College football just can’t seem to slow down. The coaching carousel this season is turning faster than ever, and it’s almost impossible to keep up. With big-name jobs up for grabs and rumors flying, the whole landscape feels like it’s on the verge of a shakeup.
We’re seeing some of the sport’s most recognizable coaches—Lane Kiffin, James Franklin, and a few others—right in the thick of it. If you want the full rundown, you can always check out the latest on ESPN.
The Speed of the Coaching Carousel
This year’s wild coaching cycle isn’t just about how many jobs are open. What’s really catching everyone’s attention is how quickly decisions are happening. We’ve seen several big-time power-conference jobs open before November even hit.
LSU jumped into the mix recently. That move alone has everyone scrambling. There’s barely a moment to process one change before another headline pops up.
Penn State’s Quick Turnaround
Penn State’s search for a new coach has been a whirlwind. James Franklin was out, and just over two weeks later, Curt Cignetti landed a massive eight-year, $93 million deal with Indiana.
Matt Rhule’s name was tossed around, but Nebraska’s recent struggles have folks second-guessing. Mike Elko from Texas A&M is also reportedly in the conversation.
Lane Kiffin’s Courtship
Lane Kiffin’s story is hard to ignore. He started off being wooed by Florida, but now LSU has entered the picture.
What he decides will send shockwaves through the SEC, no doubt. If he stays at Ole Miss, Florida’s search gets a lot more interesting. Names like Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz, Louisville’s Jeff Brohm, and SMU’s Rhett Lashlee might get a call.
LSU’s Complex Search
LSU’s hunt for a new coach is tangled, to put it lightly. State politics are in play, and the university still doesn’t have a permanent president.
Brian Kelly’s recent firing just made things messier. Louisiana’s governor, Jeff Landry, is apparently taking a hands-on approach with the hire. LSU could end up considering a wider pool of candidates, especially those with SEC ties or local connections.
Emerging Candidates and Trends
Some new faces are stirring up the conversation this cycle. Clark Lea at Vanderbilt is getting noticed for his adaptability and recent wins.
Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz and Louisville’s Jeff Brohm are also popping up as intriguing options for several open spots.
Group of 5 Coaches on the Rise
This year feels like a real shot for Group of 5 coaches to break through. Jon Sumrall at Tulane, Ryan Silverfield at Memphis, and Alex Golesh at South Florida are all getting some buzz.
They’ve shown they can run successful programs, and Power 4 schools might be ready to take a chance on something new.
Notable Coaches Seeking New Opportunities
It’s not just current head coaches who want in. A few big names who aren’t on the sidelines right now are eager for another shot.
Guys like Jimbo Fisher and Ed Orgeron—both with national titles—are available. James Franklin and Brian Kelly, both recently fired, are also looking. Franklin especially is a wild card, with possible interest at places like Virginia Tech, Florida State, and Auburn.
Impact of Recent Firings
All these firings have caused a domino effect. Oklahoma State letting go of Mike Gundy has opened up new possibilities for coaches like Eric Morris at North Texas and Alex Golesh at South Florida.
Even Arkansas’ interim coach Bobby Petrino is in a weird spot, with his future up in the air. The only thing that’s certain right now? Nothing feels settled.
Conclusion
The college football coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever this season. There are a surprising number of high-profile vacancies and rumors flying around.
It feels like the decisions made in the next few weeks could really shake up the future of college football leadership. If you’re curious about who’s on the move or just want to dig deeper, check out the full article on ESPN.
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