2021-22 CFB Hires: Re-evaluating Success & Flops

**The 2021-22 Coaching Carousel: Two Years Later, Some “A+” Hires Tumble While Dark Horses Soar**

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**COLLEGE STATION, TX – February 26, 2024** – The dust has long settled on the frantic 2021-22 college football coaching carousel, a period marked by unprecedented spending, high-profile defections, and a mad dash for talent. Now, with two full seasons under their belts and the 2023 season in the rearview mirror, it’s time to re-evaluate those initial “A+” grades and “B-” gambles. The landscape reveals a startling truth: the biggest names and most celebrated hires often failed to deliver on their lofty expectations, while some overlooked appointments quietly transformed their programs into national contenders.

“That cycle was pure chaos,” remarked an industry veteran familiar with the hiring process. “Money was no object, and programs were desperate for a quick fix. What we’ve seen since is a powerful reminder that culture, fit, and sustained development often outweigh flash and immediate name recognition.”

**The Shaky Bluebloods: High Hopes and Defensive Woes**

Perhaps no hires generated more initial buzz than those at LSU and USC. When **LSU** fired national championship-winning coach Ed Orgeron on October 17, 2021, the stage was set for a monumental acquisition. The Tigers landed **Brian Kelly** from Notre Dame on November 30, 2021, a move widely hailed as an “A+” hire. Kelly, with his meticulous approach and consistent winning record, was expected to bring stability to Baton Rouge.

Two seasons in, Kelly has delivered back-to-back 10-win seasons (10-4 in 2022, 10-3 in 2023) and, notably, a Heisman Trophy winner in quarterback Jayden Daniels, who blossomed under his offensive scheme. However, the program has been plagued by inconsistent defensive play, leading to several high-profile, lopsided losses against rivals and top-tier opponents. What began as an undeniable “A+” now feels more like a solid “B” – good, but not yet the championship contender LSU faithful crave.

Across the country, **USC** made an equally audacious move, parting ways with Clay Helton on September 13, 2021. Their subsequent capture of **Lincoln Riley** from Oklahoma on November 28, 2021, sent shockwaves through the sport. Riley, an offensive guru, was considered an absolute “A+” hire, poised to resurrect the sleeping giant. He started incredibly fast, bringing Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams via the transfer portal and guiding the Trojans to the Pac-12 Championship Game in his first season.

However, the 2023 season exposed significant cracks, particularly on defense, as USC limped to a disappointing 7-5 record. With Williams departing for the NFL and questions mounting about defensive identity and overall program depth, the initial “A+” has plummeted to a “C” – a stunning downturn for a hire once seen as infallible.

**Steady Hands and Resurgent Programs**

Riley’s sudden departure left **Oklahoma** scrambling. They turned to a familiar face, bringing back former defensive coordinator **Brent Venables** from Clemson on December 5, 2021. Initially graded a “B+” for his defensive pedigree and deep ties to the Sooner program, Venables endured a bumpy 6-7 debut in 2022. He silenced many critics in 2023, however, leading Oklahoma to a strong 10-3 record and positioning them favorably for their impending move to the SEC. His “B+” largely holds up, demonstrating resilience and a clear path forward.

**Notre Dame**, reeling from Kelly’s exit, opted for continuity, promoting defensive coordinator **Marcus Freeman** on December 3, 2021. The popular internal move was graded a “B+,” reflecting the hope that he could lead the Irish to national prominence. Freeman has been a picture of consistency, delivering 9-4 and 10-3 records in his first two seasons. While he hasn’t quite broken through against top-tier opponents or made a College Football Playoff appearance, his steady leadership has maintained Notre Dame’s elite status, keeping his re-grade around a solid “B.”

**The Missed Marks: Disappointments in the Sunshine State**

Not every significant hire has yielded positive returns. **Florida** fired Dan Mullen on November 21, 2021, and sought to rebuild with **Billy Napier** from Louisiana on November 28, 2021. His “B” grade for G5 success quickly soured. Napier’s tenure has been marked by a 6-7 record in 2022 and a truly disappointing 5-7 showing in 2023, plagued by persistent defensive issues and a struggle to consistently recruit at an elite level. What was a hopeful “B” is now an undeniable “D,” with increasing pressure heading into his third season.

Similarly, **Miami**, after firing Manny Diaz on December 6, 2021, made a splash by bringing home alum **Mario Cristobal** from Oregon on the very same day. Cristobal, known for his recruiting prowess and championship pedigree, was initially graded a “B+,” tasked with “bringing The U back.” His on-field results, however, have been slow to materialize, with records of 5-7 in 2022 and 7-6 in 2023. Despite landing top recruiting classes, the on-field execution and occasional game management issues have dropped his re-evaluation to a “C-,” signaling an urgent need for improvement.

**The Dark Horse Triumphs: Unexpected Home Runs**

The real winners of the 2021-22 cycle, it turns out, were often the programs that made less flashy, but ultimately brilliant, moves. When **Oregon** lost Cristobal, they took a chance on **Dan Lanning**, Georgia’s defensive coordinator, on December 11, 2021. At the time, it was a “B-” – an unproven head coach. Lanning, however, has been nothing short of phenomenal. He’s led the Ducks to 10-3 in 2022 and a superb 12-2 record in 2023, developing quarterback Bo Nix into a Heisman finalist and consistently positioning Oregon as a national title contender. His innovative approach and recruiting success have easily earned him an “A.”

Perhaps the most stunning success story of the cycle belongs to **Washington**. After firing Jimmy Lake on November 8, 2021, they hired **Kalen DeBoer** from Fresno State on November 29, 2021. This was a quiet “B-” hire, with many outside the Pacific Northwest unfamiliar with DeBoer’s offensive genius. What followed was a breathtaking transformation: 11-2 in 2022 and an incredible 14-1 in 2023, culminating in a Pac-12 Championship and an appearance in the College Football National Championship Game. DeBoer’s work, particularly his development of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., was so exemplary that he parlayed it into the head coaching job at Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement, solidifying his Washington tenure as an unequivocal “A+.”

Other notable re-grades include **Duke’s** hire of **Mike Elko** on December 10, 2021. Initially a “B” for a coach making the jump to a Power Five head coaching role, Elko completely revitalized the Blue Devils, leading them to records of 9-4 and 8-5 before departing for Texas A&M. His impact and quick success have earned him an “A” for his time in Durham.

Lastly, **Virginia Tech’s** **Brent Pry**, hired November 30, 2021, from Penn State, has shown steady improvement. After a challenging 3-8 debut in 2022, the Hokies improved to 7-6 in 2023, demonstrating a positive trajectory and building a solid foundation. His initial “C+” grade holds steady, reflecting a patient but promising rebuild.

The 2021-22 coaching cycle stands as a stark reminder of college football’s unpredictable nature. It proves that the biggest names and most expensive hires don’t always guarantee success, and sometimes, the best moves are the ones that surprised everyone, ultimately reshaping the landscape of college football.