Taggart focused on current job, not others
November 27, 2012
As Willie Taggart’s name continues to come up in coaching discussions, the WKU coach continues to put attention on the present.
“I told you guys earlier this season, I’m working for WKU,” Taggart said Monday. “That’s what it’s all about… I’m all about the Tops.”
National pundits have thrown around Taggart’s name for job openings across the nation, pointing to the fact that he’s put together back-to-back winning seasons after inheriting an 0-12 program in 2009.
When Kentucky fired coach Joker Phillips earlier this month, there was a call from some Wildcat fans for Taggart.
His name has also come up in discussions about openings at Purdue, California and Arkansas.
Athletics Director Todd Stewart said Monday that no other schools have directly contacted him and asked to speak with Taggart.
“I know he wants to be here, and we certainly want him here,” Stewart said. “I’m confident he’ll be here for many more years to come.”
The Bowling Green Daily News reported earlier this month that a private group of donors had committed to raising the funds necessary to keep Taggart at WKU.
When asked about that report, Taggart said it was an issue he’d look at after the season was over.
“We’re recruiting and keeping our fingers crossed that we get into a bowl game, and then you get into those things,” Taggart said.
Added Stewart: “We talk all the time about doing what it takes to enhance his position, to enhance his assistants, to enhance the program as a whole, and we’ll continue to do that.”