Florida State Fires Athletic Director Michael Alford After Soccer’s Prolonged Slide

Florida State University fired Michael Alford as Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics on Monday, ending a five-year tenure that included a stadium renovation however little on-field enchancment in soccer. Bruce Warwick, a Senior Associate Athletics Director who joined FSU in 2020, will function interim athletic director whereas the college conducts a nationwide seek for a everlasting substitute.

Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins framed the choice as a structural necessity.

“Changes like this are never easy, but sometimes necessary,” Collins mentioned within the college’s announcement, including that regardless of current investments and organizational adjustments, extra have been nonetheless wanted for FSU to compete successfully within the fashionable school sports activities panorama.

President Richard McCullough acknowledged Alford’s contributions with out elaborating on the choice.

“Michael Alford has served the University and our student-athletes with dedication,” McCullough mentioned.

Alford, who joined FSU in 2021 after serving as president and CEO of Seminole Boosters, oversaw a steep decline within the soccer program’s fortunes. Florida State reached the 2023 ACC Championship Game however has gone 8-18 since, together with a 2025 season that ended 2-7. The Seminoles opened the 2026 season with a 27-24 residence loss to SMU regardless of the Mustangs committing 4 turnovers, prompting audible chants of “fire Norvell” in Doak Campbell Stadium.

Alford oversaw completion of a $265 million renovation of that very same stadium in late 2025. The facility funding didn’t carry over to roster spending — FSU’s soccer payroll has ranked within the decrease half of the ACC — a disparity that turned a recurring level of criticism throughout his tenure.

Warwick, who got here to FSU after an intensive profession with the Los Angeles Rams, mentioned continuity for gamers and workers is his fast precedence.

“It is important that we remain dedicated to providing continuity and support to our student-athletes, coaches and staff,” Warwick mentioned.

Alford’s dismissal additionally removes him from any function in figuring out head coach Mike Norvell’s future, a choice that had turn out to be a supply of serious fan strain because the 2025 collapse. The college mentioned particulars on the nationwide search course of could be introduced within the coming weeks.