The Florida State Seminoles football program has a rich history, and a big part of that is due to the talented coaches who have led the team. In the last 10 years alone, the Seminoles have had some of the best minds in college football at leadership.
From the legendary Bobby Bowden, who won two national championships and 12 ACC titles in his three-decade career, to Jimbo Fisher, who brought home another national championship in 2013, the Seminoles have always had a coach who can get the most out of their athletes.
Coaches like Willie Taggart and Mike Norvell have faced the challenge of rebuilding the program after a few down seasons. But with a passionate fanbase and a commitment to excellence, the Seminoles are sure to look for championships soon.
Here are the last 10 Florida State football coaches:
1. Mike Norvell (2020-Present)
Hired in December 2019, Coach Norvell inherited a program in need of revival. In just four seasons, Norvell has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for FSU.
Norvell built his foundation on explosive offense (37.4 points per game average, ranking among the nation’s elite) and a blend of high school stars and transfer portal finds.
2022 marked a breakthrough with a 10-3 winning record, doubling the previous year’s total, and a Top 25 ranking showcased Norvell’s vision coming to life.
Moreover, the 2023 season was even more fruitful for Norvell, as FSU underwent an undefeated season. With Heisman-contender QB Jordan Travis leading the offense, FSU fans can finally see their Seminoles rising again under Coach Norvell’s dynamic leadership.
2. Willie Taggart (2018–2019)
Willie Taggart arrived in Tallahassee in 2018, tasked with reviving the once-dominant Florida State Seminoles. His enthusiasm and offensive prowess garnered initial excitement. He brought in top recruits and sparked hope for a return to glory.
However, the turnaround proved to be a challenge. Losses to rivals and inconsistent performances fueled disappointment. The team struggled to find lasting success under Taggart, finishing his two-season tenure with an 11-14 record.
His impact on recruiting and player development, nevertheless, remains undeniable. He aided in the development of NFL players like Came Akers.
Taggart’s FSU stint may not have ended with a championship, but it’s a chapter in a larger, ongoing story of a dedicated coach aiding in building successful programs and inspiring new generations of athletes.
3. Odell Haggins (2017-2019)
Odell Haggins, a Seminole through and through, bleeds garnet and gold. His FSU career started as a dominant defensive lineman, anchoring defenses that propelled FSU into national dominance. In 1994, Coach Bowden tapped his talent, bringing him onto the coaching staff.
For 30 years, Haggins has honed defensive tackles, witnessing 13 ACC titles, 2 national championships, and a record-breaking 40-year bowl streak. He stepped up as interim head coach twice, securing wins and extending the legendary bowl streak.
Haggins is also known for his great dedication, mentorship, and genuine love for the university and its players. A Seminole legend on and off the field, Odell Haggins embodies the spirit of FSU football.
4. Jimbo Fisher (2010–2017)
Jimbo Fisher’s eight-year tenure as head coach of the FSU (2010-2017) was a period of immense success. He inherited a program rich in tradition from legendary coach Bobby Bowden and left his legacy with more accolades.
Fisher’s crowning achievement was leading the Seminoles to an undefeated season and the 2013 season’s National Championship, beating Auburn Tigers in a thrilling 34-31 victory.
Under Fisher, FSU won three consecutive ACC Championships (2012-2014). Moreover, he also compiled an impressive 83-23 record, gloating a .783 winning percentage, the highest in program history.
Fisher’s offensive mind helped mold various future NFL stars like QB Jameis Winston and RB Dalvin Cook.
After his success at Florida State, Fisher took on the challenge of rejuvenating the Texas A&M Aggies program in 2018.
5. Bobby Bowden (1976–2009)
Bobby Bowden was synonymous with Florida State Seminoles football for 34 seasons. His impact on the program, and college football as a whole, is undeniable.
Bowden arrived in Tallahassee in 1976, inheriting a struggling team. He quickly instilled a culture of hard work, discipline, and family.
