Reports: Bob Stoops Interested In Florida State Job

According to a report from ABC 27 in Tallahassee, Florida, current Dallas Renegades head coach/GM Bob Stoops could be the new head football coach at Florida State University.

“We’ve heard the announcement could come as early as the end of this week or early next week, and that a deal is really close to being done.”

Just an update to my earlier tweet about Stoops coming on at Florida State:

I’ve heard the announcement could come as early as the end of this week. With keeping Briles on as OC, it could turn into a HCIW role. Stoops is 59, would want to groom a successor before he retires. https://t.co/8o4yYHqOzh

— Alison Posey (@AlisonPosey14) November 5, 2019

Florida State recently fired head coach Willie Taggart after 21 games. Taggart finished with a record of 9-12 over two seasons with the Seminoles — 5-7 in 2018 and 4-5 this season.

It didn’t take long for FSU President John Thrasher to reach out to Bob Stoops as their top candidate. CBS Sports reported as of yesterday potential top candidates for the job. It included names like Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops brother Mark Stoops and Mike Leach, among others.

Bob Stoops is at the top of their wish list, and they might get their man. The ABC 27 report goes on to say.

“sources said that Kendal Briles will remain on staff as offensive coordinator, while Jim Leavitt would be retained as defensive coordinator. The source went on to say that with keeping Briles on staff as offensive coordinator, it could turn into a head coach in waiting role. Stoops is 59, would want to groom a successor before he retires. “

Reports out of Tallahassee say Stoops was in town visiting the school as of yesterday.

Another source close to the program confirms my earlier reporting. @CoachBobStoops was at #FSU today and is close to a deal. Will retain OC Briles and elevate @CoachJimLeavitt to DC. They were Co-DC at Kansas State. More on #JPShow 4-6PM 820 AM and https://t.co/PdQjXgLHUZ

— FanStreamSports JP Peterson (@FanStreamJP) November 5, 2019

UPDATE: Sources close to the program have confirmed to @TheNoleGameday that earlier reports of Bob Stoops being in Tallahassee are indeed correct.https://t.co/8wy9ergj6k

— NoleGameday (@TheNoleGameday) November 4, 2019

If Stoops were to leave, this would be a big blow to the XFL. Bob Stoops is the XFL’s marquee name. The XFL schedule was built around Stoops. The final two Thursday night prime time games have the Dallas Renegades taking on the Houston Roughnecks and LA Wildcats on FOX.

Losing him so close to the beginning of the season could be a sign of trouble for the XFL. Between Stoops leaving and players complaining of the XFL salary structure, fans might be concerned.

Stoops could be in town to help his brother land the job for all we know. It could also be a ploy to get higher pay raise from the XFL as well. But this does not seem to be the case.

Another note, for anyone who thinks this deal happened in “one day,” you’re sorely mistaken. Told a deal has been in the works for weeks.

Personally, I don’t agree with the tactic, but it is what it is. With Stoops not coaching a college team currently, communication is open.

— Alison Posey (@AlisonPosey14) November 5, 2019

This is a fluid situation. Stay with XFL News Hub as we gather further details.

**UPDATE

Just talked with Bob Stoops. Any reports that he’s a candidate for the FSU job are not accurate. Said “he’s not a candidate”. @CollegeGameDay @espn

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 5, 2019