Top College Football Head Coaching Candidates: Analyzing the Landscape
The college football coaching carousel is in full swing, with several high-profile programs seeking new leadership. James Franklin's departure from Penn State has triggered a wave of speculation and analysis, with numerous candidates emerging as potential replacements. This article dissects the current coaching landscape, examining potential candidates for top jobs and evaluating the appeal of various programs.
The Penn State Vacancy: A Prime Destination
Following James Franklin's dismissal, Penn State represents the most attractive open position in the FBS. Despite a recent implosion, Franklin leaves behind a program built to compete for national championships, supported by a strong recruiting base and ample resources. The Nittany Lions haven't had a losing season since 2004 (excluding the COVID-19 season), indicating a foundation for sustained success. Several sitting head coaches within the Big Ten could be considered, but Penn State may also pursue more ambitious candidates.
Potential Candidates for Penn State
Several names have been linked to the Penn State job, each with unique strengths and weaknesses:
- Curt Cignetti (Indiana Head Coach): A Pittsburgh native with a proven track record, Cignetti has quickly turned Indiana into a contender, leading them to the College Football Playoff in his first year and securing a high national ranking. His deep ties to Pennsylvania and demonstrated ability to build a winning program make him a strong contender. The question remains whether he would leave a successful situation at Indiana for the perceived "upside" of a program like Penn State.
- Matt Rhule (Nebraska Head Coach): Rhule's connections to Penn State run deep, as a State College High graduate and former player under Joe Paterno. His success in turning around Temple and Baylor is well-documented. However, concerns linger regarding his record in "big games," with a losing record against Top 25 teams.
- Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State Head Coach): Dillingham has rapidly rebuilt Arizona State, leading them to a Big 12 title in his second season. His offensive acumen and high-energy approach would bring excitement to the program. However, his lack of ties to the Northeast and his allegiance to Arizona State may pose challenges.
- Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss Head Coach): Kiffin's recruiting prowess and offensive mind have transformed Ole Miss into a consistent winner. However, questions persist about his fit within Penn State's culture and his potential desire to remain in the SEC.
- Jeff Brohm (Louisville Head Coach): Brohm has achieved success at multiple programs, including Western Kentucky and Purdue. His offensive expertise and ability to develop quarterbacks would be valuable assets. The key question is whether he would leave his alma mater, Louisville, for Penn State.
- Matt Campbell (Iowa State Head Coach): Campbell has consistently won at Iowa State, but lacks the perceived "upside" of other candidates. His conservative recruiting approach may also be a concern.
- Urban Meyer (FOX College Football Analyst): Meyer's legendary coaching career and recruiting prowess make him an intriguing option, but questions remain about his willingness to return to coaching and his ability to navigate the NIL landscape.
- Eliah Drinkwitz (Missouri Head Coach): Drinkwitz has quietly built a successful program at Missouri, known for his offensive system.
- Alex Golesh (South Florida Head Coach): Golesh has quickly transformed South Florida into a potential Group of Five contender, showcasing his offensive expertise.
- Brent Key (Georgia Tech Head Coach): Key has revitalized Georgia Tech, leading them to contention in the ACC. His success against ranked opponents is a significant asset.
- Brian Hartline (Ohio State Offensive Coordinator): Hartline's expertise in recruiting and developing wide receivers, combined with his play-calling experience, make him a promising candidate.
- Will Stein (Oregon Offensive Coordinator): Stein's success as Oregon's offensive coordinator has quickly elevated his profile, despite his limited head coaching experience.
- D’Anton Lynn (USC Defensive Coordinator): A Penn State graduate with NFL coaching experience, Lynn's defensive expertise could be a valuable asset.
Other FBS Openings: A Tiered Ranking
While Penn State stands out as the most appealing destination, other FBS programs also offer unique opportunities and challenges. Here's a tiered ranking of current openings based on appeal and potential for success:
Tier 1: High Potential
- Penn State: (Grade A) Tradition, money, facilities, and recent success make it a top-tier job.
- Arkansas: (Grade B) An SEC job with the potential for a high ceiling, despite challenges in recruiting and resource allocation.
Tier 2: Solid Opportunities
- UCLA: (Grade B) A Big Ten job in Southern California with a high ceiling, but financial constraints and fan apathy pose challenges.
- Oklahoma State: (Grade B) A program with a strong history and a pipeline to Texas talent, but requires increased financial investment.
- Virginia Tech: (Grade B) A program with a rich history but needs renewed financial commitment and improved talent development.
Tier 3: Rebuilding Projects
- Stanford: (Grade C+) A program with past success but faces challenges in the NIL/portal era and conference realignment.
- Oregon State: (Grade C+) A program trying to rebuild after conference realignment, with a path back to contention in the new Pac-12.
- UAB: (Grade C) A program with a new stadium and good location, but behind its American Conference peers financially.
Tier 4: Significant Challenges
- Kent State: (Grade F) A program with a history of struggles and recent turmoil.
The Coaching Carousel: Key Names to Watch
Beyond the specific vacancies, several coaches are poised to be key players in the upcoming coaching carousel:
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- Dave Aranda (Baylor Head Coach): A defensive mind with a Big 12 title, but may be on the hot seat.
- Matt Campbell (Iowa State Head Coach): A consistently successful coach who may be lured by the right college or NFL opportunity.
- Jason Candle (Toledo Head Coach): A long-tenured MAC coach with the potential to move to a Power Four program.
