Coaching Carousel Chaos: Ranking the Top 5 Power 4 Jobs Still Open After a Wild Sunday
If you thought the coaching carousel was going to ease into the offseason, Sunday proved otherwise. The final day of the regular season delivered one of the most chaotic coaching shakeups we've seen in years.
Lane Kiffin is heading to LSU, and that move set off a chain reaction across the SEC. By the end of the day, LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, and Ole Miss had all filled their head coaching vacancies.
But the ripple effects didn’t stop there. Two more Power 4 programs-Kentucky and Michigan State-fired their head coaches, adding even more fuel to the fire.
Michigan State appears to already have its next move lined up, while Kentucky enters the market late, with fewer obvious candidates to pursue. After the dust settled, five Power 4 jobs remain open.
Let’s break down where those jobs stand and how they stack up in terms of appeal and potential.
5. Cal: A Tough Sell Despite ACC Status
The Cal job presents one of the most unique challenges in college football. On paper, joining the ACC should be a boost-but geography tells a different story. Being a West Coast team in an East Coast-centric conference means constant cross-country travel, which is no small hurdle for a coach trying to build consistency.
Add in Cal’s well-known academic restrictions, and the job becomes even more complicated. Recruiting isn’t as flexible, and the program’s recent on-field results haven’t exactly made it a destination.
That said, Cal might have a shot if it targets an energetic, up-and-coming coach looking to prove themselves. This isn’t a plug-and-play job for a veteran name-it’s a spot where a young coach with vision and patience might thrive.
4. Kentucky: Late to the Party, Limited in Options
Kentucky made its move late on Sunday night, parting ways with longtime head coach Mark Stoops. The problem?
They waited until the rest of the SEC had already made their hires. That leaves the Wildcats without a clear next step, especially with most of the top-tier candidates already off the board.
Still, there’s a silver lining. With so many head coaches on the move, the assistant coaching pool is now more attractive than ever.
Kentucky could take a big swing on one of the top coordinators in the country-someone ready to make the leap to a head coaching role. The timing may not be ideal, but the opportunity to reset the program with a fresh voice is still there.
3. UCLA: Big Ten Bump, But Big Travel Burden
UCLA’s move to the Big Ten should, in theory, elevate the program’s national profile. But it also comes with a logistical headache-cross-country travel for nearly every conference game. That’s a grind for players, coaches, and staff alike, and it’s something any new hire has to be ready to manage.
Still, it’s Los Angeles. The recruiting base is elite, the weather’s perfect, and the brand carries weight.
But for all of those built-in advantages, UCLA hasn’t consistently cashed in. The right coach could change that, especially with the Big Ten spotlight growing brighter.
The challenge is finding someone who can sell a vision that blends tradition with the realities of a new-look schedule.
2. Michigan State: Reset Button Ready to Be Pushed
Michigan State didn’t waste time on Sunday, dismissing Jonathan Smith and jumping right into the market. After a rocky tenure and lingering fallout from the Mel Tucker era, the Spartans now have a clean slate-and they’re wasting no time.
Reports indicate they’re targeting former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. While the hire hasn’t been made official, the direction seems clear: Michigan State wants a proven leader who can bring stability and toughness back to East Lansing.
With the Tucker sanctions no longer looming, this job becomes a lot more attractive. The Spartans have the resources, the Big Ten platform, and the fanbase to support a quick turnaround.
1. Penn State: The Quiet Contender
While the SEC was making headlines, Penn State stayed quiet-and that silence is starting to raise eyebrows. Early buzz around names like Matt Rhule and Curt Cignetti has faded, and now there’s a growing sense that the Nittany Lions may be lining up a surprise hire.
Whatever the plan is, the job itself remains one of the most prestigious in college football. Penn State has tradition, facilities, recruiting power, and national relevance. It’s a program that expects to compete for Big Ten titles and playoff spots, and the next head coach will walk into a situation with high expectations and the tools to meet them.
The mystery surrounding the search only adds to the intrigue. If Penn State lands a big name-or even a bold, unexpected hire-it could shift the landscape once again.
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s coaching chaos reshaped the college football map in a matter of hours. With five Power 4 jobs still open, the next wave of hires will be just as critical. Whether it’s a sleeping giant like Penn State or a tough rebuild like Cal, these programs are all looking for the same thing: a leader who can navigate the modern landscape and win.
The carousel hasn’t stopped spinning yet-and with each move, the stakes get higher.