Oregon coach Willie Taggart has accepted the head coaching position at Florida State, the coach confirmed to ESPN after an initial report by Sports Illustrated's Bruce Feldman.
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BREAKING #Oregon’s Willie Taggart is expected to become the next head coach at #FSU, source tell me.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 5, 2017
Breaking: Willie Taggart has reached an agreement to be Florida State's next head coach, Taggart confirmed to ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Spi4Xcwu0N
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 5, 2017
Taggart emerged as a favorite in FSU's search after former head coach Jimbo Fisher agreed to a deal with Texas A&M on Friday, as first reported by Wayne McGahee of the Tallahassee Democrat.
On Saturday, Taggart denied interest in the FSU coaching position when speaking with media members on Saturday, according to Tony Piraro of SB Nation's Addicted to Quack.
"There is nothing more to report. I'm sorry I can't give you guys what you want. Social media sparked it. Social media is unbelievable."
Oregon will face Boise State in the Las Vegas on Dec. 16 and is expected to promote either offensive coordinator Mario Cristobal or defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt as interim head coach for the game in Taggart's absence, according to 247Sports, although Taggart may attempt to bring Leavitt with him to Florida State, according to Graham Hall of the Gainesville Sun.
Sources now confirming Willie Taggart is finalizing contract to become next #FSU head coach. Taggart looking to bring Jim Leavitt with him. Announcement expected later today.
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) December 4, 2017
