News/Commentary

Florida State Fires Taggart After Short 21-Game Tenure

November 3, 2019 by CollegeFootballPoll.com Staff

Florida State has pulled the plug on the Willie Taggart era.

The administration fired the head coach on Sunday (November 3) and installed defensive line coach Odell Haggins as interim head coach. Haggins was 2-0 in that capacity after Jimbo Fisher announced his departure prior to the final regular season  game in the 2017 season.

The move came one day after a 27-10 loss to rival Miami at home dropped the Seminoles' record to 4-5 on the season. Overall, Taggart's record was 9-12 and his conference record was 3-6. More disastrous were his 8-12 record vs. FBS teams and 6-11 mark vs. Power 5 Conference teams.

Official FSU press release from official Florida Athletics website, Seminoles.com:

Tallahassee, FLA. –  Florida State Director of Athletics David Coburn announced today that Coach Willie Taggart’s contract has been terminated effective immediately.

Odell Haggins, who is in his 26th season on FSU’s coaching staff, has been asked to serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.  Haggins served in the same capacity for the Seminoles’ final two games of the 2017 season following the departure of Jimbo Fisher.

“I spoke to Coach Taggart this afternoon to let him know of our decision,” said Coburn.  “I met with the team and coaches immediately after that conversation to let them know of the change.  It was very important to us that the student-athletes know right away.”

“I think very highly of Coach Taggart and wish him well, but in the interest of the university we had no choice but to make a change,” said Florida State University President John Thrasher.  “We will support our student-athletes in every way and do all we can to return to the winning tradition that is Seminole football.”

“We deeply appreciate all that Coach Taggart has done for our program and wish him and his family nothing but the best,” added Coburn.

Coburn confirmed that Florida State would immediately engage in a national search to fill the position.

Link:: https://seminoles.com/fsu-release-on-head-football-coach/

 

See: Coaching Changes