Haggins bridging gap between coaches
TALLAHASSEE — Former Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews does not wake up as early as when he coached the Seminoles alongside Bobby Bowden from 1984-2009.
So Andrews was slightly surprised to receive a 6 a.m. phone call from his former player and FSU interim coach Odell Haggins a few weeks ago.
Since former FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher left for Texas A&M, Haggins has been tasked with leading the Seminoles football players through the transition to new coach Willie Taggart that will end with Wednesday’s Independence Bowl game against Southern Miss in Shreveport, La.
And Haggins has turned to his biggest mentor for guidance and support along the way.
“I think he just wanted to talk and run a couple of things by me.” Andrews said of the early-morning conversation with Haggins.
“More than anything, he just needed some affirmation and some reassurance. That’s when I told him, ‘Just be yourself’ and that’ll be good enough.”
Haggins, who wakes up at 5 a.m. every morning, must have been eager to call his former coach.
When Haggins was appointed the interim position Dec. 1, the same day Fisher resigned to take his new position, the Seminoles were already prepared to play their regular-season finale against Louisiana Monroe one day later.
But following the game, Haggins has been uniquely tasked with helping the Seminoles prepare for their nation-leading 36th consecutive bowl game — a streak he was a part of as a player from 1986-89 and as FSU’s longest tenured assistant coach since 1994.
For the first time in his coaching career, Haggins is fully in charge.
“Being an assistant coach and going from assistant to interim head coach, [there are] different things that pop up that you want answers about but you don’t have the answers because I’ve never been a head coach,” Haggins said.
“So I’ve talked to [Andrews], and he just told me to keep being myself. ‘You’re going to make the right decisions the way you live your life.’ He said, ‘You’re going to be OK because the player you were at Florida State University; you did things the right way.’ ”
The Seminole players, remaining assistant coaches and fan base galvanized around Haggins, who received several warm ovations during FSU’s 42-10 win against ULM on Dec. 2.
Near the end of the second quarter, FSU’s halftime promotion usually gives fans in Doak Campbell Stadium two options to choose from for first-half MVP. FSU listed Haggins as both options, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Later in the fourth quarter of the blowout win, Haggins’ verse in the famous Seminole Rap song he made as a player was blared inside the stadium, drawing laughter from fans in the stands, players on the sidelines and even Haggins as he tried to continue coaching the team as the song played.
FSU beat ULM to clinch a 6-6 record, but the victory meant a little more to the program on this day.
During a season that started with a preseason No. 3 ranking and aspirations of competing for an ACC title and berth in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Haggins’ leadership after Fisher’s tumultuous departure was therapeutic in a sense for the entire FSU athletic program.
“I watched the last game, and I don’t who you credit to Odell or the situation the way it was, but it looked like those kids were having a good time out there,” Andrews said.
The fun has continued during FSU’s bowl practices, with players enjoying listening to their favorite music — one of the few minor changes Taggart has introduced since the start of his tenure.
Andrews has noticed the change in the players’ demeanor during the season finale carry over into practice while visiting to see Haggins in action.
“Jimbo was a very demanding person. You don’t accomplish in life what he’s accomplished without being demanding — not just of others, but of yourself, too,” Andrews said.
Taggart has used FSU’s bowl practices to evaluate the team’s roster, while sharing his “two cents” on occasion. But the new coach is letting Haggins remain in control to complete FSU’s mission this season.
“I’m letting Odell finish what he started,” Taggart said. “He’s done a great job. The kids went out and played with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, and we got the results that we needed in the last game we played. You watch practice, and they’re responding to him. You can tell they love him and they care about him.”