Florida State dismisses athletic director Michael Alford amid football program concerns

Florida State University announced the termination of Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford, citing a need to uphold the university’s standards for student-athletes and staff. President Richard McCullough said the change reflects the school’s commitment to championship-level competition.

Alford, who became athletic director in December 2021 after leading the Seminole Boosters, oversaw a 10-3 season and an ACC championship in 2023, but the team missed the College Football Playoff. Subsequent seasons saw a 2-10 record and a 5-7 finish, prompting a “comprehensive assessment” of the football program.

Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins noted that “significant investments and structural changes” have been made, but further steps are required to remain competitive in today’s college-sports environment. The board’s decision also appears linked to the upcoming selection of a new football head coach, with sources indicating that Alford’s removal clears the way for that process.

Mike Norvell, the football coach hired in 2021, remains under contract through 2031, with a buyout clause that would pay 85 % of his remaining salary if terminated. Norvell, whose record stands at 39-35 overall and 22-27 in ACC play, addressed recent fan criticism, saying, “You notice it…there’s always going to be outside perspective…you’ve got to control what you can control.”

The move comes as Florida State confronts athletic-related debt, revenue-share disputes with the ACC, and a costly stadium renovation that has yet to generate a clear return on investment. The university’s football payroll is now in the lower half of the conference, adding pressure as the team faces a challenging schedule that includes four nationally-ranked opponents.