Florida State officials Saturday said they intend to quickly hire a new coach who, among other qualifications, must be "a great recruiter in the state of Florida."



Now the question is, will -- or, perhaps, how quickly -- they try to recruit Oregon coach Willie Taggart back to his home state?



FSU athletic director Stan Wilcox told reporters after the Seminoles' hurricane-delayed nonconference victory against Louisiana Monroe that plans are to "move very, very fast," and that "there's a number of individuals that rise to the top" as candidates, according to the Orlando Sentinel.



But he made clear FSU's eventual coach must be able to do what Taggart has done his entire 18-year coaching career -- recruit Florida well.



"I do think that's very important," Wilcox said. "There are some individuals that are great recruiters, regardless of where they're at. If they have a proven track record of being a great recruiter and being a great recruiter in the state of Florida and in south Florida, that's going to be a criteria we're looking for."



A Florida native, Taggart has emerged as a top candidate for the job according to multiple reports, both national and local in Florida. FootballScoop reported that Florida State is expected to offer him the job.



Another must, according to Wilcox, is an ability to fundraise and develop a broader vision for the program.



"Has very good understanding of Florida State," said Wilcox. "This is a destination place. We want somebody that definitely wants to be here and continue the legacy that has been built here. We want someone whose going to be able to build men out of the individuals who come here. That has a very good ability to recruit and oversee and be a CEO of a major program."



Taggart has been a head coach since 2010, first at Western Kentucky and South Florida, before Oregon hired him a year ago for his first Power Five job. The Ducks finished the regular season 7-5 and will learn their bowl destination Sunday. Taggart is scheduled to speak at 2:30 p.m., and UO will hold its annual postseason awards banquet.



Asked by reporters in Tallahassee whether FSU has contacted Taggart, Wilcox declined to comment.



With their win Saturday, the Seminoles qualified for an NCAA-record 36th consecutive bowl. After winning at least 10 games each of the past five years, including the 2013 national titles, the Seminoles began the season ranked third before losing their starting quarterback for the season due to injury in the first game, a loss against Alabama. A 6-6 season followed.



University president John Thrasher said FSU's decision will be made in a "reasonable time" but has received strong interest in the opening.



"Best job in America right here, right here," Thrasher told the Tallahassee Democrat.



-- Andrew Greif

agreif@oregonian.com