Florida State fires head coach Willie Taggart

Florida State made the decision following the 27-10 loss to Miami on Saturday to fire head coach Willie Taggart.

With his tenure ending swiftly in his second season with the Seminoles, Taggart posted a 5-7 mark in his first season before going 4-5 in 2019. He took over for Jimbo Fisher, who left for Texas A&M. Taggart is owed $17 million.

The 43-year old Taggart previously had head coaching stops at Western Kentucky (2010-’12), South Florida (2013-’16) and Oregon (2017).

The four victories this season for FSU under Taggart included a 45-44 win over ULM, a 35-24 decision over Louisville, 31-13 over North Carolina State and 35-17 win over Syracuse. He will not have the chance to see if he could have guides the ‘Noles past Boston College, Alabama State or rival Florida.

Defensive line coach Odell Haggins was named interim head coach. He assumed the same duties for the final two games in 2017 following Fisher’s departure. Currently in his 26th seasons on staff with Florida State, Haggins spent three years in the NFL after being selected in the ninth round by the 49ers. He also is in the Florida State Hall of Fame.

Names being tossed around as options for the permanent position in Tallahassee include Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops, Mark Stoops and Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. I suspect that P.J. Fleck, who has led the Minnesota Gophers to the best record in school history at this point in a season in 59 years, will also get strong consideration.