It's a new beginning for Florida State University athletics. FSU alum Jeff Purinton is returning to Tallahassee with three decades of experience in collegiate athletics, including senior leadership roles at Alabama and Arkansas State.
He will take on the role of Director of Athletics after FSU fired former director Michael Alford in mid-September as the Seminoles kept losing on the football field.
Last week, head coach Mike Norvell was ousted.
FSU press release:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Jeff Purinton, a highly respected and veteran athletics administrator who began his career in Seminole Athletics more than 30 years ago, is returning to his alma mater as Vice President and Director of Athletics, Florida State University President Richard McCullough announced today.
Purinton brings extensive experience in collegiate athletics leadership, having held senior administrative positions at the University of Alabama and having served as Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics at Arkansas State University. A two-time FSU graduate, Purinton's career also includes significant experience in athletics communications, marketing, multimedia rights and revenue development.
For Purinton, the appointment marks a return to the university where he began his professional career and developed relationships with some of the most influential figures in Florida State athletics history.
“Jeff Purinton has the experience, judgment and championship pedigree to lead Florida State Athletics at this important moment,” McCullough said.
“As a two-time FSU graduate and former Athletics department employee, Jeff has a deep understanding of Florida State, our culture and the expectations that come with representing this university. Jeff further developed his extensive leadership experience overseeing football operations as part of Nick Saban’s championship program at Alabama. I am incredibly excited to welcome Jeff home to Florida State.”
Purinton’s history with Florida State began in 1994, when he joined the athletics communications office as an undergraduate student. He went on to serve as a graduate assistant, assistant sports information director and director of football communications, working closely with legendary coaches Bowden and Mike Martin during one of the most successful eras in Seminole Athletics history.
During his time at FSU, Purinton was involved in 12 football bowl appearances, including the Seminoles’ 1999 national championship season, which culminated in a victory over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. He also worked with Florida State baseball during its 1999 and 2000 College World Series appearances and played a central role in promoting quarterback Chris Weinke’s successful 2000 Heisman Trophy campaign.
“Florida State is committed to competing at the highest level, and Jeff Purinton understands what that requires,” said Peter Collins, chair of the FSU Board of Trustees.
“He knows this university, he knows the culture of Seminole Athletics, and he has spent his career working in and leading excellent athletics organizations. Jeff brings the experience, relationships and competitive mindset we need as the landscape of college athletics continues to change. His latest work with Learfield building multimedia rights revenue for SEC teams is also invaluable as we seek to reshape our department. The Board has tremendous confidence in President McCullough’s selection, and we believe Jeff is the right leader to help shape the next era of Florida State Athletics.”
After leaving Florida State in 2006, Purinton worked with the Orange Bowl Committee before joining the University of Alabama, where he spent 15 years and rose to Executive Deputy Director of Athletics.
During a period of extraordinary success for Alabama Athletics, including the football program’s championship run under head coach Nick Saban, he assumed increasingly significant responsibilities involving department administration, external operations, communications, marketing and multimedia partnerships.
Purinton later became Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics at Arkansas State, where he gained experience overseeing a Division I athletics department. Most recently, he held a senior executive position with Learfield, further expanding his experience in the business and commercial operations of college athletics.
“I want to give my deep appreciation and thanks to President Richard McCullough and BOT Chair Peter Collins for placing their trust and belief in me to lead Florida State Athletics,” Purinton said.
“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.
“Coming back to lead this athletics department is a tremendous honor, and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I know how much Florida State means to our alumni, our fans and everyone who has been part of this program. I also know how much work goes into meeting the expectations that come with wearing the garnet and gold. I’m excited to get started, to listen, to build relationships and to work with our coaches, student-athletes, staff and supporters to move Florida State Athletics forward.”
Purinton earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management in 1997 and his master’s degree in athletic administration in 2006, both from Florida State.
A native of Palatka, Florida, Purinton and his wife, Julie, have two daughters, Jillian and Josie.
