The college football coaching carousel has been spinning at full tilt this offseason, reshaping programs across the country with a flurry of firings, hirings, and promotions. From major changes in Oregon to high-profile moves in the SEC and Big Ten, here’s a breakdown of the most impactful coaching changes heading into 2026.
Oregon Under the Microscope
Oregon State Beavers
In Corvallis, the Beavers are banking on a fresh start.
JaMarcus Shephard, formerly Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator, has taken the reins as head coach following the dismissal of Trent Bray, who went 5-14 over two seasons. Shephard wasted no time assembling a staff with a strong blend of Power 5 and Group of Five experience.
Shephard’s new-look staff includes:
- Mitch Dahlen (OC/QBs) - From Alabama, bringing SEC pedigree to the Beavers' passing game.
- Lee Marks (RBs) - Coming from Memphis, known for developing explosive backfield talent.
- James Finley (WRs) - From Colorado State, adds Mountain West seasoning.
- Ryan Wallace (TEs/Co-OC) - From Louisville, expected to help bridge the run-pass balance.
- Kirk Barron (OL) - Another Alabama import, tasked with fortifying the trenches.
- Lance Guidry (DC) - From LSU, brings a high-level defensive mind to the Pac-12.
- Cort Dennison (Co-DC/LBs) - From Idaho, returns to the Northwest with recruiting chops.
- Inoke Breckterfield (DL) - From Baylor, adds Power 5 experience to the front seven.
- Eron Hodges (General Manager) - Also from Alabama, expected to play a key role in roster construction and recruiting strategy.
This is a full-scale rebuild with a clear SEC influence. Shephard’s vision is aggressive, and his hires reflect a commitment to competing with the top-tier programs in the West.
Oregon Ducks
The Ducks, meanwhile, are staying in-house to maintain continuity during a College Football Playoff run. With offensive coordinator Will Stein heading to Kentucky and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi taking the head job at Cal, Oregon promoted from within.
- Drew Mehringer (OC) - Former tight ends coach elevated to run the offense.
- Chris Hampton (DC) - Secondary coach now leading the defense.
Both Stein and Lupoi are sticking with Oregon through the playoff, giving the Ducks a rare luxury: coaching stability during the most critical stretch of the season.
Portland State Vikings
At the FCS level, Portland State made a change of its own, hiring Chris Fisk, formerly of Central Washington, to replace Bruce Barnum, who wrapped up an 11-year tenure with a 39-75 record. It’s a fresh chapter for the Vikings, who are looking to reestablish their identity in the Big Sky.
National Coaching Carousel: Who’s In, Who’s Out
The ripple effects of the coaching changes have been felt across the country. Let’s break it down by program.
Vacancies Still Open
- Michigan: Fired Sherrone Moore (18-8 in two seasons) on Dec.
- Missouri State: Lost Ryan Beard (19-16 in two seasons) to Coastal Carolina.
Positions Filled
SEC & Power Programs
- Arkansas: Out goes Sam Pittman (32-34 in six seasons), in comes Ryan Silverfield from Memphis.
- Auburn: Alex Golesh takes over after Hugh Freeze’s exit. Golesh impressed at South Florida.
- Florida: Jon Sumrall (from Tulane) replaces Billy Napier, who lands at James Madison.
- Kentucky: Hired Will Stein, Oregon’s OC, replacing longtime coach Mark Stoops.
- LSU: Made a splash with Lane Kiffin, luring him from Ole Miss after parting with Brian Kelly.
- Ole Miss: Promoted Pete Golding from DC following Kiffin’s departure.
Pac-12 and West Coast
- California: Brought in Tosh Lupoi from Oregon’s staff, replacing Justin Wilcox.
- Stanford: Tapped Tavita Pritchard, formerly with the Washington Commanders.
- UCLA: Landed Bob Chesney from James Madison after moving on from DeShaun Foster.
- Utah: Promoted longtime DC Morgan Scalley following Kyle Whittingham’s retirement.
Big Ten
- Michigan State: Turned to Pat Fitzgerald, the former Northwestern coach, to replace Jonathan Smith.
- Penn State: Moved on from James Franklin and hired Matt Campbell from Iowa State.
ACC and East Coast
- Virginia Tech: Brought in James Franklin after letting Brent Pry go.
- UConn: Replaced Jim Mora with Jason Candle from Toledo.
- James Madison: Swapped Bob Chesney for Billy Napier.
Group of Five
- Coastal Carolina: Picked up Ryan Beard from Missouri State.
- Colorado State: Hired Jim Mora, who left UConn.
- Memphis: Filled Silverfield’s vacancy with Charles Huff from Southern Miss.
- North Texas: Added Neal Brown, formerly of West Virginia.
- Oklahoma State: Made a bold move, hiring Eric Morris from North Texas and parting ways with Mike Gundy.
- Southern Miss: Promoted Blake Anderson after losing Huff to Memphis.
- Toledo: Turned to Mike Jacobs from Mercer following Candle’s departure.
- Tulane: Promoted Will Hall after Sumrall left for Florida.
- UAB: Gave Alex Mortensen the full-time role after an interim stint.
What It All Means
This coaching cycle has been one of the most active in recent memory. Programs are showing less patience, and athletic departments are moving aggressively to reset trajectories. The SEC continues to poach top talent, the Big Ten is reshuffling, and the Pac-12-despite its uncertain future-remains a destination for ambitious coaches.
The emphasis on offensive innovation is clear, with several programs targeting coordinators and offensive-minded head coaches. At the same time, schools like LSU and Oregon State are doubling down on defensive leadership, signaling a desire for more balance.
As these new staffs hit the recruiting trail and begin offseason workouts, the real question becomes: Which of these hires will stick, and which will be part of the next carousel spin this time next year?
One thing’s for sure-college football never stops moving.