Florida State football: 5 fixes to make before 2019 season

3. Better coaching 

I really like Willie Taggart. In a sport like college football, where few black coaches succeed at the highest level, I think it is important that Taggart find success at a big name program like Florida State, where there is still a note of prejudice from certain portions of the fanbase.

In no way is this meant to exonerate Taggart or his coaching staff. The Noles need to make crucial changes—and that starts with Taggart.

In order to fix the Noles, Taggart, an offensive coach, needs to take a step back and see the bigger picture. Too often in 2018 the Noles were hampered by penalties, as fights broke out and players made undisciplined decisions.

Special teams couldn’t field a complete unit. Wide receivers didn’t know their formations late into the season. The Noles ended 2018 as the most penalized team in the Power Five.

Critical changes are needed. Kendal Briles has been hired to run the offense, freeing up Taggart to take a more managerial role. In addition, special teams coordinator Alonzo Hampton is gone, and former Ole Miss defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff has come onboard to coach defensive backs.

There is still belief in Taggart, but the changes made this offseason and the results will prove critical if the Noles hope to avoid another reset.