Seminoles pivot to Alford as next AD

Florida State has elevated Michael Alford to become its next athletics director.

Alford served as president and CEO of Seminoles Boosters, Inc. since 2020. He has served as AD at Central Michigan (2017-20) and was a senior associate AD at Oklahoma (2012-17). He replaces David Coburn, who announced his plans to retire last week.

“Michael Alford’s experience and passion for Florida State University make him an outstanding choice to lead the Athletics Department,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “Since arriving at FSU, he has made a tremendous impact and has garnered the overwhelming support of the Florida State community. Most importantly, his commitment to education and preparing student-athletes for lifelong success reflects the mission and values of Florida State University.”

Alford’s one of the top fundraisers in college athletics, spearheading campaigns at CMU and OU.

He set a fundraising mark at Central Michigan in 2018 that included renegotiating the athletic department’s apparel contract. He also hired eight coaches during his time with the Chippewas. At Oklahoma, he oversaw the Sooner Club, which set fundraising records and was responsible for a $160 million capital campaign to renovate Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

He recently led the charge on a $100 million capital campaign at FSU, which included building a new football-operations building and a redevelopment project for Doak Campbell Stadium.

“Laura and I love Florida State University and the people who make this such a special place,” Alford said. “Everyone has been so welcoming, and we’re excited about this opportunity to lead Seminole Athletics. I’ve enjoyed building strong relationships throughout the community, including with President McCullough. I look forward to working closely with him to enhance the overall mission of the university.”

He becomes the 17th athletics director at Florida State and he begins Jan. 3.

Alford’s hiring came on the heels of reports that the school was preparing to hire Louisville AD Vince Tyra. Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde reported “mutual and serious interest” between Tyra and Florida State about the job. Louisville’s Board of Trustees eventually waived Tyra’s termination clause Wednesday in what many believed was a move to clear the way for his hiring at FSU.

That never materialized as reports Thursday morning had both sides moving apart despite Tyra having resigned. A few hours later, FSU announced Alford’s hiring.

Coburn’s time at Florida State included the firing of Willie Taggart in November 2019 after a 4-5 start and dip in attendance. The move cost the school $20 million in buyouts. He would hire Mike Norvell as the Seminoles’ coach a month later.

He also oversaw the department through an economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a 20% budget reduction, including eliminating jobs, forcing pay cuts and other cost-cutting measures. Coburn, Norvell and basketball coaches Leonard Hamilton and Sue Semrau took pay cuts to help.

Alford