Florida State Athletic Director Michael Alford Discusses Norvell's Winning Culture

"If you have a great culture of what you're building, you're going to have sustained success, and that's what you're looking for."

Florida State Athletic Director Michael Alford took over as the head of the athletic department in December of 2021 after spending time at the helm of Seminole Boosters Inc. as CEO the previous year. It was around the same time FSU hired head coach Mike Norvell, who took over after the Seminoles went 6-7 (4-4 ACC), ending the Willie Taggart era and igniting a ground-up rebuild.

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Only recently have FSU fans started to see the positive momentum in Tallahassee. However, Alford and the people around Norvell were well aware of what was going on behind the scenes and the importance of trusting and adhering to the process.

In a recent episode of the 'Gramlich and Mac Lain' podcast, Alford discussed several topics with ACCN analysts Kelly Mac Lain and Eric Gramlich. They touched upon the remarkable cultural shift that has taken place at FSU over the last three years, capturing the attention of the nation. 

"Being able to work with him through it and understand what the process was gonna be to turn the program around," Alford said on working with Norvell in the beginning. "And then seeing the results of the young men and the high character people that were associated with the program, you knew it was going to lead to success and I'm a firm believer it all starts with culture."

Despite facing COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 that led to game cancellations and recruiting limitations, the coaching staff persevered and successfully added players who fit the Seminoles' desired culture. Thanks to the NCAA Transfer Portal, the team was able to welcome immediate impact players like Jermaine Johnson II, who went on to be selected in the first round by the New York Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Alford emphasized the importance of establishing a strong cultural foundation as a key driver in the rebuilding effort. He understood that by laying the groundwork early on, they could hit the ground running and maintain momentum once success was achieved

"If you have a great culture of what you're building, you're going to have sustained success, and that's what you're looking for. We probably could have done so, he probably could have taken some shortcuts and had success a little sooner, but we want the sustained success, and that's what Florida State represents. Coach Bowden and that success we had, the most historic run probably ever in college football, and we want to get back to that. We think we, for sure, with this culture, are heading in the right direction."

Only recently have casual FSU fans started to see the positive momentum in Tallahassee. However, Alford and the people around Norvell were well aware of what was going on behind the scenes and the importance of trusting and adhering to the process.

"I love the book 'Good to Great' because culture is going to build everything that you're doing," Alford said. "It will result in good success for you and to see what he was putting in place, I knew, and we knew success was coming because these young men are doing it the right way and putting their priorities in order of sustainable success." 

The 'Noles are coming off their first 10-win season in nearly as many years, and college football experts are anticipating another big year, potentially making a College Football Playoff appearance. They currently have a roster full of NFL Draft picks and the philosophy appears to be working. They have a chance to prove it when they face off against the LSU Tigers to open the season on September 3rd.

Be sure to check out his full interview on the Gramlich and Mac Lain Show here.

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