The college football landscape in 2025 has shifted in ways that are honestly a little dizzying. Coaching changes have swept through Oregon’s FBS schools and plenty of programs nationwide.
The coaching carousel seems to have spun faster than ever, and it’s tough to keep track. If you want the full rundown, there’s a comprehensive list right here.
Major Coaching Changes in Oregon
Oregon’s three FBS programs have all made some pretty bold moves this year. There’s a lot of new energy and, for better or worse, some big expectations riding on these hires.
Oregon State Beavers
The Beavers didn’t waste time shaking things up. On November 28, they hired JaMarcus Shephard, who was Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator, as head coach.
He replaced Trent Bray, who finished two seasons with a 5-14 record. Shephard’s already building out his staff with a blend of familiar faces and fresh voices:
- Mitch Dahlen, Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, from Alabama
- Lee Marks, Running Backs Coach, from Memphis
- James Finley, Wide Receivers Coach, from Colorado State
- Ryan Wallace, Tight Ends Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator, from Louisville
- Kirk Barron, Offensive Line Coach, from Alabama
- Lance Guidry, Defensive Coordinator, from LSU
- Cort Dennison, Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach, from Idaho
- Inoke Breckterfield, Defensive Line Coach, from Baylor
- Eron Hodges, Football General Manager, from Alabama
Oregon Ducks
The Ducks have shuffled their coordinators around quite a bit. On December 5, tight ends coach Drew Mehringer was promoted to offensive coordinator.
This happened after Will Stein took the head coaching job at Kentucky on December 2. Secondary coach Chris Hampton also moved up to defensive coordinator, replacing Tosh Lupoi, who left for California on December 4.
Both Stein and Lupoi are sticking around for the Ducks’ College Football Playoff run, which is at least some good news for continuity.
Portland State Vikings
Portland State made a move too, hiring Chris Fisk, who previously coached at Central Washington, as head coach on December 11.
This came after Bruce Barnum was let go, ending his 11-season run with a 39-75 record.
Notable National Coaching Changes
It’s not just Oregon—other big-name programs have been busy with their own shake-ups. Here are a few of the moves that caught everyone’s attention:
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan fired Sherrone Moore on December 10 after two seasons and an 18-8 record. They’re still searching for someone new, and there’s plenty of speculation about who will get the nod.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas went with Ryan Silverfield, who came over from Memphis, hiring him on November 30. He replaces Sam Pittman, who finished six seasons with a 32-34 record.
California Golden Bears
California made a splash by hiring Tosh Lupoi from Oregon as their new head coach on December 4. Justin Wilcox was dismissed after a 48-55 run over nine seasons.
LSU Tigers
LSU made headlines by bringing in Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss on November 30. He takes over for Brian Kelly, who left with a 34-14 record after four seasons.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA hired Bob Chesney, who coached at James Madison, on December 1. He steps in for DeShaun Foster, who was let go after going 5-10 in two seasons.
Coaching Changes in Other Programs
Plenty of other teams have been making moves, too. Here are a few more notable hires from across the country:
- Coastal Carolina: Hired Ryan Beard, former Missouri State coach, on December 11.
- Florida Gators: Hired Jon Sumrall, former Tulane coach, on November 30.
- Kentucky Wildcats: Hired Will Stein, former Oregon offensive coordinator, on December 2.
- Memphis Tigers: Hired Charles Huff, former Southern Miss coach, on December 6.
- Penn State Nittany Lions: Hired Matt Campbell, former Iowa State coach, on December 5.
- South Florida Bulls: Hired Brian Hartline, former Ohio State offensive coordinator, on December 3.
- UConn Huskies: Hired Jason Candle, former Toledo coach, on December 6.
- Virginia Tech Hokies: Hired James Franklin, former Penn State coach, on November 17.
Impact and Expectations
The 2025 coaching carousel has really shaken things up. There’s a buzz in the air as fans wonder how these changes will play out.
New coaches mean new strategies. Some programs are hungry for a turnaround, while others just want to keep their momentum.
It’s always interesting to see how quickly a coach can put their stamp on a team. Will it be obvious by the first few games? Maybe, maybe not.
If you’re curious about every coaching change, check out Oregon Live’s comprehensive article.
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