As the college football landscape prepares for another wave of coaching changes, eight Power 4 jobs are currently available.
Among these, seven openings are due to in-season firings, while one is the result of Stanford’s decision to take a temporary pause from their current head coach.
It is anticipated that more positions will become available soon, possibly including some of the following names: Auburn, Kentucky, Florida State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.
This evolving situation brings excitement and intrigue, as agents negotiate contracts and universities swiftly move on from coaches, often paying substantial sums to encourage their departure.
In this volatile environment, we can match 13 job openings with ideal coaching candidates, drawing from a pool of coaches ranging from Power 4 head coaches to hot coordinators, and even some recent coaching casualties.
Recent trends warrant attention — notably, of the current top-10 teams in the AP poll, six coaches were hired without previous head coaching experience.
This shift could lead to more successful hires, as schools adapt to the changing dynamics of recruitment and coaching effectiveness.
### The Job Candidate Landscape
The list of potential candidates includes sitting Power 4 head coaches who may be lured away: Lane Kiffin, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, California’s Justin Wilcox, Cincinnati’s Scott Satterfield, Duke’s Manny Diaz, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, and others.
Group of 5 head coaches and coordinators like Army’s Jeff Monken, James Madison’s Bob Chesney, and Miami’s Shannon Dawson are also in the mix.
Recent coaching casualties include notable names like Brian Kelly, Luke Fickell, and Mike Norvell, each of whom could bring valuable experience to a new program.
This diversification of candidates provides an array of options for universities seeking to fill their coaching vacancies.
### Matchmaking Candidates to Open Positions
Given the competitive landscape, here’s a look at potential placements for 13 of these coveted coaching jobs, evaluated by attractiveness.
**LSU (Lane Kiffin)**
Despite the challenges faced under Brian Kelly’s leadership, the LSU program remains one of the most attractive in college football.
Lane Kiffin’s track record at Ole Miss positions him as a leading candidate who could thrive in this high-pressure environment.
An opportunity to lead LSU could be too appealing for Kiffin to resist, potentially shifting the dynamics of the competitive SEC landscape.
**Florida (Eli Drinkwitz)**
Florida’s search for a stable coaching presence continues, with Eli Drinkwitz emerging as a prime candidate.
His success at Missouri signals his ability to revitalize the Gators, a program struggling to regain its former glory since Urban Meyer’s tenure.
In this context, Drinkwitz could help usher in a new era of success in Gainesville.
**Penn State (Bob Chesney)**
With uncertainty surrounding their coaching future, Penn State would benefit from pursuing Bob Chesney, known for his winning record at James Madison.
AD Pat Kraft may favor a connection to the program through former linebacker Matt Rhule, but Chesney offers a fresh, effective alternative.
His history of success suggests he could be a pivotal figure in Penn State’s resurgence.
**Auburn (Alex Golesh)**
Auburn’s recent coaching attempts lacked the desired effect, leading to a recommended shift in strategy by hiring someone on an upward trajectory.
Alex Golesh has demonstrated an ability to create a robust team culture and innovative offense, making him an ideal candidate to lead the Tigers forward.
This move would taps into a growing trend of hiring promising young coaches who can inspire change.
**Florida State (Will Stein)**
At just 36, Will Stein presents a promising option for Florida State as a coordinator with a strong developmental record.
His youth and creativity resonate with the need for fresh ideas to reignite enthusiasm in a storied program seeking to return to prominence.
**Wisconsin (Jeff Monken)**
The Badgers may need to embrace a departure from their recent coaching strategy by turning to Jeff Monken, who has a proven track record of success with the triple option.
Monken’s Midwestern roots may contribute to an effective adaptation of Wisconsin football, potentially restoring the physicality traditionally associated with the program.
**Michigan State (Pat Fitzgerald)**
Michigan State’s priorities lie in hiring a coach who embraces the program’s identity, making Pat Fitzgerald a fitting candidate.
Though he faced adversity at Northwestern, his age and experience could boost his chances of developing a competitive team at Michigan State.
**Ole Miss (Dan Mullen)**
Following Lane Kiffin’s anticipated departure from Ole Miss, Dan Mullen represents a compelling option to fill the head coaching role.
Mullen’s familiarity with the SEC and his ability to produce results makes him a favorable choice for a program that has aspirations of returning to national prominence.
**Arkansas (Ryan Silverfield)**
Known for his success at Memphis, Ryan Silverfield is a natural choice for Arkansas to consider, especially after defeating them this season.
His local ties and proven coaching acumen would make a significant impact in strengthening the Razorbacks’ competitive stance.
**Virginia Tech (James Franklin)**
Franklin presents a dream scenario for Virginia Tech, capitalizing on his track record of rallying donor support while developing player connections in the ACC.
With circumstances potentially favoring Franklin’s return to serve as the Hokies’ future coach, this move could invigorate the program’s prospects.
**Missouri (Mike Norvell)**
Although Mike Norvell has faced ups and downs at Florida State, his successful records highlight his potential to lead Missouri effectively.
Given his track record and experience, transitioning from Drinkwitz would allow for continuity while instilling a renewed sense of energy and leadership.
**Kentucky (Jon Sumrall)**
Bringing Jon Sumrall back to Kentucky would mark a return to the program for a well-regarded coach.
His previous tenure combined with impressive stints at Tulane and Troy makes this a compelling move for a team seeking stability and improvement.
**UCLA (Eric Morris)**
Continuing with the trend of hiring promising G5 coaches, Eric Morris stands out after his success with North Texas.
His familiarity with the Pac-12 landscape could provide UCLA with a fresh outlook and strategic advantage in the evolving conference.
**Oklahoma State (Zac Robinson)**
The coaching landscape at Oklahoma State signals potential benefits of a homecoming for Zac Robinson, who could step in to replace Gundy.
Robinson, a former player under Gundy, offers an opportunity to transition smoothly while also appealing to the nostalgia of the fans.
**Stanford (Todd Monken)**
Lastly, Todd Monken is positioned to bring his significant experience to Stanford, elevating a program looking for revitalization.
His background in taking struggling offenses and turning them into competitive units could provide a vital spark for the Cardinal program.
### Conclusion
Heading into another transformative off-season, the diurnal shifts in coaching will continue to intrigue fans and stakeholders alike.
With notable options available, universities that prioritize finding innovative leaders, whether from within the Power 4 or emerging candidates, stand to benefit in the long run.
As the coaching carousel spins, the collective hopes for revitalized programs and the return to championship status remains the shared aspiration of many across college football.
image source from：nytimes
