Florida State didn't take long to find their new athletic director. On Monday morning, it was announced that Jeff Purinton will take over that role going forward. University President Richard McCullough made the hire official later on Monday morning.
"Jeff Purinton has the experience, judgment and championship pedigree to lead Florida State Athletics at this important moment," McCullough said via Seminoles.com. "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."
Board of Trustees chair Peter Collins also made a statement about bringing Purinton on board.
"Florida State is committed to competing at the highest level, and Jeff Purinton understands what that requires," said Collins. "He knows this university, he knows the culture of Seminole Athletics, and he has spent his career working in and leading excellent athletics organizations. Jeff brings the experience, relationships and competitive mindset we need as the landscape of college athletics continues to change. His latest work with Learfield building multimedia rights revenue for SEC teams is also invaluable as we seek to reshape our department. The Board has tremendous confidence in President McCullough's selection, and we believe Jeff is the right leader to help shape the next era of Florida State Athletics."
Purinton's ties to FSU go back to 1994 when he joined the athletics communications office as an undergraduate student. He went on to serve as a graduate assistant, assistant sports information director, and director of football communications.
In 1997, Purinton received his bachelor's degree in sports management at FSU, and he also got his master's degree in athletic administration in 2006 from the university.
Purinton is back, and now his job is to work diligently with Parker Executive Search to find the next head coach at Florida State.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU president releases statement on Jeff Purinton hire
