Florida State Fires AD Michael Alford Amid Football Struggles

Florida State fired athletics director Michael Alford effective Sept. 14, 2026, and named Senior Associate Athletics Director Bruce Warwick interim director while starting a national search. Alford became athletics director in January 2022 after joining the university in 2021 and previously leading Seminole Boosters. Warwick was hired at FSU in 2020 after a career with the Los Angeles Rams. The Seminoles are 1-1 in 2026 following 2-10 and 5-7 seasons. Football has gone 8-18 since the 2023 ACC title. The week before the firing, FSU lost at home to SMU 27-24 after a Doak Campbell Stadium power outage delayed kickoff two hours and limited lights, the scoreboard and helmet communications. FSU next plays No. 10 Alabama on the road, then faces several ranked ACC teams. The department holds about $437 million in athletics debt. More than $500 million went into facilities. ESPN put coach Mike Norvell's 2026 roster budget near $30 million. President Richard McCullough said Florida State wants student-athletes able to play for championships and that the change reflects that commitment; he thanked Alford for his service and said the focus stays on competitive advantages. Board of Trustees Chair Peter Collins said changes are sometimes necessary, more restructuring is needed to compete, and the president and board are aligned. Warwick said continuity and support for student-athletes, coaches and staff remain the priority.