Florida State fires athletic director Michael Alford

Florida State has fired athletic director Michael Alford, school president Richard McCullough confirmed to ESPN on Monday.

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Alford had held the position since January 2022, taking over following the retirement of David Coburn.

His dismissal comes one week after the Seminoles’ football team lost 27-24 at home against SMU on Labor Day.

Florida State football coach Mike Norvell is also on the hot seat, with an 8-18 record since the start of the 2024 season.

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Alford previously served as the president and CEO of Seminoles Boosters. He also worked as the athletic director at Central Michigan (2017-20) and as associate AD at Oklahoma (2012-17).

The Tallahassee Democrat reported the firing on Sunday, adding that Alford had faced scrutiny over the school’s handling of NIL and roster funding. Florida State also carried $437 million in athletics-related debt for the 2025 fiscal year.

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–Field Level Media

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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 9:39 AM.