10/27/2026 12:46:00
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10/27 12:45 CDT Florida State president acknowledges fanbase frustration and
admits everything is not fine
Florida State president acknowledges fanbase frustration and admits everything
is not fine
By BOB FERRANTE
Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) --- Beginning a lengthy letter to fans with "I hear you.
I understand your frustration," Florida State President Richard McCullough
provided an out-of-the-ordinary update Tuesday on the school's search for an
athletic director and the state of a floundering football program.
The Seminoles are 3-4, including 1-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, heading
into Saturday's home game against Clemson (4-3, 2-2).
"We are not asking you to lower your expectations," McCullough wrote. "We are
telling you that we share and embrace them. We are not asking you to ignore the
results. We are committed to changing them.
"And we are not asking you to believe that everything is fine. We know it is
not."
FSU fired athletic director Mike Alford last month, and coach Mike Norvell
remains on the proverbial hot seat. Norvell is 41-38 in his seventh season and
has just five Power Four wins since the start of the 2024 season.
"I know some of you are questioning whether university leadership understands
the seriousness of this moment, whether meaningful action is taking place
behind the scenes and whether there is a clear plan for the future," McCullough
wrote. "Those are fair questions. You deserve to know that your passion, your
investment, and your expectations are not being taken for granted.
"Let me be clear: the leadership team and I care deeply. And we are
methodically working on a plan that positions Florida State for sustained
success."
McCullough and board of trustees chairman Peter Collins named Bruce Warwick as
the interim athletic director.
McCullough wrote Tuesday that FSU is closely examining the structure of its
athletics leadership. He said the search for an AD will begin soon.
"We have been evaluating every aspect of our athletics organization, including
defining the role, responsibilities and expectations for our next athletics
director," McCullough wrote. "That work requires honest assessments, difficult
conversations, and a realistic analysis of the immense changes and challenges
in athletics over the past several years. That work is nearing completion,
which means we will be able to begin the search for a new athletics director
soon."
That admission puts Florida State in an awkward position.
If Florida State moves on from Norvell, the school would owe him a nearly $50
million buyout. That also would leave school officials searching for an AD and
a football coach concurrently.
McCullough and Collins also have been critical of the revenue gap between the
ACC and the two powerhouse leagues, the Big Ten and the SEC. Florida State and
Clemson took the ACC to court, settling their case in March 2025, in large part
to determine how much money it would cost to leave the conference. That
departure would cost Florida State approximately $75 million in 2030, which is
roughly when conference television deals expire.
Alford also had pushed for the ACC to adopt success initiatives and share
revenue based on television ratings. While Florida State has struggled on the
field, the program is among the highest-rated teams in the ACC, according to
Nielsen research.
"Our vision has not changed," McCullough said. "Florida State should compete
for championships, develop exceptional student-athletes, attract outstanding
coaches and personnel, and operate with the resources, leadership, and
commitment necessary to succeed at the highest level of college athletics."
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