All Aboard: Evaluating All The New Coaching Hires in College Football
It’s that time of year again: hiring season, and, much like Christmas, the start of the college coaching merry-go-round seems to be getting earlier, and earlier, each year. Unlike in recent years, there appear to be more jobs available at top schools than ever. Some coaches, Hugh Freeze and Jim McElwain, got themselves fired. Other coaches, Kevin Sumlin and Jim Mora, coached themselves out of their jobs, and, some coaches, Butch Jones and Bret Bielema, had worn out their welcome.
Fortunately, some of our questions surrounding who will be leading these programs going forward have already been answered, with a number of schools announcing their new head coaches this past weekend.
Naturally, some of the new hires were great — new University of Florida Head Coach Dan Mullen. Others were quite puzzling — rumored University of Tennessee Head Coach Greg Schiano. Fortunately, following an overwhelming backlash by ‘Vols faithful in response to Schiano’s impending hiring, Tennessee was quick to realize their mistake, and rescinded its offer to Schiano.
With that, I’ll break down each new coaching hire, and provided some suggestions for those athletic directors in need.
UCLA: Chip Kelly
Why it’s a good move: Kelly has a lot of experience coaching in the Pac-12, having previously coached at the University of Oregon. Also, Kelly’s hiring continues UCLA’s recent decision to hire head coaches with NFL experience, which was traditionally one of its program’s criticisms. Furthermore, Kelly’s up-tempo, spread offense should factor quite well in Westwood, where the Bruins are forced to compete with crosstown rival USC for top talent, and, although Kelly’s recent NFL stints in Philadelphia and San Francisco ended in turmoil, Kelly has proven his ability to coach at the college level, where a micromanager like himself can flourish. Lastly, if Kelly can convince UCLA incumbent quarterback Josh Rosen to stay another year, the two could recreate the magic that Kelly was able to create with Marcus Mariota while at Oregon.
Biggest Issue: Recruiting. Unlike at Oregon, Kelly will no longer have the entire Nike arsenal at his disposal. Furthermore, there’s a lot more parity among the Pac-12 than there was when Kelly left for the NFL, as former duds Washington and Washington State have resurrected their programs under Chris Peterson and Mike Leach. Likewise, USC has returned to dominance within the Pac-12 and is no longer subject to recruiting restrictions. Luckily for Kelly, he shouldn’t have too much difficulty recruiting top talent with his Resume and the recent opening of UCLA’s Wasserman Football Center.
Florida: Dan Mullen
Why it’s a good move: Since Will Muschamp’s time as Gators head coach, Florida has struggled offensively. This has been in stark contrast to its — often — stellar defense. Luckily, Mullen has experience with putting points on the board, and winning big games, in the SEC. Mullen also has a lot of experience getting the most out of his quarterback, with his time coaching Tim Tebow while previously at Florida Offensive Coordinator, and nurturing a young quarterback, with his time coaching Dak Prescott while at Mississippi State. Given Mullen’s stellar success with less than top talent, one can only wonder what he should be able to accomplish with the kind of recruits he can expect to receive in Gainesville. This is easily my favorite hire of the new hires.
Biggest Issue: Meeting the overwhelming expectations — fast. Unfortunately for all new head coaches, long gone are the days where new hires were “spotted” a few years cushion to turn their programs around. Following the, recent, overnight turnarounds of Ohio State and Michigan by Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh, fans expect to win — and win quickly. Mullen’s biggest task will be meeting these overwhelming expectations. As we saw with alleged University of Texas Savior Tom Herman following Texas’ season opening loss to Maryland, fans might be quick to turn on Mullen, if he’s unable to produce immediately.
Nebraska: Scott Frost (Pending)
Why it’s a good move: Okay, okay, okay . . . I know this one isn’t official — yet, but Frost being announced as Nebraska’s next head coach is more sure than Nick Saban being able to find something to criticize about his team’s performance following ‘Bama’s next shutout win. In fact, I’d be willing to wager all the corn in Nebraska that Frost is the next Nebraska Head Coach, especially with newly hired Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos frequently complimenting Frost’s performances at UCF. The chatter surrounding Frost’s hiring increased exponentially, following Nebraska’s decision to hire fellow Tom Osborne disciple Dave Rimington as their interim athletic director. Frost brings with him the pedigree of having played at Nebraska and an impressive head coaching resume, taking the University of Central Florida from winless to undefeated in two seasons. Furthermore, Frost has an unorthodox coaching style that lead to him suiting up and mimicking opposing team’s spread offenses as UCF’s scout team quarterback, which should provide Nebraska the jolt of life it so desperately needs.
Biggest Issue: Recruiting. Unfortunately for Nebraska, and the ‘Husker faithful, Nebraska is no longer viewed by top recruits as a coveted destination. Furthermore, within the Big Ten, Nebraska is forced to compete with perennial, and recently more successful, powerhouses Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan for recruits. Fortunately for the ‘Huskers, they play in the abysmal Big Ten West, and Frost will bring with him ties to the fertile Florida recruiting region, which should assist him in the turnaround.
Texas A&M: Jimbo Fisher (Rumored)
While there’s been conflicting reports, the wind seems to be blowing in the direction that Jimbo Fisher will be named the next Aggies Head Coach.
Why it’s a good move: Texas A&M decision makers have made no secret their desire to regularly compete for conference championships, following their firing of previous Head Coach Kevin Sumlin for his inability to win more than eight games. The Aggies want a coach that can win — and win fast. Fisher brings with him the “big name” and a national championship, which the Aggies hope will allow them to surpass the eight-win barrier. Like Scott Frost, Fisher will also bring with him ties to the fertile Florida recruiting region, which should assist the Aggies in competing in the uber competitive SEC West.
