{
  "id": 19162138,
  "title": "FSU set to hire Jeff Purinton as next athletics director",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/fsu-set-to-hire-jeff-purinton-as-next-athletics-director",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-09T14:21:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fsu-set-hire-jeff-purinton-142138208.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Florida State University is on the verge of appointing Jeff Purinton as its new athletics director. The university anticipates hiring Purinton, a former Seminole and Alabama staffer, who had previously served alongside icons Bobby Bowden and Nick Saban. ESPN initially reported on this potential hiring. Purinton most recently held the position of executive vice president at Learfield Sports Properties, overseeing relationships with all Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools. The university announced its search for a new athletics director just over a week ago, after tasking Daniel Parker of Parker Executive Search to lead the AD and head coaching search. Purinton will replace Michael Alford, who was dismissed in September after four years in the role. The Seminoles are still in the process of hiring a head football coach, with that search still ongoing. The university is also seeking a Deputy Athletic Director & Chief Financial Officer, as indicated on their career page. Josh Turner, the former CFO, recently left for a similar position at Iowa State. FSU football's record against various opponents, including New Mexico State, SMU, Clemson, Boston College, Pittsburgh, NC State, and Florida, has been a mix of wins and losses. Liam Rooney, a reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, covers Florida State athletics.",
  "summary": "Florida State is set to hire Jeff Purinton as the programs next athletic director",
  "key_points": [
    "Florida State University to hire Jeff Purinton as new athletics director",
    "Purinton previously served with Bobby Bowden and Nick Saban",
    "Replaces Michael Alford, dismissed in September"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}