Education
Florida State University names Jeff Purinton Vice President and Director of Athletics
Key Points
- Florida State University named two-time alumnus Jeff Purinton vice president and director of athletics on Nov. 9, 2026.
- Jeff Purinton brings more than 30 years of collegiate athletics experience, including leadership roles at Alabama, Arkansas State and Learfield.
FSU alumnus returns to Tallahassee with more than 30 years of collegiate athletics experience, including senior leadership roles at Alabama and Arkansas State
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.
What they’re saying about Jeff Purinton:
Nick Saban, Former Alabama head football coach and ESPN commentator
“Jeff has always set a great example through his work ethic, character, and discipline. He’s a steady leader who knows how to build relationships, inspire people and bring out the best in others. He has a vision for what’s best for the people in an organization and knows how to create an environment where they can succeed. He understands the challenges of today’s college athletics landscape, while also having a clear appreciation of the unique culture, traditions and expectations at Florida State. I have great confidence that his leadership qualities, combined with his experience and understanding of Florida State University, will help him build a culture of success.”
Chris Weinke, Former FSU quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and Georgia Tech assistant head football coach
“I have known Jeff for 30 years, going back to the day I first met him at Florida State, and I have always been impressed by his work ethic and the way he approaches every challenge. He is never afraid to roll up his sleeves, put in the work and do whatever is necessary to get the job done. His career has given him tremendous experience across college athletics, and he has been successful every step of the way.”
“Jeff bleeds garnet and gold. He understands the importance of authentic relationships, leads with integrity and knows what makes Florida State special. He will work tirelessly to build an athletics department Seminoles everywhere can be proud of, with a clear vision and plan for sustained success.”
“Jeff is the perfect fit for Florida State at this moment, and I couldn’t be more excited for him, Julie, Jillian and Josie as they return to Tallahassee for this next chapter.”
Greg Byrne, Alabama Director of Athletics
“I cannot think of a better hire for Florida State than Jeff Purinton. He is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success, and we couldn’t be happier for him, Julie and the girls. What makes this even more special is that Jeff gets to return to his alma mater and lead the athletics program at a university that played such an important role in his own journey. There is something truly meaningful about going back to a place that helped shape you and having the opportunity to give back in such a significant way. Jeff has the experience, relationships and leadership qualities to make a lasting impact, and I have no doubt he will do an outstanding job leading Florida State Athletics.”
Dr. Chuck Welch, former president of the Arkansas State University System & President & CEO of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities
“Jeff Purinton is an outstanding hire for his alma mater. He provided solid leadership for Arkansas State Athletics, positioning the department for success during a period of rapid change. Jeff made outstanding coaching hires and, most importantly, always kept student-athletes and their success—both on and off the fields and courts of play—at the center of his leadership. He possesses a rare combination of experience, personality, relatability, and humility. Those qualities will serve him well as he leads Seminole Athletics towards a bright future.”
J Batt, University of Kentucky Athletics Director and CEO of Champions Blue, LLC
“Congratulations to Jeff, Julie and the entire Purinton family. Florida State has hired a great leader and an even better person. Jeff’s experience, work ethic and ability to build strong working relationships will serve the Seminoles well. He understands what it takes to support coaches and student-athletes, compete for championships and lead an athletics department through both change and opportunity. I am confident he will embrace the challenges ahead and make a lasting impact in Tallahassee.”
