FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford receives contract extension, pay raise

Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford has signed a contract extension through 2028 and is set to receive $1.45 million this contract year, The Tallahassee Democrat has learned.

Alford, who has focused on devoting more funding to Seminoles' athletics and improving the student-athlete experience, was named the Seminoles' VP and Director of Athletics on Dec. 9, 2021 and succeeded David Coburn.

Alford's original contract ran through 2026 and he was scheduled to make $1.2 million in his final year. Under his new deal signed July 1, 2024, Alford will receive a $150,000 raise each year and his salary will be $1.9 million by 2027-28.

Alford also remains incentivized to complete the Seminoles' Dunlap Football Center (next summer) and state-of-the art renovations to Doak Campbell Stadium (2025 Alabama home opener), with $100,000 bonuses due for each. The contract also features other incentive performances and termination clauses if he left for another job or was terminated.

Alford, per his previous contract, made $800,000 (prorated) in his first year. He received a $100,000 raise the past two years.

Chris Del Conte at the University of Texas is believed to be the country's highest-paid public school athletic director at $2.525 million as of Sept. 1, 2024, according to USA Today Sports. He's currently under contract through Aug. 31, 2030 and is scheduled to make $3.15 million in his final year.

In the ACC, Miami's Dan Radakovich was paid just over $1.9 million in base salary alone in the 2022, according to the most recently available federal tax record obtained by USA Today Sports. North Carolina State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan is making a little over $1.5 million this contract year.

Under Alford's leadership, the Seminoles have navigated sweeping changes across the national landscape. That has included the transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). Alford's also known to have a strong relationship with his coaches, specifically football coach Mike Norvell.

Alford, of course, has also led the school's charge to position itself for the future in the changing environment of collegiate athletics.

He has voiced his displeasure with the ACC's financial payouts that lag considerably behind the SEC and Big 10 as the school looks to identify a legal escape from the conference. He's also exploring private equity options to raise FSU’s value and funding and is adamant about positioning FSU for long-term success.

Alford, a former college baseball player, wants his coaches and athletic teams to have the opportunity to compete for national championships. He said that standard is met through FSU's commitment and investment in athletics.

The Seminoles certainly enjoyed a banner year on the field.

After 18 of its 20 athletic teams advanced to the postseason, FSU finished 12th in the 2023-24 LEARFIELD Director's Cup standings, the program's highest placing since the 2018-19 academic year.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State AD Michael Alford contract extended through 2028