Native son Jimbo Fisher declined West Virginia's offer today to become its next head football coach and, after whirlwind talks with the Florida State president, announced that he is staying with the Seminoles.

Fisher, 42, of Clarksburg, W.Va., and President T.J. Wetherell -- vacationing in Montana -- spoke as many as six times yesterday, and Fisher also talked with the legendary coach he is contractually bound to replace someday, Bobby Bowden.

Apparently, that convinced this offensive coordinator and coach-in-waiting to stay put at the Tallahassee, Fla., school.

"I know media reports are circulating regarding the possibility of West Virginia's head coaching position," Fisher said in a statement released tonight. "I am a native of West Virginia and love the state but I want to make clear that I am staying at Florida State. I am committed to this university, this program and these players. I am excited about where I am and where Seminole football is headed."

Fisher marks the second native son in a week to turn away from West Virginia, following Rich Rodriguez, who left to become Michigan's coach this night one week ago.

It wasn't immediately known if Fisher would have to pay a $2.5 million fee Florida State for even considering the Mountaineers' job, but the careful wording of his statement never strictly stated that he considered an offer.

Sources said an official offer was made this morning, though Fisher was asked to respond by dinnertime. His release was placed on the Seminoles.com Web site around 8 p.m.

Where this leaves the Mountaineers' search remains an unknown.

Terry Bowden, son of Bobby the former West Virginia coach, had an edge over Florida assistant head coach Doc Holliday.

But the Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette quoted sources in a story on its site today saying that the search process could reopen, with West Virginia administrators interviewing such a possible candidate as Boise State coach Chris Peterson -- whose team was playing in the Hawaii Bowl last night.