Florida State Athletics Director Michael Alford is not going anywhere.
Alford told the Tallahassee Democrat Sunday he is not a candidate for the University of Southern California AD opening, despite a report.
“I am not now, nor have I been, a candidate for the position at USC,” Alford said in a text message. “Nor do I have any interest in any role other than my current position at Florida State. I remain totally focused on the tremendous opportunities ahead of us here at FSU, and I remain completely committed to seeing those to completion.”
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, the University of Southern California has vetted FSU AD Michael Alford for its open athletics director position.
He is among at least three athletic directors that are said to be in consideration for the job.
Authors J. Brady McCollough and Ryan Kartje wrote:
“The Times confirmed that three USC athletic director candidates have been vetted: Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle, Florida State athletic director Michael Alford and Florida Atlantic athletic director Brian White. This isn’t a complete list of USC candidates, but rather athletic directors whose ties to the Trojans’ search have been confirmed by multiple sources interviewed by The Times.”
The USC job opened when Mike Bohn resigned suddenly on May 21 citing health concerns.
The FSU AD was among the more than 500 attendees in attendance for the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Conference in Amelia Island this weekend.
Alford was hired as the FSU AD in January 2022, replacing the retired David Coburn. During his tenure, he has made three high-profile hires: Brian Pensky for women’s soccer, Jarrett Link in baseball and Brooke Wyckoff in women’s basketball.
Before Alford was hired as the FSU AD, he spent 15 months as the president and CEO of Seminole Boosters, Inc.
Alford has helped lead the charge for the rebuilding of facilities, including a new standalone football facility – the Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Football Center – starting during his time with Seminole Boosters.
Alford has also led the charge for a change in revenue distribution for FSU in the Atlantic Coast Conference or a potential exit to a conference willing to give the Seminoles the opportunity to bridge the growing revenue gap with teams in the Southeastern Conference and Big 10.
He was previously the AD at Central Michigan from 2017 until 2020. He was the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and Administration at the University of Oklahoma before that from 2012 to 2017.
He was also the senior director for corporate partnerships and sales for the Dallas Cowboys from 2008-2012 and the general manager of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing at the University of Alabama from 2004 to 2008.
Alford played baseball first at Mississippi State University and finished up at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, graduating in 1993.
He completed his master’s degree in athletics administration at the University of Arkansas in 1995.
While Alford has been someone vetted for the job, that doesn’t necessarily mean he is up for the position or going to get the job.
“Alford has been vocal recently about Florida State’s need to leave the ACC. It wouldn’t be surprising if USC’s move to the Big Ten would appeal to Alford, but it’s unclear how much interest Folt has in him.”
Exlusive Q&A Part 1:AD Michael Alford assesses FSU baseball, men’s basketball, facilities in exclusive Q&A
Exlusive Q&A Part 2:AD Michael Alford assesses FSU women’s sports programs and success in exclusive Q&A
Exlusive Q&A Part 3:AD Michael Alford assesses FSU football team, expectations for 2023 in exclusive Q&A
Reach Ehsan Kassim at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).
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