Florida State University head football coach Mike Norvell will be watching the FSU vs. Miami game like most of us: from home. Norvell tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend and is quarantining over the next 10 days. That means he won't be attending Saturday's game, his first as head coach of the Seminoles.
“This game, Florida, those are—each and every year—games that mean so much to so many…so not being able to be active during the 3.5 hours the game is taking place, it’s going to hurt," he told reporters Monday during a Zoom press conference from his home.
Norvell says he doesn’t know how he contracted the virus and says he has followed all safety protocols. His wife and daughter tested negative.
While he won't be physically at the game, Norvell does plan to keep coaching the team this week, albeit remotely. He’s making due by streaming practices live and giving feedback.
“It’s a pretty good setup. I have access to go to different cameras as practice goes on. I was unsure how easily and functional it would operate, but actually, it was pretty good.”
His positive COVID-19 case comes as FSU has faced scrutiny over its response to the coronavirus. During the season opener against Georgia Tech, FSU fans were seen maskless in the stands and not practicing social distancing. Students also threw tailgating parties off campus, prompting FSU President John Thrasher to issue a statement warning students who don't follow the school's COVID-19 measures could be suspended.
