Report: Oregon's Willie Taggart to become Florida State coach
Willie Taggart’s stay in Oregon lasted one season as he’s reportedly being named the next football coach at Florida State, Bruce Feldman has reported.
Football Scoop has reported that Oregon has called a meeting with its players at 1:30 p.m. Pacific. Taggart would replace Jimbo Fisher, who left last week to become the new coach at Texas A&M. John Canzano of the Oregonian also reported that Taggart is going to Florida State.
This follows Taggart continuing to recruit for the Ducks despite interest from Florida State. While Taggart signed a five-year, $16 million contract with Oregon in December 2016, he would owe the Ducks $3 million if he resigned to become FSU’s next coach, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. Oregon offered Taggart a five -year, $20 million extension 10 days ago.
FSU’s offer to Taggart is expected be in the five-year, $25 million range.
Oregon finished 7-5 this season, and will play Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Taggart, who played quarterback at Western Kentucky and later coached the Hilltoppers for three seasons, took the Oregon job after he was at South Florida for four seasons, including a 10-2 mark in 2016.
BREAKING #Oregon’s Willie Taggart is expected to become the next head coach at #FSU, source tell me.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 5, 2017
I'm told Willie Taggart loved his situation at #Oregon but he couldn't pass us the chance to go home especially for a job like #FSU's. He grew up an FSU fan back in the days of Warrick Dunn, Charlie Ward and Amp Lee.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 5, 2017
I can confirm that Willie Taggart is leaving to be the next coach at Florida State. UO sources confirm.
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) December 5, 2017