Florida State has stolen all the headlines in college football today with their decision to fire Willie Taggart. The head coach was in his second season in Tallahassee.

FSU owes Taggart a stupefying amount of money, but this move looked to be a long time coming. Rumors about Taggart’s eventual dismissal have been swirling since earlier in the season.

Last month, we reported that when Florida State ultimately pulled the trigger on Taggart, the school would pursue Urban Meyer and Brian Kelly. Since then, FSU Director of Athletics David Coburn was quoted as saying they would not target Meyer even if “Coach [Taggart] were hit by a bus.”

Administrators fudge the truth all the time, though, and at The Spun, we’re continuing to hear that Florida State wants to make a “splash” hire. Meyer and Kelly remain on the school’s radar. It remains to be seen, though, if either would take the job.

USC still seems like the odds-on favorite to land Meyer, if the Trojans want him. As for Kelly, he’s on his way to another nine or 10-win season at Notre Dame, so FSU would have to lure him with the idea of a new challenge and less recruiting restrictions than he currently has.

Beyond those two names is where things become less clear. Another big name who is currently out of the college game is former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops. Stoops is currently the head coach and general manager of the XFL’s Dallas Renegades.

An early report from Tallahassee.com’s Wayne McGahee III indicates Stoops would be a top candidate.

#FSU Coaching Hot Board: A look at some names that could be the potential replacement for newly fired Willie Taggart, including who we're hearing is the top targethttps://t.co/jwMPM26kqF — Wayne McGahee III (@WayneMcGaheeIII) November 3, 2019

Speaking of Stoops, get ready to hear his brother Mark’s name thrown about frequently in conjunction with this opening. Mark Stoops was FSU’s defensive coordinator from 2010-12 before embarking on a successful tenure as the head coach of Kentucky.

If FSU wants to go the hot name, up-and-coming route, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell and Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck make sense. Another name to watch is Memphis’ Mike Norvell, who has the Tigers rolling at 8-1.

With three games remaining on the 2019 schedule, Florida State is 4-5. Assuming the Seminoles beat Alabama State, interim head coach Odell Haggins will need to pull out a win over Boston College or Florida in order to reach bowl eligibility.