Florida State University is set to hire Jeff Purinton as its next athletic director, with an official announcement expected later Monday, November 9, 2026, according to ESPN sources. Purinton replaces Michael Alford, who was fired in September 2026.
Purinton, a Florida State alumnus, worked at the university for more than a decade during Bobby Bowden’s tenure as head football coach. He spent over a decade at Alabama under Nick Saban, rising to executive deputy director of athletics. He served as athletic director at Arkansas State from 2022 to 2025 before becoming executive vice president at Learfield.
TOP NEWS
University President Richard McCullough said when Alford was dismissed that he sought a leader who could modernize the athletic department and increase revenue generation.
With the athletic director position pending confirmation, FSU will begin searching for a permanent head football coach. Mike Norvell was fired last week after seven years leading the Seminoles and a 3-5 start to the 2026 season.
Interim head coach Rick Stockstill — also a Bowden-era FSU alum — guided the Seminoles to a win over Boston College on Saturday. That victory was the program’s first road win in nearly three years, according to The Associated Press.
More: NCAAF · Florida State Seminoles
