Florida State Names Alumnus Jeff Purinton as Next Athletics Director

Florida State University named alumnus Jeff Purinton as its next vice president and director of athletics on November 9, 2026.

Purinton returns to Tallahassee after spending three years as the vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics at Arkansas State University and working as an executive vice president for Learfield. He replaces Michael Alford, whom FSU leadership fired in September to restructure the department for faster revenue generation.

President Richard McCullough pointed to Purinton’s background in a statement released by the university.

Florida State has named Jeff Purinton, a multimedia executive who played a key role in Nick Saban's Alabama dynasty, as its next AD.https://t.co/28wEF4Ct1C

— Post by @zach_barnett on X

Jeff Purinton has the experience, judgment and championship pedigree to lead Florida State Athletics at this important moment

FSU Board of Trustees Chair Peter Collins also backed the selection, noting Purinton’s familiarity with the institution.

Sources: Florida State is targeting Jeff Purinton as the school’s next athletic director. He’s the former athletic director at Arkansas State, a longtime atheltics staff member at Alabama and a Florida State alum who worked there early in his career. pic.twitter.com/zBrVzWo6bB

— Post by @PeteThamel on X

Florida State is committed to competing at the highest level, and Jeff Purinton understands what that requires

Purinton previously worked in the Seminoles’ athletics communications office from 1994 to 2006. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management in 1997, according to FSU Wire. He earned a master’s degree in athletic administration in 2006.

We’re excited to announce the hiring of Jeff Purinton as Vice President and Director of Athletics! A two-time FSU graduate, Purinton returns home after more than 30 years of leadership experience across collegiate athletics. Read more here: https://t.co/zEoxRAxMlS Welcome back… pic.twitter.com/1WfbhCnlw4

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He spent 15 years at Alabama, climbing from associate athletic director of communications to executive deputy director of athletics by 2021. Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne noted that Purinton helped prepare the department for leadership transitions and worked closely on athletic searches.

Purinton’s arrival coincides with an active football coaching search. FSU dismissed head coach Mike Norvell on November 1 after the Seminoles opened the season with a 3-5 record.

Florida State is hiring Jeff Purinton as its next athletic director, sources tell @YahooSports. The former Arkansas State AD and FSU alum, Purinton has been working as a Learfield executive.

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Parker Executive Firm assisted Florida State with its athletic director search and will assist Purinton with the head football coach search.

Purinton contributed to 12 football bowl trips during his previous tenure in Tallahassee. That run included the undefeated 1999 national championship concluded by a Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia Tech. His background also features support for Seminole baseball during their College World Series trips in 1999 and 2000.

Florida State Names Alumnus Jeff Purinton as Next Athletics Director — Photo: The Lufkin Daily News

He directed promotional efforts for Chris Weinke’s 2000 Heisman Trophy campaign. At Arkansas State, he appointed Bryan Hodgson to direct the basketball team in 2025. He named Mike Silva to head the baseball program in 2024. Hodgson achieved a 45–28 record and captured a Sun Belt regular-season title in 2025.

Purinton stated that his foundational years in Tallahassee and subsequent tenure working alongside prominent figures shaped his professional perspective. He spent years collaborating closely with Bobby Bowden, Mike Martin, and Nick Saban.

News: Florida State has officially hired Jeff Purinton as athletic director. Former Arkansas State AD who worked at Alabama and FSU, most recently at Learfield.

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Florida State is home to me in so many ways. It’s where I went to school, where I got my start in this profession and where I learned from people who helped shape the way I’ve approached my career. I was fortunate to work with Coach Bowden, Coach Martin and Coach Saban. The lessons I learned from them about leadership, relationships and representing an institution have stayed with me.

University President Richard McCullough emphasized that the incoming director understands the culture and expectations required to manage the garnet and gold. Chris Weinke, a 1999 national champion and 2000 Heisman Trophy winner, praised the appointment.

BREAKING: Florida State to hire Jeff Purinton as next AD | FSU Football

Arkansas State University System former president Chuck Welch also commended the hire. Former football coach Rick Stockstill noted that Purinton carries the legacy of Coach Bowden.