Florida State is paying search firm DHR International $100,000 to help conduct it search for a head coach.



FSU contracted the search firm, spearheaded by Glenn Sugiyama, to aid in the coaching search after the school fired Willie Taggart in early November.

The contract, obtained by Noles247 through a public records request, was sent to FSU president John Thrasher on Nov. 4 -- a day after FSU fired Taggart -- and signed Nov. 5.

FSU, per the contract, is supposed to pay DHR $50,000 at the time the contract is signed and then the remaining $50,000 after a candidate accepts a job offer.

Sugiyama -- regarded for his thorough research and his secrecy/tendency to create misdirections to the public in searches -- has worked closely with athletic director David Coburn in vetting potential candidates.

“Glenn has been outstanding in assisting with our coaching search,” Coburn said. “We appreciate his professionalism, and we have benefitted from the breadth of his relationships throughout the industry. His work has been invaluable.”

FSU, to date, has not announced a hire for the vacancy. FSU power brokers, however, are believed to have met or had conversations with various candidates including Bob Stoops, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops, Penn State coach James Franklin, Memphis coach Mike Norvell and others.

“He’s given us good advice and is very easy to work with,” Coburn said of Sugiyama last month.



DHR, in the contract, states that it will work free of additional charge if the placed coach's contract is terminated within two years of the hiring date.

About DHR International: For 30 years DHR International has been a leading, privately held provider of executive search solutions with more than 50 wholly owned offices spanning the globe. DHR’s renowned consultants specialize in all industries and functions in order to provide unparalleled senior-level executive search, management assessment and succession planning services tailored to the unique qualities and specifications of our select client base. DHR is the only global executive search firm with a standalone sports practice. For more information on DHR International, visit http://www.dhrinternational.com.