Mike Norvell’s apology late Saturday evening demonstrated accountability and empathy.

But Florida State football fans deserve more.

Norvell said earlier this season it’s one thing to talk about improvement and it’s another to rise and respond. Expectations should never be replaced by hope at FSU.

Yet here we are, dadgummit.

Florida State football tumbles toward one of worst seasons in program history

Fans haven’t seen enough progress from the Seminoles as the team's historic freefall heads into November.

Unfortunately, FSU football is beyond repair this season even as Norvell hopes for a stronger finish.

The agonizing and rapid collapse of this program is perplexing. Nobody has been able to accurately diagnose a root cause.

Some point to an infected culture due to transfer portal whiffs and NIL greed. Others see complacency among coaches and returning players or a lack of accountability and effort (both should be non-negotiable).

There have been so many tough lessons to endure. Any step forward is followed by a faceplant on the field.

Whatever Norvell and his staff thought they had entering 2024, they brutally miscalculated. Not much has clicked despite talent and experience across multiple positions.

Norvell, while ever the optimist, apologized to fans following the Seminoles’ defeat at Miami Saturday. Much like he did earlier this season when FSU was bounced in its home-opener by underdog Boston College.

FSU’s 1-7 record, abysmal statistical rankings nationally and struggles on the recruiting trail speak volumes. Across the country, other programs with far less in terms of salaries, resources and football brand strengths, are flourishing.

Who out there picked Pittsburgh and Indiana to be undefeated heading into November? Not I. Not you. Not anyone.

FSU coach football Mike Norvell must evaluate his assistant coaches

So what is Norvell’s next move?

He told the media Monday he is evaluating every aspect of his program. He is watching how his players work and the effort they give. He’s watching his coaches. FSU's roster has four games remaining to make a favorable impression. The Seminoles are reeling toward their worst season since 1-10 in 1974 under Darrell Mudra.

“That’s my primary focus – that these guys are getting every opportunity to be successful come Saturday,” said Norvell, whose team is at home Saturday against North Carolina at 3:30 p.m.

While more and more programs are making in-season changes to their coaching staffs, that’s really not FSU’s style and there's little benefit. On paper, it's the same leadership team that helped FSU go 13-0 last season.

Yet something, somewhere has been amiss. The infection is deep. From practice to games. From evaluation to execution.

If things don't change dramatically - and signs don't point to that happening - there needs to be an off-season overhaul and quick strategic rebuild that capitalizes on the free market era of college football.

It's certain Norvell and FSU VP and Director of Athletics Michael Alford, who expects winning, will find agreement on who to cut loose and who to keep – even though firing any assistants will be costly since Alford and FSU gave the entire coaching staff raises and extensions in January.

While Norvell is virtually untouchable this year due to his massive buyout – $64 million paid out over the next seven years if fired after this season – he still has the university's faith that he is the right man in the right place.

He remains committed to finding answers. He still believes in what his players can do and achieve.

But belief needs to translate to action, not apologies.

And that's what will rekindle the hope of fans enduring a whiplash never before seen in college football.

Jim Henry is Tallahassee Democrat Sports Editor. Email him at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State football needs action, not apologies from Mike Norvell