Florida State announces decision on athletic director David Coburn

The Florida State Seminoles have announced a long-awaited move in their program. On Wednesday, the Seminoles announced that they are officially parting ways with athletic director David Coburn. Peter Thamel, of Yahoo Sports, also stated that there has been in contact with multiple potential candidates about the Florida State AD position.

The Seminoles school president, Richard McCullough, spoke on Coburn and Florida States decision to move on from him.

“Earlier this year, David Coburn shared with me his intentions to retire, and I appreciate his willingness to continue to serve until his successor can be named,” said McCullough.

“David has been a tremendous athletic director for the past three and a half years. He stepped into this role when the Athletics Department needed his leadership skills and extensive budgetary expertise,” said McCullough. “He guided the department through some challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, FSU athletics teams have enjoyed across the board success, highlighted by a women’s soccer national championship, a man’s basketball ACC title, and trips to the College World Series for both the baseball and softball teams.”

“As an FSU alumnus, David has always cared deeply about this university, and we thank him for his loyalty and dedication,” said McCullough.

Coburn at Florida State

Coburn assumed the position in May of 2019, hiring football coach Mike Norvell just months later. In February of 2021, he received a promotion to Vice President and Director of Athletics.

During his first year as the athletic director, Florida State placed No. 7 in the Learfield IMG College Director’s Cup. It was the highest finish by an ACC school and also the highest finish for the Seminoles in a decade.

When he accepted the promotion, then Florida State president John Trasher released the following statement.

“I am grateful to David Coburn for taking on this role permanently,” Thrasher said. “For years, I have relied on his experience, integrity, and good judgment, and the progress we have made under his leadership is already evident. I know the future of our championship Athletics program is as bright as ever and in good hands.”

Since then, Florida State has appointed new President Richard McCullough. He assumed the position in August of 2021 and has not made any significant changes in the athletics department thus far.