As the 2025 college football season rolls on, the coaching carousel is already spinning fast. High-profile programs like UCLA and Virginia Tech are both on the hunt for new head coaches. The landscape of college football could look pretty different soon. Let’s dig into some possible candidates and what these searches might mean for the sport at large. UCLA’s Coaching Conundrum: Think Smith, Not Sanders UCLA’s in a tricky spot as it looks for its next head coach. A lot of fans are dreaming about a splashy hire like Deion Sanders, but honestly, that’s not as simple as it sounds. Sanders has carved out a strong situation for himself at Colorado, with a level of autonomy and success that’s rare. Would he really want to leave that for UCLA, a program that’s been struggling in the Big Ten? It’s hard to imagine. On top of that, UCLA’s got its own set of logistical headaches and budget concerns. It just doesn’t seem like the right fit for Sanders. Why Jonathan Smith is a Better Fit Instead of chasing after the biggest name, maybe UCLA should look at Jonathan Smith. Smith, who’s currently at Michigan State, has the resume and the know-how to breathe new life into the Bruins. He’s got ties to Southern California, which only adds to his appeal. Smith’s shown he can develop talent and get the most out of his teams—something UCLA desperately needs. The Case for Dan Mullen at Virginia Tech Dan Mullen’s name keeps popping up in coaching rumors, and for good reason. He’s doing well at UNLV, and while his career’s had its bumps, there’s no denying his knack for developing players. Mullen’s run in the SEC, especially at Mississippi State, really showed he can elevate a program. Virginia Tech could use that kind of spark. Blacksburg: The Starkville of Appalachia There’s something about Mullen’s time in Starkville, Mississippi, that just fits with Virginia Tech. Both places are smaller, tight-knit college towns. Mullen’s hands-on approach and ability to turn three-star recruits into real contributors might be exactly what the Hokies need in the ACC. Notre Dame’s Defensive Woes Under Marcus Freeman Notre Dame, with all its history and pressure, is having a rough time under Marcus Freeman. The defense has been shaky, with missed assignments and some questionable calls. Freeman’s even admitted he doesn’t have all the answers right now. That’s not exactly reassuring for a fanbase used to winning. The Impact of Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash Chris Ash, the new defensive coordinator, hasn’t quite found his rhythm either. The defense just isn’t getting enough pressure on quarterbacks, and the shift to more zone coverage hasn’t paid off. Fans and analysts are starting to wonder what’s going on with the coaching staff’s decisions. Georgia’s Resilience Under Kirby Smart Georgia’s recent comeback win over Tennessee was something to see. Head coach Kirby Smart’s team rallied after a slow start and pulled off an overtime victory. Critics were silenced—at least for now—as Georgia showed some real grit. Smart’s post-game comments were a bit all over the place, but you could tell he was proud of his team’s fight. Whistling Past the Graveyard Smart mentioned “whistling past the graveyard,” which might’ve confused some folks. Still, the message was clear enough: Georgia’s not a team you write off easily. The Bulldogs keep finding ways to win, even when things get dicey. Pat Fitzgerald: A Potential Fit for UCLA Pat Fitzgerald, who used to coach at Northwestern, is another interesting name for UCLA. His exit from Northwestern was messy due to a hazing scandal, but his coaching skills are tough to deny. Winning at Northwestern isn’t easy, and Fitzgerald managed it. That says a lot about what he could do at a place like UCLA. The Legal Settlement and Its Implications Fitzgerald just reached a legal settlement with Northwestern, which clears up some of the controversy. The investigation suggested he wasn’t aware of the hazing, so he’s back in the mix for coaching jobs. UCLA could use someone with his experience, especially when it comes to handling tough situations. The Broader Implications for College Football These coaching searches at UCLA and Virginia Tech, plus the ongoing issues at Notre Dame, could shake things up across college football. Recruiting, conference dynamics, even the balance of power—everything’s in play. As schools scramble to land the right coach, you can bet the ripple effects will be felt all over the sport. Recruiting and Conference Dynamics Coaching changes can really shake up recruiting priorities and strategies. Programs like UCLA and Virginia Tech now have to rebuild their recruiting pipelines with new leadership at the helm. How these coaching hires pan out might even shift conference standings or spark fresh rivalries. That just adds another twist to the college football season—never a dull moment, right? If you’re curious for a deeper dive into these coaching searches and what they might mean, check out the original article on USA Today.
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