Reaction to Michael Alford named new FSU Athletic Director

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.

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longer is the right move perception-wise, especially with the news of Doak Campbell’s stadium renovations possibly rescinded by a vote by Leon County Commissioner Rick Minor.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.