Florida State AD strongly denies Seminoles targeting Urban Meyer

Florida State has struggled mightily since hiring Willie Taggart as head coach in 2018, prompting rumors the program would target Urban Meyer in 2020.

But Seminoles athletic director David Coburn addressed those rumors Tuesday, strongly denying any interest in replacing Taggart with the former Ohio State and Florida coach.

"If coach (Taggart) were hit by a bus tomorrow, we would not target Coach Meyer, period," Coburn told Wayne McGahee III of the Tallahassee Democrat. "I say that with all due respect to coach Meyer, but we would not target Steve Spurrier either."

Coburn also called rumors of Taggart's impending dismissal "complete fabrication," despite the latter leading the team to a 3-4 record so far in 2019 and an 8-11 run since the beginning of last season.

"For the record, we have not been in contact with our coach's agent, period," Coburn said.

Florida State failed to qualify for a bowl game in 2018 for the first time since 1981, finishing with its first losing record since 1976.

After consecutive losses to Clemson and Wake Forest, the Seminoles will look to get back on track Saturday against Syracuse.