By Clayton Freeman
The Willie Taggart era in Tallahassee lasted less than two years.
Florida State announced that the school fired the embattled head football coach Sunday, one day after the Seminoles lost 27-10 to Miami at Doak Campbell Stadium.
"I spoke to Coach Taggart this afternoon to let him know of our decision," said Florida State athletic director David Coburn in a statement released by the university. "I met with the team and coaches immediately after that conversation to let them know of the change. It was very important to us that the student-athletes know right away."
Odell Haggins has been designated as interim coach for the remainder of the season. Haggins, a former FSU lineman, served in that role two years ago after the departure of Jimbo Fisher.
Florida State made the expensive decision _ Taggart's contract buyout is estimated at $17 million _ with the Seminoles mired in fifth place in the ACC Atlantic, ahead of only N.C. State and Syracuse.
Taggart, who arrived from Oregon after the 2017 season, ends his tenure in Tallahassee with a career record of 9-12. His winning percentage of .429 is the lowest for the Seminoles since Darrell Mudra, who went 4-18 in 1974 and 1975.
Taggart previously served as head coach at Western Kentucky and South Florida.
Florida State stands at 4-5 after Saturday's loss. The Seminoles must still play 5-4 Boston College, Alabama State and rival Florida, and need two victories to avoid missing a bowl game for a second consecutive season.
