Florida State has hired its next athletic director.
The Seminoles announced on Monday, Nov. 9, that Jeff Purinton has been named the successor to Michael Alford, who was fired in September.
"Jeff Purinton has the experience, judgment and championship pedigree to lead Florida State Athletics at this important moment," Florida State president Richard McCullough said in a statement. "As a two-time FSU graduate and former athletics department employee, Jeff has a deep understanding of Florida State, our culture and the expectations that come with representing this university.
"Jeff further developed his extensive leadership experience overseeing football operations as part of Nick Saban's championship program at Alabama. I am incredibly excited to
welcome Jeff home to Florida State."
Purinton returns to his alma mater after serving as the executive vice president of Learfield Sports Properties, where he oversaw "all Southeastern Conference (SEC) school relationships." He also has experience working in athletic departments, such as serving as the athletic director at Arkansas State.
In addition to work with the Seminoles athletic department early on his career, he's also known for his 15-year stint at Alabama, where he worked with Saban and held the title of executive deputy director of athletics for the Crimson Tide.
"I want to give my deep appreciation and thanks to President Richard McCullough and BOT Chair Peter Collins for placing their trust and belief in me to lead Florida State Athletics," Purinton said in a statement. "Florida State is home to me in so many ways. It's where I went to school, where I got my start in this profession and where I learned from people who helped shape the way I've approached my career. I was fortunate to work with Coach Bowden, Coach Martin and Coach Saban. The lessons I learned from them about leadership, relationships and representing an institution have stayed with me."
Purinton's first task will be identifying and hiring a new head football coach after the university fired Mike Norvell on Nov. 1. That will be an important hire for Purinton, as the Seminoles' football program has been at the bottom of the ACC in recent years and has fallen well short of its national prominence expectations since its 2023 season.
The undefeated Seminoles looked like a College Football Playoff team until the committee left them out, citing Jordan Travis' injury despite being undefeated.
"Coming back to lead this athletics department is a tremendous honor, and a responsibility that I don't take lightly," Purinton said. "... I also know how much work goes into meeting the expectations that come with wearing the garnet and gold. I'm excited to get started, to listen, to build relationships and to work with our coaches, student-athletes, staff and supporters to move Florida State Athletics forward."
Florida State heads to Pittsburgh on Friday, Nov. 13 for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff in football.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida State’s new AD learned under Nick Saban. Can he revive FSU football?
