Florida State has fired athletic director Michael Alford. The university announced Monday that Alford is no longer vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, effective immediately, ending a tenure that began after he moved over from Seminole Boosters in 2022.
President Richard McCullough appointed senior associate athletic director Bruce Warwick as interim director while the school conducts a national search for a permanent successor.
Florida State has fired athletic director Michael Alford, school president Richard McCullough told ESPN.
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) September 14, 2026
FSU fires AD Michael Alford, opening next decision on Mike Norvell
This comes as a surprise to nobody since Alford's job security had been tied to the same question hanging over head football coach Mike Norvell after a 27-24 home loss to SMU on Labor Day night.
Florida State is now sitting at 1-1 (0-1 in the ACC) and Norvell is 39-35 overall at Florida State (22-27 in ACC play). Since the Seminoles won the 2023 ACC title and finished 13-1, they are 8-18. That just won't cut it for a program like Florida State. Alford brought Norvell back for 2026 after a 5-7 finish in 2025 that followed a 3-0 start.
Norvell's contract runs through 2031, and his buyout would be in the tens of millions. The long leash for Norvell has been admirable, but Alford won't get to make the final decision, and that seems to be what this was about.
Miami and FSU are on two different planets right now
In a time where the Florida Gators are trying to climb back into being competitive, and FSU is going through this front office mess, the Miami Hurricanes are going through an amount of success the program hasn't seen in over 20 years.
Canes fans should feel grateful, and appreciative of the stability that a head coach like Mario Cristobal brings to a program. FSU fans should feel like they are one step closer to potentially hiring the right person for the job.
FSU and Miami (as well as Florida) have had some great matchups over the years. But it looks like it could be a while before all three are back on their feet at the same time.
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