Florida State Fires Willie Taggart Less Than Week Before Boston College Game

Seminoles move on midseason

In a shocking turn of events the Florida State Seminoles announced on Sunday that they have fired head coach Willie Taggart effective immediately. In his place FSU will be coached by long time assistant Odell Haggins for the remainder of the season. To rid themselves of Taggart, FSU paid a whopping $17 million buyout, one that may balloon to $20 million if the administration decides to move on from the rest of the coaching staff as well.  

Just 21 games into what turned into an ugly tenure with the Noles, Taggart had a record of just 9-12. In his first year at FSU he guided the team to a 5-7 record, and the team did not make a bowl, the first time they had failed to do since 1975-76. Ironically enough, his biggest win during his time in Tallahassee was most likely his last minute victory over Boston College last year 22-21. 

Removing Taggart and replacing him with a well liked veteran coordinator could give a much needed jump start for the Noles against Boston College this weekend. Against Miami this week FSU looked completely tuned out, and clearly had quit on Taggart as they played incredibly poor on defense and the offensive line couldn't block. Coming up to New England and with weather expected in the 30's, it could have been a repeat of 2017 when Boston College destroyed an FSU team that quit on Jimbo Fisher 35-3.Instead with Taggart gone, the Noles will be most likely be fired up to play for their new coach. 

Florida State certainly have the talent to put up points with All-ACC back Cam Akers, and WR Tamorrion Terry, and now they are going to want to win. This is a must win game for the Noles as well especially if they want to go bowling. All of a sudden a team that looked dead could find a second wind just in time for the Eagles. 

Interestingly, Boston College has a history of playing new interim coaches midseason. One specifically came to BC and earned his first of many wins back in 2008. His name? Dabo Swinney.

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