The college football coaching carousel is spinning at full speed, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. With major moves already reshaping the landscape, we’re seeing a domino effect that’s flipping programs across the SEC and beyond. One coach’s new opportunity is another program’s vacancy, and the ripple effects are being felt coast to coast.
Let’s break down the latest wave of hires and the jobs still waiting to be filled as of Tuesday night.
Big-Time Hires That Are Shaking Up the Power Five
LSU - Lane Kiffin
LSU made a splash by parting ways with Brian Kelly and bringing in Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss.
Kiffin’s offensive mind and SEC experience make this a bold, aggressive move. LSU clearly wants to reassert itself in the national title conversation, and Kiffin’s track record suggests they’re not interested in a rebuild-they’re looking to win now.
Ole Miss - Pete Golding
With Kiffin heading to Baton Rouge, Ole Miss stayed in-house and elevated defensive coordinator Pete Golding to the top job.
Golding has SEC chops and has been around winning programs. The Rebels are betting on continuity and defensive toughness to guide their next chapter.
Florida - Jon Sumrall
The Gators turned to Tulane’s Jon Sumrall after cutting ties with Billy Napier.
Sumrall’s rise has been steady and impressive, and now he steps into one of the most pressure-packed jobs in college football. Florida is banking on his energy and leadership to revitalize a program that’s been searching for consistency.
Auburn - Alex Golesh
Auburn moved on from Hugh Freeze and brought in Alex Golesh from South Florida.
Golesh is known for his up-tempo, creative offensive schemes, and he inherits a roster hungry for identity. Auburn has talent-they just need a spark, and Golesh might be the right guy to light it.
Arkansas - Ryan Silverfield
The Razorbacks parted ways with Sam Pittman and hired Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield. This one’s interesting-Silverfield has done solid work in the American Athletic Conference, and Arkansas is hoping that success can translate to the SEC grind.
Kentucky - Will Stein
Mark Stoops is out, and Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein is in.
Stein’s offensive pedigree and recent success with the Ducks made him a hot name, and Kentucky is clearly looking to modernize its attack. This hire feels like a swing for upside.
Virginia Tech - James Franklin
One of the biggest surprises: James Franklin is heading to Blacksburg after being let go by Penn State.
Virginia Tech is hoping Franklin’s experience and recruiting acumen can bring them back into ACC contention. It’s a fresh start for both sides, and one to watch closely.
Michigan State - Pat Fitzgerald
After a turbulent stretch, Michigan State is turning to a familiar Big Ten face in Pat Fitzgerald.
The former Northwestern head coach had been working as a volunteer assistant at Loyola Academy in Illinois, but now he’s back in the spotlight. Fitzgerald brings toughness and a defensive identity, which fits what the Spartans need.
Oklahoma State - Eric Morris
Mike Gundy’s long run in Stillwater is over, and in comes Eric Morris from North Texas.
Morris has a sharp offensive mind and has climbed the coaching ranks quickly. Oklahoma State is betting on new energy and a modern approach after decades of Gundy-ball.
UCLA - Bob Chesney
UCLA is handing the reins to Bob Chesney, who led JMU with intensity and discipline.
After moving on from DeShaun Foster, the Bruins are going with a coach who has a reputation for building strong, resilient teams. Chesney’s jump to the Power Five is a big one, but his track record suggests he’s ready.
Stanford - Tavita Pritchard
Stanford is turning to a familiar face in Tavita Pritchard, who most recently served as quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders.
The former Cardinal QB knows the program inside and out. After not renewing interim coach Frank Reich and moving on from Tory Taylor, Stanford is going back to its roots.
Cal - Tosh Lupoi
Cal found its next head coach in Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. Known for his recruiting prowess and defensive mind, Lupoi brings a no-nonsense approach to a program looking for stability and toughness.
Oregon State - JaMarcus Shephard
Oregon State is bringing in Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach JaMarcus Shephard. The Beavers are betting on Shephard’s offensive creativity and leadership skills to guide them through a tough Pac-12 landscape.
Colorado State - Jim Mora
Jim Mora is back in the Mountain West, this time at Colorado State after leaving UConn. Mora’s experience and defensive mindset could be a stabilizing force for a Rams program that’s been searching for direction.
North Texas - Neal Brown
With Eric Morris off to Oklahoma State, North Texas is hiring former West Virginia head coach Neal Brown, who most recently served as an assistant at Texas. Brown’s familiarity with the region and head coaching experience makes this a solid, steady hire.
Kent State - Mark Carney
After firing Kenni Burns, Kent State is sticking with interim coach Mark Carney.
Sometimes the best move is to keep the guy who already knows the locker room. Carney now gets his shot to lead full-time.
Still Open: Key Jobs Yet to Be Filled
Penn State
With James Franklin out, Penn State is arguably the biggest job still open.
There’s already buzz that Tennessee’s Josh Heupel and BYU’s Kalani Sitake aren’t in the mix, which narrows the field. This is a program with national ambitions, and the next hire will say a lot about where they see themselves in the Big Ten’s new era.
South Florida
Alex Golesh’s departure to Auburn leaves a vacancy in Tampa. USF has shown flashes of potential, and the right hire could keep that momentum going.
Memphis
Ryan Silverfield’s move to Arkansas means Memphis is on the hunt. It’s a job with strong regional ties and a solid recent track record-expect plenty of interest.
UAB
Trent Dilfer is out, and interim coach Alex Mortensen is making a strong case to keep the job. He’s lobbying hard, and he knows the program, but the administration has a big decision to make.
Coastal Carolina
Tim Beck is out, and Coastal is looking to recapture the magic it had just a few seasons ago. The Chanticleers are a program that can punch above its weight with the right leader.
Tulane
Jon Sumrall’s jump to Florida leaves a big hole at Tulane. After back-to-back strong seasons, this job has become one of the more attractive openings in the Group of Five.
JMU
With Bob Chesney off to UCLA, JMU now has to find a new leader to maintain its upward trajectory. The Dukes have proven they belong at the FBS level-now they need someone to keep that momentum going.
UConn
Jim Mora’s move to Colorado State means UConn is once again searching for stability. The Huskies have struggled to find their footing in recent years, and this hire will be critical for their future.
The coaching carousel never stops, and this year’s edition is already reshaping the college football map. From the SEC powerhouses to rising Group of Five programs, the stakes are high and the pressure is real. With several major jobs still open, expect more fireworks in the days ahead.