Hard to Argue Against: Matt Baker Criticizes Mike Norvell for “Complimentary Pieces” Approach Says Decommits Would Have Stayed If…

In a pointed critique that has resonated across the Florida State Seminoles fanbase, sports journalist Matt Baker has openly criticized head coach Mike Norvell for his strategy of building the team around “complimentary pieces” rather than true foundational talents. Baker believes this approach, combined with the team’s poor start to the season, has contributed to key decommitments from the program. Furthermore, Baker asserts that these issues could have been avoided if Norvell had presented himself as a more competent leader early in the season. According to Baker, Norvell’s shortcomings are too glaring to ignore.

 

The “Complimentary Pieces” Approach

Baker’s primary concern centers on Norvell’s emphasis on constructing a team with “complimentary pieces,” or players who fill specific roles within the system rather than being game-changing stars. While this strategy can be effective when executed correctly, Baker argues that Norvell has leaned too heavily into this philosophy without recruiting or developing the standout talents needed to make a significant impact in the ACC and on the national stage.

 

“This program doesn’t need more role players; it needs stars,” Baker said in his criticism. “Florida State has a history of developing game-changers—players who can carry a team on their backs. Right now, Norvell’s trying to fill out the roster with players who are solid, but not spectacular. That’s not going to cut it when you’re competing with the likes of Clemson and other powerhouse programs.”

 

Baker’s concern highlights what many fans have expressed in recent weeks: while the Seminoles have shown flashes of potential, the overall roster lacks the star power needed to consistently win games. The reliance on players to play supporting roles, without any clear game-changing talent to lead the charge, has left Florida State vulnerable in high-pressure situations.

 

Decommitments and Missed Opportunities

Baker also tied the team’s disappointing start to the season with the recent wave of decommitments. Several top recruits have opted to decommit from Florida State in favor of other programs, a trend that has only amplified the sense of concern around the Seminoles’ recruiting strategy. Baker suggests that these decommitments might have been avoided if Norvell had focused more on securing marquee talents and had the team hit the ground running at the start of the season.

 

“The decommits are a direct result of how this season started,” Baker commented. “If Florida State had come out with a strong statement—winning games, looking like a team with direction—those recruits would have stayed. But the second things went south, it was easy for them to look elsewhere. Recruits want to play for winners, not a program that’s floundering.”

 

According to Baker, these missed opportunities represent more than just a recruiting setback—they reflect a deeper issue with the way the program is being managed. While Norvell may have believed his “complimentary pieces” approach would work in the long run, the early-season losses and lack of direction on the field have eroded the confidence of recruits who once saw Florida State as a viable option.

 

Competence and Accountability

One of the most stinging aspects of Baker’s critique is his questioning of Norvell’s competence as a head coach. While Norvell came to Florida State with high expectations, particularly after his success at Memphis, Baker argues that his tenure in Tallahassee has been defined by inconsistency and an inability to make necessary adjustments, both on and off the field.

 

“It’s not just the losses, it’s how those losses happen,” Baker said. “Norvell’s game management has been questionable, and when you combine that with his recruiting approach, it doesn’t inspire confidence. You can’t ignore those shortcomings anymore.”

 

Baker’s comments touch on a broader sentiment that has been growing within the fanbase—that Norvell has yet to prove himself as the right leader for the Seminoles. His decisions, from personnel choices to in-game adjustments, have left many questioning whether he’s the coach to lead Florida State back to national prominence. As Baker points out, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sit quietly and ignore these issues as they pile up.

 

What Could Have Been: A Strong Start

Baker also notes that a stronger start to the season could have changed everything for Norvell and the Seminoles. A few early wins could have generated positive momentum, shored up recruiting efforts, and silenced some of the more vocal critics. However, the team’s struggles in the opening weeks of the season have created an environment of frustration and uncertainty.

 

“If this team had looked competent out of the gate, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Baker said. “The recruits would have stayed, the fans would have been patient, and Norvell could have kept building. But now, every loss feels like a step backward, and it’s hard to see how the program moves forward from here.”

 

Moving Forward: Can Norvell Recover?

While Baker’s critique is harsh, it also highlights the urgency of the situation for Mike Norvell. The coach still has time to turn the season around, but he’ll need to show significant improvement both on the field and in his recruiting efforts. For Baker, the key is in moving away from the “complimentary pieces” approach and focusing on bringing in the kind of top-tier talent that can change the trajectory of the program.

 

“There’s still time, but the clock is ticking,” Baker said. “If Norvell doesn’t adjust and start building a team around true impact players, rather than just filling holes, the program is going to keep spinning its wheels.”

 

Baker’s criticism has sparked a broader conversation about the direction of Florida State football. As the season continues, all eyes will be on Norvell and whether he can prove his critics wrong by making the necessary adjustments to get the program back on track. But for now, it’s hard to argue against Baker’s analysis: the shortcomings are evident, and unless changes are made, Florida State’s struggles are likely to continue.