Willie Taggart is taking over as USF’s third football coach in their 16 year history after establishing himself as one of the nation's top young prospects by turning around a losing program at Western Kentucky.

“I’m very excited to be back home” said Taggart.  “It’s been a very long time.”

The 36-year-old Taggart grew up in the Tampa Bay area before heading off to play and later coach at Western Kentucky. Taggart says he hoped USF would be calling him for the job.

“I looked at South Florida and looked at it as an opportunity to do some things here.  I always said I wouldn’t leave Western Kentucky unless I had a chance to win a national championship” said Taggart.  “And I truly believe that can get done here.’

Taggart replaces Skip Holtz, who was fired following the worst season in USF's 16-year history.  Taggart mentioned Holtz in his remarks and thanked him for his services and the players he brought into the university.

Taggart led WKU to a 7-5 record this season. The Hilltoppers will make their first postseason appearance since joining the FBS when they face Central Michigan in the Little Caesars Bowl.

“It wasn’t too long ago that USF was number two in the country” said Taggart.  “It’s been proven that we can get there.  What we have to do now is put everybody on the bus, get them in the right seat and let Coach T drive this bus.”

USF was 5-16 overall in the Big East under Holtz, who took over a program that Jim Leavitt helped start. Taggart becomes the third head coach in the program's brief history.

Taggart knows to win in college football you need to recruit well, and Taggart knows the Tampa Bay area quite well when it comes to recruiting.

“Recruiting is like brushing your teeth and combing your hair, as soon as you stop you look bad” said Taggart.  “I’m going to get some big time players to come here and play at USF.”

“There’s no reason for any kid in the 813, 941, 863 whatever.  There’s no reason for you to not come here and play football.  No reason.”