Under his leadership, FSU won 2 national championships (1993, and 1999), 12 ACC titles (consecutive from 1992 to 2000), and a staggering 28 consecutive bowl appearances. His 316 wins at FSU rank second all-time in Division I history.
Moreover, Bowden’s legacy extends beyond the win column. He coached 153 All-Americans, including legends like Derrick Brooks, Deion Sanders, and Warrick Dunn. He also focused on academics, graduating over 80% of his athletes.
6. Darrell Mudra (1974–1975)
Darrell Mudra had a great coaching career, winning championships and getting inducted into the CFB Hall of Fame. Yet, his two years at Florida State (1974-75) remain an intriguing footnote.
Though saddled with a program in turmoil, Mudra came close to glory. In his first year, a controversial late-game decision cost the Seminoles a potential upset over reigning national champion Alabama.
Despite a 4-18 record, Mudra laid the groundwork for Bobby Bowden’s future dynasty. Although his tenure was brief, Mudra’s impact echoes – a reminder that even coaches who don’t win big can leave a mark.
Remembered for his quirky charm and dedication, “Dr. Victory” may not have won many games, but he won over Florida State’s hearts, paving the way for future triumphs.
7. Larry Jones (1971–1973)
Larry Jones served as the head coach for the FSU from 1971 to 1973, occupying a unique space in the program’s history. His tenure came between the Bill Peterson era, which laid the foundation for future success, and the legendary Bobby Bowden, who ushered in a golden age of dominance.
While Jones’ 15-19 win-loss record might not stand out amongst other Seminole coaches, his impact on the program shouldn’t be overlooked. He led FSU to an 8-4 record in 1972 and had a Fiesta Bowl appearance in his first season, showcasing early promise.
However, his tenure also marked an abysmal 0-11 1973 season, a stark contrast to the prior year’s success. Despite this challenging era, Jones is remembered for his dedication to the program and his efforts to build a strong foundation for future coaches.
8. Bill Peterson (1960–1970)
Bill Peterson, aka “Coach Pete,” wasn’t just a football coach at FSU; he was a visionary who laid the foundation for the program’s future success. From 1960 to 1970, he led the Seminoles through a transformative decade.
While Peterson didn’t bring home national championships, they achieved great milestones. He recorded a 62-42-11 winning record, led the Seminoles to four bowl appearances, and instilled a winning culture that would blossom under his successors, most notably Bobby Bowden.
Peterson also integrated the first African American players into the FSU football team, including J.T. Thomas. This commitment to equality set a powerful precedent and helped college football witness diversify.
Peterson mentored a generation of coaching giants, including Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs, and FSU legend Bowden.
9. Perry Moss (1959)
Perry Moss’s Florida State head coaching career was a brief but notable chapter in both his journey and the program’s history. In 1959, he took the helm as the Seminoles’ sixth head coach, inheriting a team coming off Tom Nugent’s reign.
Moss, known for his energetic coaching style and offensive acumen, initiated a pass-oriented attack that was ahead of its time for the era. Despite the offensive changes, the team finished the season with a losing 4-6 record.
While his time at Florida State was short-lived, Moss’s legacy is credited with laying the basics for a more modern offensive approach that future coaches would build upon.
After his one-year FSU stint, Moss went on to coach on CFL and Arena League. He later received the Florida Sports Hall of Fame honors.
10. Tom Nugent (1953–1958)
Arriving in Tallahassee in 1953, Tom Nugent brought with him a winning record (34-28-1 at FSU) as well as an offensive mind that would change the game forever.
Nugent is credited with developing the “I Formation,” a revolutionary offensive scheme that is still used by teams today. This innovative approach, along with his relentless pursuit of scheduling bigger opponents, boosted FSU’s stature.
The coach understood the importance of building a program’s brand, and so scheduled marquee matchups, like the first-ever Florida-Florida State game in 1958.
Nugent laid the base for future Seminole greats like Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Bowden, paving the way for the FSU’s future success. He also coached legendary figures like Burt Reynolds and Lee Corso.