FSU’s search for a new Athletic Director concluded the man for the job was already on campus in CEO Seminole Boosters Michael Alford.
The Athletic Director search seemed to be swift after FSU’s acting Athletic Director David Coburn announced he would be stepping down when FSU found the next guy.
Within a day or so, Louisville’s Athletic Director Vince Tyra appeared to be the guy, but several loose ends on Louisville’s end paved the way for Michael Alford to capture the spot many Nole fans wanted him to have to begin with since he arrived last year.
Alford has been instrumental in re-energizing FSU’s Booster program, increasing the number of Boosters to its highest total in years with a simple grassroots effort.
Michael Alford is the Athletic Director at Florida State. The obvious choice is the right choice no matter what it took to get here.
— Ryan Kelly (@RyanLKelly) December 9, 2021
In 15 months Alford has pushed Seminole Boosters into the modern age and then some.
Quite a surprising turn of events at Florida State, which names Michael Alford AD ... just like everyone thought would happen BEFORE Vince Tyra entered the mix THEN exited the mix and ... let's just say much has changed since Sunday.
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) December 9, 2021
Congratulations Michael Alford for your selection as Athletic Director at FSU. You and your wife will make an amazing team. Elevation time! Go Noles. pic.twitter.com/K3jalhI6lj
— Sean Pittman (@SeanPittman) December 9, 2021
Florida State has named Michael Alford its next athletic director. Alford previously was AD at Central Michigan. Big fundraising guy. He left CMU to become CEO of the Seminoles' chief booster outfit.
— Tony Paul (@TonyPaul1984) December 9, 2021
Congrats Michael Alford!! Go Noles!! 🍢 https://t.co/L0emin88wg
— Stephen Ponder (@StephenPonder) December 9, 2021
There were some very significant FSU supporters who weren’t happy that Michael Alford didn’t get the offer last week.
— Ira Schoffel (@IraSchoffel) December 9, 2021
Not surprising they got this done quickly if that was the direction they wanted to go. Many have believed he was going to the next AD since he arrived last year.
@SeminoleAlford Congrats. We’re all pulling for you.
— KnoxNole (@FSUChad2010) December 9, 2021
@SeminoleAlford let’s gooo!! Couldn’t be happier with who was picked to guide FSU athletics.
— andrew (@NebraskaNole) December 9, 2021
#NoleFamily #KeepCLIMBing 🍢 https://t.co/jvx3M05ABX
— Mike Norvell (@Coach_Norvell) December 9, 2021
Thoughts
Alford is highly visible on social media and has done countless appearances on FSU podcasts, clearly explaining the vision and how the money would enhance FSU athletics.
That visibility and passion are what I believe helped him gain so much support since arriving in Tallahassee.
The good news is he has experience in the collegiate setting at Central Michigan and Oklahoma. He has tons of experience in fundraising and building large-scale projects, including He’s also worked as the senior director of corporate partnerships and sales for the Dallas Cowboys. I’m a fan of the move.
I think Alford having a working knowledge of issues at FSU will give him a headstart on rectifying those items. I know he and FSU football head coach Mike Norvell has a solid working relationship, and both understand where they want FSU football to go.
I also think not stringing out the search longer is the right move perception-wise, especially with the news of Doak Campbell’s stadium renovations possibly rescinded by a vote by Leon County Commissioner Rick Minor.
Congrats to Michael Alford, who has done great work since arriving in Tallahassee.