The college football landscape is always shifting. The 2025 season? No different. Several high-profile coaches were let go, but it didn’t take long for them to find new gigs—some head coaching, some assistant spots. There’s a sense of anticipation as these familiar faces get ready to take on new challenges. Let’s dig into where some of the most notable names landed after getting the boot in 2025, and maybe wonder a bit about what’s next for them.
The Coaching Carousel Spins Again
Coaching changes were everywhere in 2025. Some big names found fresh opportunities to show what they’ve got. The carousel just keeps turning, doesn’t it?
So, where did these coaches end up? And what exactly do they bring to the table this time around?
James Franklin: From Penn State to Virginia Tech
James Franklin, once the face of Penn State football, surprised a lot of folks by taking the head job at Virginia Tech. He walked away from almost $40 million in buyout money—clearly, he wasn’t interested in sitting on the sidelines. Franklin’s got five seasons with 11-plus wins, a Big Ten title, and two College Football Playoff wins in 2024 under his belt. That’s not nothing.
He wanted to keep coaching at a high level, plain and simple. Franklin’s time at Penn State was full of big moments, and he seems fired up to chase that same success with the Hokies. Oh, and Brent Pry is back as defensive coordinator, reuniting the old Penn State duo. That could be fun to watch.
Billy Napier: A New Chapter at James Madison
Billy Napier’s run at Florida didn’t end the way he’d hoped. After a rough 3-4 start in his fourth season, he was out. Now, he’s the head coach at James Madison. His record at Louisiana—40-12—still stands out, though. That’s a guy who knows how to win at the right level.
He racked up four Sun Belt West Division titles and two conference championships there. At JMU, Napier’s bullish on the school’s resources and atmosphere, calling them some of the best in the Group of Six. He’s got his sights set on taking James Madison even higher in their conference.
Mark Stoops: Special Assistant at Texas
Mark Stoops, the winningest coach Kentucky’s ever had, is now with the Texas Longhorns as a special assistant. Thirty-plus years of coaching experience—pretty hard to ignore. He left Kentucky with 82 wins and a knack for building tough SEC teams.
At Texas, Stoops joins up with new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. He’ll get to focus on specific areas, lending his know-how to Steve Sarkisian’s staff. With guys like Colin Simmons back and plenty of talent on defense, Texas looks set for a big year with this revamped staff.
Assistant and Analyst Roles: Fresh Starts and New Challenges
Not everyone landed another head coaching job. Some guys took on assistant or analyst roles, bringing their expertise to new programs. It’s a chance to stay in the game—just with a different view.
Tim Beck: Offensive Coordinator at South Florida
Tim Beck, who was at Coastal Carolina, is now the offensive coordinator at South Florida. At Coastal, he led them to three straight bowl games and built a reputation for high-octane offenses. The guy knows how to call plays and develop quarterbacks.
At USF, Beck’s hoping to install his system and help the Bulls take the next step in the AAC. It’s a program looking for a breakthrough, and his experience could be just what they need.
Trent Dilfer: Head Coach at Lipscomb Academy High School
Trent Dilfer’s back in high school football, leading Lipscomb Academy again—the same place he left in 2022 for UAB. His first stint there? A 44-10 record and back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022. Not too shabby.
Now, Dilfer’s excited to focus on the developmental side of coaching. Less pressure, more time to help student-athletes grow in faith, leadership, and, yeah, football. It seems like a better fit for where he’s at right now.
Brian Kelly: Unpaid Consultant at Memphis
Brian Kelly went 34-14 at LSU, but without a national title, he was shown the door. These days, he’s an unpaid consultant at Memphis, taking a step back to reflect on what worked—and what didn’t—at LSU. He’s got a system he trusts and plenty of experience to offer, even in a non-gameday role.
Memphis gets the benefit of his insights and big-program perspective. Kelly gets to stay involved in football while figuring out his next move. Maybe that’s the best of both worlds, at least for now.
The coaching carousel of 2025 spun fast, shaking up the college football scene in ways not everyone saw coming. Big-name coaches landed in new spots, ready to prove themselves all over again.
Some grabbed head coaching gigs. Others took on assistant or analyst roles, maybe hoping for a fresh start or just a different kind of challenge.
It’s hard to say how things will play out. With the 2026 season creeping up, fans and analysts are already buzzing—will these moves pay off, or will some programs regret their choices?
If you want to dig deeper into the coaching changes and what they might mean, check out the full article on CBS Sports here.
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