Biggest Issue: Proving he’s the “real deal.” I’ve always had questions concerning Fisher’s “legitimacy” as an upper echelon head coach. In particular, I’ve wondered if Fisher is really a great coach, or, if like former Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik, he simply got lucky in landing himself a troubled, yet superb, quarterback, which allowed Fisher to hide his — otherwise mediocre — coaching skills. If that’s the case, then Fisher doesn’t look too different from the last guy the Aggies had leading their program . . . .
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Suggestions: Being an athletic director can be a tough job. Between pleasing boosters, connecting with fans, and managing players’ parents, it can, often, be an overwhelming endeavor. As such, it can be nice to have a little help. Thus, here are some suggestions for the remaining openings in college football:
Arizona State: University of South Florida, and former University of Texas, Head Coach Charlie Strong.
Although Strong was never able to re-create the magic he had at Louisville while at Texas, he still has a career head coaching record of 62–39. Furthermore, he’s taken South Florida to a 9–2 record in his first season as head coach and was moments away from defeating Scott Frost’s undefeated UCF team this past weekend. ASU, like many other Pac-12 teams, has often had trouble competing with conference powerhouse USC for recruits. Strong would bring with him ties to — both — the fertile Texas and Florida recruiting regions. Furthermore, Strong has proven his ability to win at non-powerhouse programs, which would certainly be the case in Phoenix. Finally, conference rivals Washington and Washington State have used a similar formula to quickly turnaround their programs, with their hirings of Chris Peterson and Mike Leach.
University of Tennessee: Jon Gruden — just kidding. While I was puzzled with the announcement that Tennessee planned to hire Greg Schiano as its next head coach, I can’t help but think that Tennessee may have just “fired” their best option. Although Schiano had ties to Penn State during the Joe Paterno years, Schiano brought with him a record of success as a head coach — in college football. I have to wonder if the backlash against Schiano’s potential hiring wasn’t partly due to Vols’ fans’ mistaken belief that Jon Gruden will be their next head coach. The Vols’ have a better chance of General Neyland returning as their head coach. Luckily for Vols’ fans, they play in the SEC East, which should make them a much more desirable destination than many of their SEC West counterparts. As such, I think the perfect hire for the Vols is current Troy University Head Coach Neal Brown.
Brown already has a signature win over SEC rival Louisiana State University. Furthermore, Brown has experience turning around a program, having taken Troy from an initial record of 4–8 to its current record of 9–2 in three seasons. Likewise, Brown has experience coaching in the SEC West, having previously coached at divisional rival Kentucky.
Oregon State: University of Washington Offensive Coordinator Jonathan Smith.
Smith played quarterback for Oregon State. The former Beaver would provide the Beavers with the jolt of life that their program so desperately needs, following the surprising mid-season departure of former Head Coach Gary Anderson and the Beavers’ terrible 1–11 record. Furthermore, Smith has experience recruiting at non-powerhouse schools, having worked under current University of Washington Head Coach Chris Peterson at — both — Boise State and Washington.
Arkansas: Memphis Head Coach Mike Norvell.
Following Justin Fuente’s departure for Virginia Tech, Norvell took over a Memphis program that had grown used to winning while under Fuente’s leadership. Fortunately for Norvell, he has not disappointed the Tiger faithful, amassing an 18–6 record during his time as head coach. Norvell’s potential hiring could become even more appetizing if he’s able to defeat Scott Frost’s undefeated University of Central Florida Team in the upcoming American Conference Championship Game. Regardless of the game’s outcome though, Norvell has already proven his ability to win big games, with him already having a signature win over — at the time — red hot UCLA.
Ole Miss: Keep Interim Head Coach Matt Luke — for now.
After the surprising resignation of Hugh Freeze, Luke was named Ole Miss Interim Head Coach, and, although only achieving a 6–6 record in his first season, Luke was able to defeat Dan Mullen’s Mississippi State team in the Egg Bowl. While this win doesn’t guarantee Luke a long career in Oxford, it should provide Luke with a little more time at the helm to prove himself — at least for now.
Mississippi State: Les Miles.
While I, initially, thought that Miles would be a better fit at Texas A&M, it appears that Jimbo Fisher will be the Aggies next head coach. As such, Miles will have to look elsewhere for employment. Under Mullen, Mississippi State grew accustom to competing with their SEC West Rivals. Now, if they wish to continue their winning ways in the uber competitive SEC West, the Bulldogs will have to look elsewhere. With most of the top coaches already hired, and with it being unlikely that Iowa State’s Matt Campbell would leave Iowa State to coach another less talented than their conference foes program, Miles is the perfect fit for the Bulldogs. Miles will provide MSU with the “big name” coach that they’ll need to continue to attract top talent to Starkville. Miles, also, brings with him experience coaching in the hyper-competitive SEC West and recruiting ties to fertile recruiting neighbor Louisiana.
Predictions: Return of “The Visor” . . .
Lane Kiffin will be a head coach in the SEC in the next two years. Kiffin, in his first season as head coach at Florida Atlantic, has amassed a 9–3 record, with the Owls set to play in the upcoming Conference USA championship game. While it may be too soon for Kiffin to be “sold” as a head coach within the SEC, there will likely be more openings within the SEC following next season (I’m looking at you — South Carolina, Ole Miss, and, potentially, Auburn.) Likewise, with Kirby Smart having left for Georgia, and Nick Saban being able to coach at Alabama for only so much longer, don’t be surprised if Kiffin finds his way back to Tuscaloosa — rumor has it that they’ve purposely kept a handful of ‘Tide Visors just in case.
