FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford Releases Statement On USC Speculation

Alford cleared up brewing speculation on Sunday evening.

Michael Alford has proven to be a vital asset for Florida State since the university hired him as Athletic Director less than two years ago. He has been instrumental in backing projects to improve athletic facilities and playing fields for each of the Seminoles' 20 sports. That includes an upcoming $150,000 square-foot Football Only Facility that Florida State broke ground on last December.

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Despite the Los Angeles Times recently reporting that USC has vetted Alford for its open Athletic Director position, he made it clear on Sunday evening where things stand. Alford released a statement through the university denying his candidacy for the position and reaffirming that he's committed to the work in progress at Florida State.

“I am not now, nor have I been, a candidate for the position at USC. Nor do I have any interest in any role other than my current position at Florida State," Alford's statement read. "I remain totally focused on the tremendous opportunities ahead of us here at FSU, and I remain completely committed to seeing those to completion.”

There is a direct link to Alford and USC as he previously worked as an Associate Athletics Director for the university where he oversaw all aspects of marketing, corporate sales, and media contract negotiations.

This is big news for the Seminoles as cohesion between the athletic department has continued to trend upwards since Alford replaced David Coburn in January of 2022. Alford has already made three coaching hires since joining the program in his current role; Link Jarrett (baseball), Brook Wyckoff (women's basketball), and Brian Pensky (women's soccer). 

Prior to being hired as Florida State's Athletic Director, Alford served as the CEO of Seminole Boosters from 2020-21. The entity was able to add over 2,000 new annual members and raise over $15 million under his guidance.

Alford has been a vocal component behind Florida State's desire to leave the ACC for the Big Ten or SEC. He was in attendance for a recent Board of Trustees meeting where FSU President Richard McCullough fired a final warning shot to the conference.

The Seminoles didn't make their intentions official prior to the August 15 deadline but the program isn't expected to sit idly over the next year. Alford will play a big role in Florida State's continued efforts to fill a growing revenue gap.

Alford previously held the Athletic Director position at Central Michigan from 2017-20. He's also served as the Associate Athletic Director for Development and Administration at Oklahoma (2012-17), the Senior Director for Corporate Partnerships and Sales for the Dallas Cowboys (2008-12), and the General Manager of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing at the University of Alabama (2004-08).

*Some information courtesy of Florida State Athletics

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