Peter Collins Oversees Florida State Athletic Search
The Board of Trustees Chairman is leading the search for a new athletic director following Michael Alford's departure.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Should university boards of trustees play a direct, public role in managing athletic department hiring?
Florida State University Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins and President Richard McCullough have begun the search for a new athletic director. This leadership transition follows the departure of Michael Alford on September 14, 2026.
Why it matters
University leadership is managing a major transition toward a new model where athlete compensation is directly linked to sports performance. The restructuring aims to align the athletic department with modern corporate standards.
Florida State University serves 46,000 students and employs 9,000 staff members. The university has also announced a $1 billion long-term investment plan for FSU Health.
The players
Peter Collins
He is the Chairman of the Florida State University Board of Trustees and was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022.
Richard McCullough
He serves as the President of Florida State University and is working alongside the Board of Trustees to lead the current athletic department search.
Michael Alford
He previously served as the vice president and director of athletics at Florida State University until his departure on September 14, 2026.
The details
Peter Collins and President Richard McCullough are conducting media interviews to address the athletic department changes. The university is actively restructuring its operations to integrate corporate governance models into its athletic management.
Timeline
Peter Collins was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2022.
Michael Alford's tenure as athletic director ended on September 14, 2026.
The Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act on September 28, 2026.
Peter Collins gave an interview to the Tallahassee Democrat on September 29, 2026.
Market Landscape
The search for a new athletic director follows the recent passage of the Protect College Sports Act, which establishes new regulatory frameworks for collegiate athletics. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward incorporating corporate management structures in university sports.
As the university restructures its athletic department, students and supporters may see changes in how athletic programs are managed and funded. These shifts are part of a broader corporate realignment affecting how the university supports its 46,000 students.
The takeaway
The university is focused on stabilizing its athletic leadership to navigate the shifting landscape of collegiate sports. Officials expect to provide more clarity on the roles and responsibilities of the new athletic director within the coming weeks.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments at People in Tallahassee.
Live Poll
Should university boards of trustees play a direct, public role in managing athletic department hiring?
