The college football coaching carousel creates a whirlwind of activity each year, and the 2023 season is no exception. With 10 coaching jobs already open before the end of October, not including two positions filled over the offseason that may only be temporary, insiders predict one of the busiest seasons of coaching changes in recent years. This situation goes beyond simply firing coaches and filling those vacancies; it triggers a domino effect, resulting in a series of coaching changes across the country.
This week on CBS Sports HQ, we decided to explore the most chaotic series of coaching dominoes while still keeping it grounded in reality. It's crucial for you, the reader and viewer, to recognize that this is a piece of fan fiction, not actual reporting. While some of these moves may indeed occur, our primary aim is to connect as many dots as possible while creating significant upheaval in the coaching landscape. So, let’s dive in and see just how far down the coaching carousel rabbit hole we can go.
The first domino in our scenario involves a dramatic shift within the Big Ten Conference. We envision UCLA hiring James Franklin, which leads to several other coaching changes:
Penn State hires Mike Elko Texas A&M hires Lincoln Riley USC hires Jedd Fisch Washington hires Ryan GrubbWith Penn State already facing a coaching vacancy, names like Matt Rhule and Curt Cignetti come to mind. However, both coaches may choose to remain with their current programs until at least the 2026 season. This leaves the Nittany Lions searching for other top-tier candidates, such as Mike Elko, a former Penn State player and New Jersey native who might be enticed by the opportunity to lead one of the nation’s most prestigious programs.
Meanwhile, the opening at Texas A&M represents an intriguing opportunity for any coach, particularly for Lincoln Riley, who could return to Texas to reignite his career. Although Jedd Fisch has been performing admirably at Washington, USC would be wise to gauge his availability, considering his prior successes at both Washington and Arizona. Ultimately, UCLA secures the program-builder it desperately needs in Franklin, while Washington could fill its vacancy with former Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who is currently thriving with Ty Simpson at Alabama.
Next up in our fan fiction scenario is the fallout surrounding Lane Kiffin. As the coaching carousel spins, we predict the following changes:
Florida hires Lane Kiffin Ole Miss hires Jon Sumrall Tulane hires Hugh Freeze Auburn hires Rhett Lashlee SMU hires Eric MorrisAlthough Ole Miss fans may feel optimistic about Kiffin’s future in Oxford, a chaotic scenario necessitates his move to Florida, triggering a ripple effect throughout the SEC. Jon Sumrall of Tulane is viewed as a top candidate for any SEC position, and in this scenario, he takes over at Ole Miss, which now has a proven blueprint for success.
However, Tulane will require a new head coach, and Hugh Freeze might be looking for a way out after a challenging stint at Auburn. Our storyline has Freeze landing on his feet with the Green Wave, creating yet another opportunity in the SEC. Additionally, Rhett Lashlee is poised to return to Auburn, where he previously served as offensive coordinator, while SMU secures North Texas’s Eric Morris as his replacement.
Our third domino revolves around significant moves involving LSU and Virginia Tech:
Virginia Tech hires Shane Beamer South Carolina hires Brent Key Georgia Tech hires Brian Kelly LSU hires Eli Drinkwitz Missouri hires Scott Satterfield Cincinnati hires Mike DenbrockShane Beamer has navigated his coaching career carefully, particularly during his father Frank Beamer’s tenure at Virginia Tech. However, with enough time elapsed and some rocky seasons in Columbia, a return to Virginia Tech now seems appealing. Beamer's departure from South Carolina could lead the Gamecocks to hire Brent Key, who has excelled during his time at Georgia Tech.
In this scenario, Atlanta becomes a landing spot for Brian Kelly, who might not command the same salary post-LSU buyout. As for LSU, Eli Drinkwitz, a highly regarded coach, emerges as a prime candidate for the Tigers, one of the most coveted jobs in college football. This shift prompts Missouri to look towards another former App State coach, Scott Satterfield, who has transformed Cincinnati into a formidable Big 12 contender. Lastly, when Cincinnati looks for a new head coach, they turn to Mike Denbrock, who is currently achieving success with Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame.
In conclusion, the 2023 college football coaching carousel promises to be a season filled with excitement, unpredictability, and an array of coaching changes that could reshape the landscape of the sport. Buckle up, because this is just the beginning!
