Poll question: Who will be FSU’s next coach? Our updated top 5 candidates

With the athletic director search complete and Jeff Purinton now in place, Florida State can turn its full attention to the most important decision facing the program: hiring its next head football coach. The Seminoles have engaged Daniel Parker’s search firm and are expected to intensify the process as the 2026 season winds down. With only two regular-season games remaining, FSU appears intent on identifying top candidates before Thanksgiving.

The challenge for Purinton is balancing proven success, recruiting ability, roster development and modern roster management in the transfer portal era. Here is an updated look at five active head coaches who could emerge as serious candidates to lead the Seminoles.

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1. Manny Diaz, Duke

Coaching record: 46-27Bowl record: 1-32026 record: 7-3 (4-3 ACC)

Why Diaz makes sense

Despite Diaz’s denying any consideration to leave Duke for his alma mater. he checks several boxes that FSU is likely prioritizing. He owns deep recruiting ties throughout Florida, understands the ACC landscape and has experience leading a major program after his tenure at Miami.

His strongest argument is program building. Diaz led Duke to an ACC championship last season behind quarterback Darian Mensah and has consistently elevated talent beyond recruiting rankings. While Duke rarely signs elite recruiting classes, Diaz, who could reunite with general manager John Garrett, has developed numerous NFL-caliber players and built a reputation for maximizing roster potential.

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In today’s college football environment, where player development and transfer portal evaluations are critical, Diaz’s track record makes him one of the safest and most realistic candidates on the board.

More: Duke’s Manny Diaz, FSU alum, removes himself from coaching search

2. Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri

Coaching record: 64-34Bowl record: 2-32026 record: 6-4 (3-4 SEC)

Why Drinkwitz makes sense

Drinkwitz has proven he can build sustainable success in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. After guiding Appalachian State to a Sun Belt championship, he transformed Missouri into a consistent SEC contender and earned SEC Coach of the Year honors following an 11-2 season.

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His appeal lies in offensive innovation, player development and recruiting. Missouri has reached a bowl game every season under his leadership while maintaining winning records.

Leaving the SEC would require a significant commitment from FSU, but Drinkwitz’s age, upward trajectory and experience navigating the NIL and transfer portal landscape make him an intriguing long-term option.

More: Rick Stockstill honors late teammate after FSU win: ‘I miss my friend’

3. Jason Eck, New Mexico

Coaching record: 43-19Bowl record: 0-1FCS playoff record: 2-32026 record: 8-2 (5-1 Mountain West)

Why Eck makes sense

Eck may be the most under-the-radar candidate on this list, but his résumé continues to gain attention nationally.

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Before arriving at New Mexico, he built a winner at Idaho and guided the Vandals back into FCS playoff contention. He then led the Lobos to a 9-4 record in his first season and has them positioned for another Mountain West title run in 2026.

A former offensive line coach, Eck emphasizes physical football and line play. New Mexico ranks among the nation’s top rushing teams, averaging 212.2 yards per game. His ability to rebuild struggling programs and develop talent could make him an attractive value candidate if FSU chooses to look beyond the Power Four ranks.

More: Is Ernie Sims the answer for FSU football’s defense? Sure looks like it

4. P.J. Fleck, Minnesota

Coaching record: 101-68Bowl record: 8-22026 record: 5-5 (3-4 Big Ten)

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Why Fleck makes sense

Few coaches on this list offer Fleck’s combination of experience and sustained success.

The Minnesota coach transformed the Gophers into one of the Big Ten’s most consistently competitive programs, highlighted by an 11-2 season and Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. His teams are known for discipline, physicality and strong culture.

While Minnesota may not contend annually for conference championships, Fleck has routinely produced winning seasons and bowl appearances. His proven formula for rebuilding and stabilizing programs could appeal to an FSU administration looking for an experienced leader capable of restoring consistency.

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More: Is Ernie Sims the answer for FSU football’s defense? Sure looks like it

5. Lance Taylor, Western Michigan

Coaching record: 27-22Bowl record: 1-12026 record: 7-3 (5-1 MAC)

Why Taylor makes sense

Taylor is the wildcard candidate in this group, but he offers several connections that could make him worth monitoring.

The former Alabama wide receiver and NFL assistant has extensive experience developing offensive skill players. He quickly elevated Western Michigan’s program, capturing a MAC championship and MAC Coach of the Year honors in 2025.

Taylor also shares a professional connection with Purinton dating back to their time at Alabama. While his head coaching résumé is less extensive than others on this list, his offensive pedigree, recruiting background and familiarity with the modern college football landscape could make him a rising candidate in the search this season. Taylor is also the lone active Native American coach as a member of the MOWA Band of the Choctaw Indians, a tribe in Alabama. His heritage would be embraced by the Seminole tribe in Tallahassee.

How to watch FSU vs. North Carolina State

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 21

• Time: 3:30 p.m. EST

• Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida

• TV/Stream: ACC Network

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• Sept. 13: Bye

• Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas, W 34-7

• Oct. 24: Bye

• Nov. 27: vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday)

More: CFP rankings live predictions: Indiana, Texas make their case; Kentucky, LSU fall

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you’d like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Poll question: Who will be FSU’s next coach? Our updated top 5 candidates

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