Richard Mc Cullough had earlier urged fans to support the team, but frustration boiled over. Swinney warned such treatment could happen anywhere: "Hell, they may be flying one around Clemson next time I'm home, but I doubt it."
Norvell, not asked about the banner, said the focus must be on winning. "You've got to win, that's what it comes down to," he said, noting the team rallied late. Swinney urged society to support student-athletes rather than tear down coaches: "My heart goes out to Coach Norvell and his family and that team that just fought their butts off."
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing