Florida State athletic director Michael Alford fired after nearly five years

Florida State University dismissed athletic director Michael Alford after nearly five years in the role, university president Richard McCullough announced on Monday. Senior associate athletics director Bruce Warwick has been named interim athletic director while the school launches a national search for a permanent replacement. McCullough emphasized that the decision aligns with the institution’s commitment to competitive excellence. “Florida State is committed to maintaining the highest standards for our student-athletes and staff,” he said. “We want each of them to be able to play for championships. This action reflects that commitment.” Alford assumed the athletic director position in January 2022 after serving as president and chief executive officer of the Seminole Boosters. His early tenure produced notable achievements, including a 13‑0 football record and an ACC championship in 2023. Subsequent seasons, however, saw the program decline to a 2‑10 record in 2024 and a 5‑7 mark in 2025. The Seminoles entered the current campaign with a 1‑1 record following a 27‑24 home loss to SMU, while head coach Mike Norvell has compiled an 8‑18 record since the start of the 2024 season. In addition to on‑field results, Alford faced increasing scrutiny over the department’s management of name, image and likeness expenditures, roster support and overall financial obligations. Florida State reported $437 million in athletics‑related debt for the 2025 fiscal year, a figure amplified by major facility projects. Administrators said the financial strain reflects the broader challenge of keeping pace with rising costs under the evolving college athletics model. The timing of the change intensifies pressure ahead of Florida State’s upcoming matchup against No. 10 Alabama, a game that will draw heightened attention to the direction of the athletics program and Norvell’s future. Prior to his Florida State stint, Alford served as athletic director at Central Michigan from 2017 to 2020 and held an associate athletic director role at Oklahoma between 2012 and 2017.