Florida State fires athletics director Michael Alford amid ongoing program struggles

Florida State University announced Monday that athletics director Michael Alford has been terminated after five years leading the Seminoles' athletic department. The decision comes as the football team, coached by Mike Norvell, has posted an 8-19 record since missing the College Football Playoff, with only three victories against Power Five opponents. Sources close to the program indicated that the university did not want Alford to oversee the next football coaching hire, suggesting a separation between the athletic director role and future staffing decisions.

The move reflects broader concerns about the financial health of Florida State athletics, which has struggled to sustain the momentum generated by a 13-0 run during the 2023 regular season. While Norvell retains his position, the administration appears focused on addressing both performance and budgetary issues within the department.