Florida State fires Michael Alford ahead of Alabama trip

Florida State fired athletic director Michael Alford effective Monday and appointed Bruce Warwick as interim athletic director while it begins a national search, according to an Associated Press report. The university gave no specific reason for Alford's dismissal.

Warwick will oversee the department's day-to-day operations during the transition. Florida State's updated biography for Warwick confirms his September 14 appointment.

The change comes after an open weekend and ahead of Florida State’s trip to Alabama. The Seminoles are 1–1 after a 34–17 win over New Mexico State and a 27–24 home loss to SMU. They play at Alabama on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Warwick takes over for Alabama week

Warwick was hired as Florida State football's chief of staff in December 2019 and began his first season with the program in 2020. Before joining FSU, he spent eight seasons directing operations for the NFL's Rams through the franchise's move from St. Louis to Los Angeles.

His appointment puts an administrator familiar with the football program and department operations in charge during the search. Florida State did not announce a change involving coach Mike Norvell.

Alford had led Florida State athletics since January 2022 after being selected the previous month. He previously served as president and CEO of Seminole Boosters. His official FSU biography credits his tenure with the opening of the Dunlap Football Center and the renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium.

The permanent hire will also inherit Florida State's place in the ACC after a March 2025 settlement ended the university's litigation against the conference. The agreement added a revenue-distribution component tied to football and men's basketball viewership, and Florida State remained a full ACC member.

For now, Warwick runs the department as the Seminoles head into Alabama week. Florida State has not announced a timetable for naming Alford's permanent replacement.