Wilcox steps down as AD to take post with NCAA
TALLAHASSEE — Florida State athletics director Stan Wilcox is leaving the school for a position with the NCAA.
Wilcox, who was hired in 2013 and promoted to vice president in 2016, informed school president John Thrasher of his decision to leave on Sunday afternoon.
Thrasher, in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel on Monday, says Florida State will move swiftly to hire its new AD.
“I am honored and humbled to join Mark Emmert’s leadership team at the NCAA,” Wilcox said in a statement released by the school. “I am so grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have led me to this point.”
Wilcox will replace Oliver Luck as the NCAA’s executive vice president of regulatory affairs. Luck left his post and was named XFL commissioner in June.
Wilcox made his first high-profile hire by selecting new football coach Willie Taggart in December and is credited for overseeing significant upgrades to FSU’s athletic facilities, including Doak Campbell Stadium and the Tucker Civic Center. The renovations include new locker rooms and support areas for numerous Seminoles sports teams.
During his five years as Seminoles athletics director, FSU has won three national titles (football in 2013, soccer in 2014 and softball in 2018).
“I think he’s done well over his five years,” Thrasher said. “I think this is just a great opportunity for him up there in Indianapolis close to his family, his kids, his grandkids — all these kind of things.
“I’m just excited for him. I’m really happy for him.”
Thrasher said Wilcox will begin to transition out of his roles with the university through September. Wilcox is expected to begin his new post with the NCAA on Oct. 1.
Thrasher is optimistic about Florida State’s search to find its next athletics director, who will have to hire a new baseball coach and oversee the Seminoles’ new standalone football facility.
“I hope it’s not a lengthy process. I hope to push it as fast as we can,” Thrasher said. “We’re not going to make any mistakes. We’re going to do it right. We got a good team over there, so the trains will run on time and everything will be set.
“We have new folks in our football operations doing great things, and our others coaches are not shy. They get their things done.”
Wilcox worked as a legislative assistant at the NCAA from 1989-94 before working for 11 years with the Big East Conference. He returned to alma mater Notre Dame to spend three years there as deputy athletics director starting in 2005. He later served as senior deputy director of athletics at Duke from 2008-2013 before being hired as the athletics director at Florida State.
Wilcox says his previous stops will play a key role in his new position.
“I am excited to return to the NCAA, where my intercollegiate athletics career began,” Wilcox said.
Wilcox also thanked Thrasher and former FSU presidents Eric Barron and Garnett Stokes in his statement.
“The success we have enjoyed in Tallahassee would not have been possible without their trust, guidance and support, and without the fine efforts of our student-athletes, coaches and athletics support staff,” he said. “My wife Ramona and I are excited to start this new chapter in my career and in our lives together.”
Lineman leaves
Florida State offensive lineman Corey Martinez announced Monday that he will forego his football career to pursue a job in the construction industry.
“After a lot of thought, I have made my decision to move on from football and do what’s best for myself and my family,” Martinez posted on his Twitter account. “I’m proud to say that I’m an alumni of the greatest university on this earth.”
During his four-year career at Florida State, Martinez appeared in 10 games. He was practicing as the second-string right tackle behind Landon Dickerson this preseason, a similar role he played last season behind Rick Leonard.
An injury in 2016 sidelined Martinez for the entire season.
Martinez, of Tampa, was a three-star prospect who chose FSU over Alabama, Georgia and Boston College.
He said he plans to become a project manager and apply for his General Contractors License.