NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsSeptember 14, 2026Hillsborough County
Florida State University fires athletics director Michael Alford and appoints Bruce Warwick as interim director
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — News
Florida State University President Dr. Richard McCullough terminated athletics director Michael Alford on Monday morning and appointed senior associate athletics director Bruce Warwick as interim director. The university announced plans to conduct a national search for a permanent replacement. The decision follows a period that included major facility projects, coaching changes, and rising ticket prices.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The change in athletic leadership at Florida State University affects the management of the university's athletic department, future coaching decisions, and ongoing sports facility management.
Key Facts
- Florida State University fired athletics director Michael Alford on Monday morning.
- University President Dr. Richard McCullough announced the firing and appointed senior associate athletics director Bruce Warwick as interim athletics director.
- The university announced plans to conduct a national search for Alford's replacement.
- Alford had served as Florida State's athletics director since January 2022 after becoming president of Seminole Boosters, Inc., in the fall of 2020.
- Football coach Mike Norvell faces pressure following two losing seasons and a 1-1 start, with Florida State scheduled to play No. 10 Alabama on Saturday.
- If Norvell is replaced, the hire will be made by a new athletics director, McCullough, and Board of Trustees chairman Peter Collins.
- During Alford's tenure, FSU hired several head coaches including Luke Loucks, Link Jarrett, Brian Pensky, Brooke Wyckoff, and Sara Tisdale, and launched a lacrosse program in spring 2025.
- FSU soccer won titles under Pensky's leadership, including in December 2025.
- Alford's tenure included more than $400 million in facility projects for football, including transformations to Doak Campbell Stadium and a football-only facility that opened in October 2025.
- Alford's decisions regarding stadium debt, re-seating Doak Campbell Stadium, and raising ticket prices drew criticism from longtime fans.
Who's Mentioned
PersonBrooke Wyckoff“Women's basketball head coach hired during Alford's tenure”PersonBrian Pensky“Soccer head coach hired during Alford's tenure”OrganizationAlabama“Football opponent ranked No. 10”PersonPeter Collins“Board of Trustees chairman”OrganizationSeminole Boosters, Inc.“Organization where Alford previously served as president”PersonMichael Alford“Fired athletics director of Florida State University”PersonLuke Loucks“Men's basketball head coach hired during Alford's tenure”PersonSara Tisdale“Lacrosse head coach hired during Alford's tenure”locationDoak Campbell Stadium“Stadium undergoing west side transformation and football re-seat”PersonBruce Warwick“Interim athletics director and senior associate athletics director”PersonMike Norvell“Florida State football coach”PersonLink Jarrett“Baseball head coach hired during Alford's tenure”PersonDr. Richard McCullough“Florida State University president”