By Field Level Media
Sep 14 (Field Level Media) - Florida State fired athletic director Michael Alford on Monday amid the football team's ongoing struggles.
Alford had held the position since January 2022, taking over following the retirement of David Coburn.
"Michael Alford has served the University and our student-athletes with dedication, and we thank him for his contributions to our athletics programs," school president Richard McCullough said. "As we begin this transition, our focus remains on the success
of our teams and continuing to provide every competitive advantage we can to our student-athletes, coaches and staff."
The school named senior associate athletics director Bruce Warwick to serve as interim AD.
"It is important that we remain dedicated to providing continuity and support to our student-athletes, coaches and staff, who remain our top priority," Warwick said.
Alford's dismissal comes one week after the Seminoles' football team lost 27-24 at home against SMU on Labor Day.
"Florida State is committed to maintaining the highest standards for our student-athletes and staff," McCullough said. "We want all of them to be able to play for championships. This leadership change reflects that commitment."
Florida State football coach Mike Norvell is also on the hot seat, with an 8-18 record since the start of the 2024 season.
Alford previously served as president and CEO of Seminoles Boosters. He also worked as athletic director at Central Michigan (2017-20) and as associate AD at Oklahoma (2012-17).
The Tallahassee Democrat reported the firing on Sunday, noting Alford had faced scrutiny over the school's handling of NIL and roster funding. Florida State also reported $437 million in athletics-related debt for the 2025 fiscal year.
"Changes like this are never easy, but sometimes necessary," Florida State board of trustees chairman Peter Collins said. "We have made significant investments and structural changes in our athletics program and Seminole Boosters over the past few years, but more are needed. This step begins the next phase of restructuring that the University must commit to in order to compete in this era of college sports. The President and the Board are in lockstep on the mission and what the results must be."
(--Field Level Media)
