Ex-FSU Head Coach Willie Taggart Signs Contract with FAU for Open HC Job

Former Florida State head coach Willie Taggart reached an agreement Wednesday to become the new head football coach at Florida Atlantic.

Taggart, who's also served as head coach at Oregon, South Florida and Western Kentucky, confirmed his deal with the Owls to Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports.

The 43-year-old Florida native was fired by FSU in November after a 4-5 start. He guided the Seminoles to a 9-12 record in under two seasons.

He posted a statement on Twitter following his dismissal:

Taggart had gained a reputation as a coach who rebuilt programs at his prior stops. Western Kentucky and South Florida each won two games in his first season. The Hilltoppers won seven games in his second and third years, while the Bulls posted 18 wins over his last two campaigns at USF.

He spent just one year at Oregon, but the Ducks went from 4-8 in 2016 to 7-5 under him in 2017.

Taggart couldn't achieve similar success at Florida State, but it didn't take him long to land a new job, as he'll replace Lane Kiffin at FAU. Kiffin left the program to take over Ole Miss.

The Owls have posted a 26-13 record over the past three seasons, including a 10-3 mark this year to earn a berth in the Boca Raton Bowl against SMU on Dec. 21.

Taggart's background in Florida should allow him to hit the ground running on the recruiting trail.