- Jamey Chadwell (Liberty Head Coach): A coach who has been in the conversation for several Power Four jobs.
- Bob Chesney (James Madison Head Coach): A coach with a track record of building programs at all levels, poised for a Power Conference job.
- Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri Head Coach): A rising star with a progressive approach to talent acquisition.
- Jason Eck (New Mexico Head Coach): An offensive play-caller who could land a Power Two gig.
- Jedd Fisch (Washington Head Coach): A coach with a diverse resume who could be tempted by his alma mater, Florida, or an NFL opportunity.
- Alex Golesh (USF Head Coach): A coach who has quickly turned around USF and is poised for a Power Four job.
- Bobby Hauck (Montana Head Coach): A coach with a long and successful track record at Montana, potentially seeking another FBS opportunity.
- Tyson Helton (Western Kentucky Head Coach): A coach with an impressive track record at Western Kentucky, despite constant staff and player turnover.
- Charles Huff (Southern Miss Head Coach): A coach with experience in the DMV area and the SEC/Big Ten, poised for a Power Four job.
- Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss Head Coach): A coach who is comfortable at Ole Miss but could be tempted by a bigger job like Florida.
- G.J. Kinne (Texas State Head Coach): A young and successful coach who could be a top option for Power Conference jobs in Texas.
- Rhett Lashlee (SMU Head Coach): A bright, young coach who may be difficult to pry from SMU.
- Lance Leipold (Kansas Head Coach): A coach who has turned around Kansas and may be tempted by Wisconsin or Iowa.
- Jeff Monken (Army Head Coach): A coach with a successful track record at Army who may be hired by a Power Conference program.
- Eric Morris (North Texas Head Coach): An offensive mind who could be an option for vacancies in need of a quarterback guru.
- Bronco Mendenhall (Utah State Head Coach): A turnaround specialist who relishes difficult jobs.
- Dan Mullen (UNLV Head Coach): A coach whose ability to guide a team on game day may be highly valued.
- Deion Sanders (Colorado Head Coach): A coach who could be an in-demand candidate for Power Conference schools looking to make a splash.
- Ryan Silverfield (Memphis Head Coach): A coach who has consistently won at Memphis and kept the Tigers as a contender in the American.
- Jon Sumrall (Tulane Head Coach): A coach who could be a candidate for top-tier SEC jobs.
- Jeff Traylor (UTSA Head Coach): A coach who has turned UTSA into a tough place to play and could be in the mix for Power Conference jobs in Texas or Arkansas.
- Brent Vigen (Montana State Head Coach): A coach who has made the FCS title game twice and could be one to watch for MWC jobs.
- Bill Clark (Former UAB Head Coach): A coach who may be looking for a resurgence after health issues forced him to leave UAB.
- Jimbo Fisher (Former Texas A&M Head Coach): A coach who may be seeking another Power Four job.
- Jon Gruden (Former Raiders Head Coach): A coach who has expressed interest in taking over a college program.
- Marcus Arroyo (Arizona State Offensive Coordinator): A coach who could be in the mix to get another shot at a head coaching gig.
- Blake Baker (LSU Defensive Coordinator): A coach who has done a great job making LSU’s defense one of the better units in the SEC.
- Tim Banks (Tennessee Defensive Coordinator): A coach who has been in the mix for several G5 jobs.
- Jason Beck (Utah Offensive Coordinator): A coach who could be a factor in several MWC and even ACC openings.
- Drew Cronic (Navy Offensive Coordinator): A coach who could be a top candidate for several G5 jobs looking for an experienced hand that brings something different offensively.
- Shannon Dawson (Miami Offensive Coordinator): A coach who will be a name to watch in several Power Four and AAC searches.
- Buster Faulkner (Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator): A coach who may have the team pointed toward the CFP after a fast start to 2025.
- Bryan Harsin (Cal Offensive Coordinator): A coach who might garner some more Power Four interest with the way he’s led the Bears to a surprising start this season.
- Brian Hartline (Ohio State Offensive Coordinator): A coach who won’t leave his alma mater for just any job.
- Collin Klein (Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator): A young coach who is one of the fast-rising names in the coaching industry.
- Andy Kotelnicki (Penn State Offensive Coordinator): A coach who will garner some serious interest from MAC openings but could hold out for bigger jobs.
- Brian Lindgren (Michigan State Offensive Coordinator): A coach who knows how to develop the most important position on the field and has the temperament to be a head coach soon.
- D’Anton Lynn (USC Defensive Coordinator): A coach whose next move is to be a head coach.
- Kirby Moore (Missouri Offensive Coordinator): A coach whose taking over play-calling at Mizzou has really led to a resurgence the past few years.
- Bobby Petrino (Arkansas Offensive Coordinator): A coach who can produce a great offense and make a team entertaining on the field.
- Anthony Poindexter (Penn State Co-Defensive Coordinator): A coach who might be the first call if the job at his alma mater comes open this year.
- Aaron Roderick (BYU Offensive Coordinator): A coach who a few MWC openings might be tempting enough to leave the Cougars.
- Glenn Schumann (Georgia Defensive Coordinator): A coach who will get a shot at Power Four jobs in short order.
- Will Stein (Oregon Offensive Coordinator): A coach who is tracking toward getting a Power Four gig after continually producing some impressive offenses.
- Al Golden (Bengals Defensive Coordinator): A coach who could make a return to college in a head coaching role.
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