According to ESPN and Fox Sports Radio via the Freddie and Fitzsimmons show, Florida State will announce Bob Stoops as their new head coach later this week. This coming less than a week after Willie Taggart was unceremoniously fired after going 9-12 in his season and a half at the university.
Stoops spent all-day Monday in Tallahasse before reportedly agreeing to a five year, $40 million deal. The announcement is being rumored for either Thursday or Friday this week. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles will remain in his position under Stoops, while quality control analyst Jim Leavitt will take the defensive coordinator role. Ja’Juan Seider is rumored to come down and take over for the running backs coach.
Florida State officials, boosters and fans alike are very high on Briles in his first season. The thinking is that after Stoops contract runs out, Briles will be groomed to the point where he can step straight into the position.
The Seminoles have already lost two recruits due to Taggart’s firing, four-star running back Jaylon Knighton, and three-star cornerback Derek Bermudez. Reportedly, Coach Odell Haggins and his staff were in the offices of Doak Campbell stadium until 1am on Monday morning speaking with recruits.
“Big Game Bob” as he was known during his time at Oklahoma, where he won a national championship in 2000, was poached from the XFL’s Dallas Renegades, where he was set to be head coach and GM of the new franchise.
Update: There are still conflicting reports on whether or not Stoops is still a candidate for the Seminoles coaching job.
Image Rights – Tony Gonzalez/AP Photos
