Evaluating Every New P4 College Football Coaching Hire This Year
This year has witnessed a remarkable turnover in college football coaching positions. Notable hires reflect potential shifts in team performance and competitive landscapes. Key vacancies are being filled, indicating how coaching strategies will be applied in the future. Here’s an evaluation of every new P4 college football coaching hire this year.
Evaluating Key Coaching Hires
LSU Tigers: Lane Kiffin
LSU hired Lane Kiffin as their head coach, successfully drawing him away from Ole Miss. Kiffin, with a career winning percentage of .688, brought significant experience leading SEC programs. He has achieved over ten wins in four of his six seasons at Ole Miss. LSU aims to leverage Kiffin’s expertise alongside a reported $25-$30 million NIL fund.
However, the decision to pay Kiffin a seven-year, $91 million contract raises questions. Critics highlight his inability to secure an SEC Championship title and cite past performance dips. The investment reflects LSU’s ambition, but concerns linger about Kiffin’s long-term impact.
Florida Gators: Jon Sumrall
After losing out on Kiffin, Florida appointed Jon Sumrall, previously of Tulane. He holds a strong coaching record, leading his teams to conference title games in four seasons. Despite fan discontent over hiring another Group of Five coach, Sumrall assures Gators supporters of an offensive strategy aimed at reinvigorating Florida’s competitiveness.
Auburn Tigers: Alex Golesh
Auburn quickly transitioned from an interim option to hiring Alex Golesh from USF. Golesh previously turned the Bulls around, achieving a strong offensive impact with multiple high-scoring games. His aggressive scheme is anticipated to enhance Auburn’s offensive play, making this a noteworthy selection for the Tigers.
Ole Miss Rebels: Pete Golding
Amid the uncertainty surrounding Kiffin’s future, Ole Miss promoted Pete Golding from defensive coordinator to head coach. Golding previously faced scrutiny at Alabama but improved the Rebels’ defense significantly, limiting opponents effectively. The promotion aims to maintain stability within the program as they navigate the upcoming season.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Ryan Silverfield
Arkansas’s choice of Ryan Silverfield raises eyebrows. His tenure at Memphis ended with dissatisfaction, as he failed to secure top finishes in the American Conference. Despite a reasonable record, his struggles cast doubt on his ability to elevate a program needing robust results.
Virginia Tech Hokies: James Franklin
Virginia Tech made a substantial investment in James Franklin, previously at Penn State. He is recognized for his recruiting effectiveness and a career winning percentage of 68%. Franklin’s arrival indicates a strong push for immediate improvement in a competitive ACC landscape following significant budget increases.
Kentucky Wildcats: Will Stein
Will Stein steps in as Kentucky’s new head coach following Mark Stoops’s departure. At 36, Stein brings fresh perspectives, having previously served as OC at Oregon. His recognition as a rising talent suggests a promising return for the Wildcats, aiming to rekindle their competitive edge.
Michigan State Spartans: Pat Fitzgerald
Michigan State engaged Pat Fitzgerald as their new head coach. His past controversies at Northwestern and a disappointing record in recent years draw skepticism. Nonetheless, the decision reflects a commitment to finding stability despite concerns over his recent performance.
Oklahoma State Cowboys: Eric Morris
Eric Morris arrives at Oklahoma State following a successful stint at North Texas. He has a strong record of developing quarterbacks, including notable names in college football. Morris’s ability to enhance OSU’s offensive capabilities can play a crucial role in sustaining their competitiveness in the Big 12.
UCLA Bruins: Bob Chesney
Bob Chesney takes the helm at UCLA amidst various challenges. His background includes significant success at James Madison, demonstrating his capacity to win. While not a marquee choice, this hire reflects a need for stability during uncertain times for the Bruins.
Kansas State Wildcats: Collin Klein
Collin Klein returns to Kansas State as head coach after previous success as an offensive coordinator. Known for producing high-ranking offensive units, Klein’s ascension represents a hopeful development strategy for the Wildcats. His roots in the program may inspire renewed commitment to success.
Cal Golden Bears: Tosh Lupoi
Tosh Lupoi takes on the challenge at Cal after a successful run at Oregon. His experience and familiarity with the program can provide essential stability. Expectations are set for Lupoi to improve Cal’s performance in a tumultuous collegiate football environment.
Stanford Cardinal: Tavita Pritchard
Stanford hired Tavita Pritchard, an alumnus returning to a program seeking rejuvenation. Although opinions on his qualifications vary, his connection to Stanford offers a unique perspective on revitalizing the team amidst changing dynamics in college football.
These new hires signal potential shifts in the college football coaching landscape, shaping future competitions and overall athletic programs. Each decision reflects both ambition and risk in an unpredictable environment.
