As the college football landscape evolves, eight Power 4 jobs are currently available. Seven of these openings are a result of in-season firings, while one is anticipated due to Stanford's decision to make a temporary change reminiscent of the Frank Reich situation. Given the dynamics of the coaching carousel, more vacancies are expected to arise, potentially from high-profile programs such as Auburn, Kentucky, Florida State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.
The ongoing shifts in coaching positions are part of a larger narrative where agents are influencing contracts, schools are quickly distancing themselves from underperforming coaches, and donor support is crucial for financing these transitions. The current climate has prompted speculation about the next wave of hires as schools look for the right fit to turn around their football programs. In this article, we will match 13 coaching vacancies with 13 ideal candidates, taking into account various factors and trends within the sport.
As highlighted by Seth Emerson from The Athletic, recent high-profile coaching hires have not yielded the expected results. Interestingly, of the top-10 teams in the current AP poll, six coaches were appointed without prior head coaching experience. Notable examples include Curt Cignetti at Indiana and Mike Elko at Texas A&M. Meanwhile, Lane Kiffin, previously dismissed from both the Las Vegas Raiders and USC before turning Ole Miss into a contender, is a prime example of how a coach can rebound and thrive.
With 13 openings and a pool of 46 potential candidates, we categorize these coaches into different groups: sitting Power 4 head coaches, Group of 5 coaches, recently fired coaches, hot coordinators, and other notable names. This diverse array ensures that there are plenty of viable options for each job opening.
Despite a rocky tenure under Brian Kelly, LSU remains a coveted position in college football, previously helmed by successful coaches like Nick Saban and Ed Orgeron. Kiffin is the front-runner for this job, given his impressive track record at Ole Miss, which has him on the verge of a College Football Playoff appearance. The allure of LSU is hard to resist for any coach.
Florida has struggled to regain its former glory since Urban Meyer’s departure. After multiple failed attempts with different coaching models, they should consider Eli Drinkwitz. His successful tenure at Missouri suggests he could be the catalyst needed to bring Florida back to national championship contention.
With speculation surrounding James Franklin’s future, Penn State could benefit from targeting Bob Chesney, who has achieved significant success at James Madison. His familiarity with the region and proven track record make him a strong candidate to revitalize the Nittany Lions.
Auburn's recent coaching choices have fallen short, leading to a need for a fresh perspective. Alex Golesh, known for his innovative offensive strategies and ability to foster a strong team culture, could be the right choice to lead Auburn back to prominence.
Will Stein, the young offensive coordinator at Oregon, could be an exciting hire for Florida State. His creativity and player development skills can help rejuvenate a program in need of revitalization.
Wisconsin could benefit from Jeff Monken’s expertise in running a disciplined, power-oriented offense. His successful history in leading teams to victory makes him a strong candidate to restore Wisconsin's football identity.
Despite recent challenges, Pat Fitzgerald's experience and coaching acumen make him a fitting candidate for Michigan State. His previous success and ability to build strong team culture can help the Spartans return to competitive form.
Dan Mullen’s prior experience with Ole Miss makes him an ideal candidate to replace Kiffin if he moves on. His familiarity with the SEC and proven track record of success could help maintain Ole Miss's competitive edge.
Ryan Silverfield has demonstrated his capability at Memphis, making him a prime candidate for Arkansas. His local ties and recent success position him well to lead the Razorbacks forward.
For Virginia Tech, James Franklin could be an appealing choice. His connections to the region and experience at Penn State could help revitalize the Hokies' program.
Although Mike Norvell has faced ups and downs at Florida State, his potential and past successes make him a candidate worth considering for Missouri, especially if they lose Drinkwitz.
Finally, Kentucky may look to bring back Jon Sumrall, a former player who has excelled in his coaching career. His familiarity with the program could help reinvigorate Kentucky football.
With 13 Power 4 openings and a diverse pool of candidates, the upcoming coaching carousel presents both challenges and opportunities. As schools evaluate their options, it's essential to consider not only the current trends but also the potential for long-term success. The future of college football coaching is promising, with numerous coaches poised to make their mark on the sport.
