Florida State fired Willie Taggart on November 3 and the talk about their search for a new head coach has mostly been quiet ever since. We know their search is moving well and that they reportedly are on track to make a hire by the end of the season. And thanks to Football Scoop, we have an idea of what’s going on with their situation.
Football Scoop’s Zach Barnett reported on Wednesday that Florida State went big game hunting at first but have been turned down by Bob and (presumably) Mark Stoops; Matt Rhule; Matt Campbell; and James Franklin.
Barnett says that Brian Kelly’s name has been mentioned in connection with the job, and that Florida State has been talking with Memphis coach Mike Norvell.
Defensive line coach Odell Haggins, the current interim head coach, is receiving some talk around the program’s players too for a more permanent gig. Barnett mentions that Lane Kiffin and Indiana’s Tom Allen have been vetted for the job.
If you ask us, Kelly’s involvement is likely to get a new deal out of Notre Dame. Why would he be motivated to leave Notre Dame for Florida State? The Seminoles don’t seem like they would offer him anything more or better than he currently has.
Norvell seems like the most probable name, from our perspective. He received a big contract extension two years ago and was in the mix for the Arkansas job before they went with Chad Morris. Coaching at Florida State would be a step up from Memphis in terms of football tradition and the pathway to a national championship. He has Memphis 10-1 this season and is a hot name.
Money could be an issue with FSU. They owe Willie Taggart a massive buyout and are looking for funds to upgrade facilities.
