CFB Coaching Carousel Update

**College Football Coaching Carousel Spins Wildly: Eleven Jobs Open, More Looming in High-Stakes Cycle**

The college football landscape is in the midst of one of its most active coaching carousels in recent memory, with at least seven Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) head coaching positions currently open and several high-profile programs facing potential vacancies as coaches become coveted targets. Athletic directors nationwide are navigating a highly competitive and financially intensive market, with decisions poised to reshape programs ahead of the crucial recruiting periods and transfer portal window.

**Michigan State Hunts for New Leadership**

The East Lansing search began back in September when Mel Tucker was fired for cause following allegations of sexual harassment. Interim head coach Harlon Barnett has been leading the Spartans, but the program’s first critical step is solidifying its athletic leadership. Alan Haller, currently Michigan State’s vice president and director of athletics, is expected to be formally announced for the permanent role around November 1st, paving the way for a new head coaching hire. Names frequently linked to the Spartans’ job include Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith, Duke’s Mike Elko, and Kansas’s Lance Leipold, all of whom have demonstrated significant program-building success.

**Texas A&M’s Costly Buyout and AD Uncertainty**

Down in College Station, Texas A&M made waves in mid-November by parting ways with Jimbo Fisher, triggering a staggering $76 million buyout. Elijah Robinson is currently at the helm as interim coach. Complicating the coaching search for the Aggies is speculation surrounding Athletic Director Ross Bjork, who is rumored to be a top candidate for the Ohio State AD position. A new AD would likely want to lead the coaching search, potentially delaying an announcement. High-profile candidates on Texas A&M’s radar include Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin, and Florida State’s Mike Norvell.

**Other Programs Undergoing Change**

* **Syracuse:** The Orange fired Dino Babers, with Nunzio Campanile stepping in as interim. Athletic Director John Wildhack is spearheading the search, with Toledo’s Jason Candle and Georgia’s defensive backs coach Fran Brown among the reported candidates.
* **Houston:** The Cougars moved on from Dana Holgorsen, placing Corby Meekins in an interim role. AD Chris Pezman is actively seeking a replacement, with Tulane’s Willie Fritz emerging as a popular name for the position.
* **Boise State:** Andy Avalos was dismissed in November, and Spencer Danielson was installed as interim. Danielson is also considered a candidate for the permanent job, alongside coaches like Willie Fritz and Cal’s Justin Wilcox.
* **Mississippi State:** Zach Arnett was fired just before Thanksgiving, making Tony Hughes the interim head coach. Liberty’s Jamey Chadwell and Tulane’s Willie Fritz are frequently mentioned in connection with this SEC opportunity.
* **Indiana:** The Hoosiers are widely expected to move on from head coach Tom Allen. Should that move occur, Toledo’s Jason Candle and Arizona’s Jedd Fisch are among the coaches who could be in the mix.

**Stabilizing the Ship: Northwestern’s Success Story**

In a contrasting turn, Northwestern is reportedly set to remove the interim tag from head coach David Braun. Braun impressively led the Wildcats through an tumultuous season following the dismissal of Pat Fitzgerald, navigating a challenging situation to achieve bowl eligibility and widespread praise for his leadership.

**The Domino Effect: High-Value Coaches and Looming Vacancies**

Beyond the confirmed openings, the movement of highly successful coaches could trigger a cascade of new vacancies:

* **Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith:** A top commodity on the carousel, Smith is a strong candidate for positions like Michigan State or potentially Washington. His future is further complicated by Oregon State’s uncertain path in the restructured Pac-2 conference. Should he depart, candidates like Boise State interim Spencer Danielson and Oregon defensive line coach Joe Salave’a could be considered for the Beavers’ job.
* **Washington’s Kalen DeBoer:** Despite leading the Huskies to an outstanding season, DeBoer’s success has made him a target for top-tier programs like Texas A&M. While Washington would undoubtedly offer a significant raise to retain him, any departure would open a premier job. If DeBoer were to leave, Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith or Arizona’s Jedd Fisch might be on Athletic Director Troy Dannen’s radar.
* **Duke’s Mike Elko:** Another coach who has rapidly transformed his program, Elko is drawing attention from Power Five schools such as Michigan State or Texas A&M. If Elko were to leave the Blue Devils, UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion or even former NFL coach Jason Garrett could be among those considered by Duke.

The frenetic pace of this year’s coaching carousel underscores the intense pressure on programs to win immediately, creating a dynamic landscape that will significantly impact the future of college football.