Kirk Herbstreit Calls for Overhaul of College Football Calendar
Kirk Herbstreit, a well-known voice in college football, recently shared his insights on the Crain & Cone YouTube channel, diving into a pressing issue: the chaotic college football calendar. Among discussions on targeting penalties and playoff expansions, the calendar emerged as a critical concern.
The Chaotic Calendar
Herbstreit pointed out what many in the coaching ranks acknowledge privately: the current college football calendar is a whirlwind of overlapping responsibilities. Coaches are juggling early signing periods and transfer portal openings while still preparing their teams for bowl games or playoff appearances. It's a recipe for stress and inefficiency.
"All the coaches want it changed," Herbstreit stated, highlighting the frustration. The question remains: why hasn't it been addressed?
Part of the problem lies with the NCAA, which hesitates to implement major changes due to potential legal challenges. Conference leaders, like SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, often focus on their own league's interests, leaving the broader sport in a stalemate.
Looking to the NFL for Answers
Herbstreit suggests that college football could learn from the NFL's structured approach, where timelines for coaching hires, free agency, and roster changes are clearly defined. This prevents mid-season chaos and allows coaches to focus on the task at hand.
Take, for example, Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator, who was linked to the Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching job. In the NFL, such moves wait until the season concludes, allowing coaches to see their commitments through without distraction.
Herbstreit believes coaches should be able to focus on their current season without the constant worry of overlapping recruiting calendars and transfer windows. The current system forces coaches to make tough decisions mid-season, impacting their ability to prepare for critical games.
The Pressure on Coaches
Coaches face immense pressure to manage:
- Transfer portal recruiting
- High school recruiting cycles
- Coaching staff construction
- Player retention and development
With the transfer portal opening during playoff races, coaches often feel compelled to shift focus prematurely. This was evident when Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU during a College Football Playoff run, highlighting the flaw in the system.
Ryan Silverfield's Challenge
For new head coach Ryan Silverfield, this chaotic environment is all too familiar. Balancing recruiting visits, portal evaluations, staff decisions, and player retention while other programs are still in the heat of competition is a daunting task.
Herbstreit argues that this reality needs reform. Coaches are forced to split their focus during crucial parts of the season, managing future logistics instead of solely preparing for bowl games or playoff matchups.
The Call for Structure
Herbstreit's message is clear: college football needs a standardized calendar similar to the NFL's. Aligning transfer windows, hiring cycles, and roster movements after the season would alleviate pressure on coaches and preserve competitive integrity.
Until changes are made, coaches will continue to navigate these overlapping timelines, affecting not only their careers but also the players and programs they lead. This should be a top priority for college football to create a more sustainable environment for everyone involved.