CFB Coaching Carousel: The Domino Effect

ATLANTA, GA – A new, high-octane hypothetical scenario from CBS Sports’ Chip Patterson has sent ripples through the imagined landscape of college football, painting a vivid picture of a coaching carousel ignited by just a few seismic shifts. The simulation, which explores the potential domino effect of major coaching changes, suggests that one or two pivotal openings could entirely reshape the sport’s top programs, moving successful coaches between conferences and triggering a cascade of new vacancies.

The wild ride kicks off with a familiar narrative: Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh making the leap back to the NFL, specifically to the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh, who has frequently been linked to professional opportunities, would leave behind a coveted position at a perennial Big Ten contender. In Patterson’s scenario, the Wolverines don’t waste time, aggressively pursuing and successfully landing Lance Leipold from Kansas. Leipold, lauded for his program-building prowess and consecutive bowl appearances with the Jayhawks after a successful tenure at Buffalo, is envisioned as a strategic fit for Michigan, offering stability and a proven track record.

Meanwhile, the SEC becomes a central stage for upheaval. Texas A&M, despite facing a staggering buyout exceeding $70 million for head coach Jimbo Fisher, is projected to finally part ways. Fisher’s historic 10-year, $75 million contract from 2017, later extended, would culminate in a costly separation following seasons that haven’t consistently met the Aggies’ sky-high expectations. Their immediate prime target? Ole Miss’s charismatic head coach Lane Kiffin. However, Kiffin, known for his savvy negotiating, reportedly plays his hand masterfully, leveraging the Aggies’ interest into a significant raise and an enhanced commitment to the Rebels program, opting to stay put in Oxford.

This unexpected turn sends Texas A&M scrambling. Their focus then pivots to Kalen DeBoer, who has transformed the Washington Huskies into a Pac-12 powerhouse and a national contender in short order. DeBoer, having rapidly elevated Fresno State before his success in Seattle, is hypothetically lured by the significant financial package and the challenge of the SEC, accepting the Aggies’ offer.

DeBoer’s departure leaves a gaping hole at Washington. The simulation sees the Huskies quickly identifying Jonathan Smith, the architect behind the impressive rebuilding efforts at Oregon State, as their next leader. Smith, who defied expectations and navigated the Beavers through conference realignment uncertainty with on-field success, would bring a similar program-building mentality to Seattle.

The dominoes continue to fall, creating yet another vacancy. With Smith heading to Washington, Oregon State suddenly finds itself in the market for a new head coach, a direct ripple effect from Harbaugh’s initial move to the NFL. This highlights how far-reaching the impact of a single high-profile opening can be.

Beyond these major shifts, Patterson’s simulation touches on other key programs. Lincoln Riley at USC is noted as facing mounting pressure if the Trojans don’t achieve their lofty goals this season, potentially placing him firmly on the hot seat. Conversely, established titans like Nick Saban at Alabama and Brian Kelly at LSU are projected to remain steadfast in their roles, providing anchors of stability amidst the hypothetical coaching maelstrom.

Essentially, this exercise underscores the volatile nature of college football’s coaching landscape, illustrating how one or two strategic moves – particularly at a blue-blood program like Michigan or a high-spending SEC institution like Texas A&M – can trigger a profound realignment of leadership across multiple conferences, pushing even successful coaches into new and unexpected roles. It’s a testament to the high stakes and constant flux that define the sport’s highest levels.