TALLAHASSEE – Florida State University announced Monday that it has removed Michael Alford from his position as Vice President and Director of Athletics. The university has appointed Senior Associate Athletics Director Bruce Warwick to lead the department on an interim basis while a national search for a permanent replacement is conducted. The move, effective immediately, signals a significant change in leadership for the Seminole athletic programs.
In the university’s official press release, FSU President Richard McCullough and Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins framed the decision as a necessary move to remain competitive. McCullough claimed the change reflects a “commitment” to “maintaining the highest standards.” Collins’ statement suggested dissatisfaction with the department’s current trajectory, noting that while investments have been made, “more are needed.” He referred to Alford’s removal as the “next phase of restructuring that the University must commit to in order to compete in this era of college sports.”
Alford’s tenure as athletic director began in 2021, following a period where he served as the president of the university’s fundraising arm, Seminole Boosters, Inc. No specific cause for his departure was provided in the university’s announcement.
Warwick, the interim director, has been with FSU since 2020 and previously worked in the front office for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. The university stated that details regarding the search for Alford’s permanent successor will be released in the coming weeks.
