University of Florida Gators — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Gregory Reed
The coaching carousel usually goes into overdrive on the Sunday after the conclusion of the college football regular season, when there is usually a frenzy of activity. However, given the number of jobs (14) that became available before the season ended, this year’s “Black Sunday” may wind up being far calmer than normal.
Thus far, four universities—Florida State, Baylor, Maryland, and Wisconsin—have chosen to sit out this coaching carousel by issuing statements that echoed the following sentiments:
The buyout amount owed to their coach is excessively high. A cycle involving Florida, LSU, Auburn, and Penn State is something they would prefer to avoid. They intend to increase funding for their roster compensation system in the hopes of seeing better results the following year.
Firing coordinators was the canary in the coal mine for a coach’s future in past years. This was viewed by irate supporters as the head coach’s last resort. For schools that might not have the money for a buyout, even though they still want to make a change, the current version is running it back with a more costly roster.
Michigan State is one significant task worth keeping an eye on in that regard. Despite the intense heat in East Lansing, industry insiders are unsure if the Spartans will open because of the high price of Jonathan Smith’s buyout, which is estimated to be approximately $33 million.
Other positions that we are keeping an eye on
This season, TCU, NC State, and Kentucky have all improved to differing degrees. Thanks to late-season efforts, things appear to be moving toward safety with each of them. However, with the portal looming, there is pressure on their longtime coaches in Lexington and Raleigh, Mark Stoops and Dave Doeren, respectively, with many doubts over their rosters going ahead.
Just a few years after competing for a national championship, TCU may surprise some people by entering dangerous area. After a once-promising start, the Horned Frogs have faltered in the latter part of the season and are now only 21-15. After defeating a highly regarded Houston team last week, it is unlikely that Sonny Dykes will be replaced, but TCU has been mentioned by industry insiders as a team to keep an eye on in recent weeks.
According to industry insiders, the Group of Five is considering positions at Georgia State, UTEP, Coastal Carolina, and Louisiana Tech.
Those are hot in different ways. Midway through the season, both Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Tech have reached the bowl-eligibility barrier, and things have cooled off. Middle Tennessee will also give Derek Mason another year. Two second-year hires who have not performed well are Georgia State and UTEP. The 49ers are 5-18 under Scotty Walden, while the Panthers are only 4-19 under Dell McGee. Both are worth watching, but moving on from them would be costly—roughly $1.5 million in each case.
More positions might become available.
This cycle, coaching changes could occur in more ways than just firings and dominoes falling. As usual, a number of coaches are under retirement watch, and head coaches are increasingly departing to pursue positions as coordinators for the Power Four. Coaches Dave Clawson of Wake Forest and Jim McElwain of Central Michigan resigned only last year, and Gus Malzahn of UCF left Orlando to take a position as offensive coordinator at Florida State.
As Group of Five programs find it difficult to compete in the NIL era, industry sources have repeatedly advised keeping an eye on developments in both categories, especially the latter this year. It’s simpler to be a Power Four coordinator, and there may be a better route to a Power Four head position in that role, according to one source this week.
A Florida update amidst the Lane Kiffin controversy
The news that the Gators had initiated a general manager search went unnoticed while Florida’s coaching search garnered media attention. The Athlete Group contacted possible candidates and their representatives to indicate that they would be interested to hiring a general manager before a head coach, while Turnkey helped with the head coaching search. Due to the fact that candidates have not been contacted since mid-November, the parallel search process has not progressed past its first phases.
The communication cutoff was interpreted by some as an indication that Lane Kiffin, Florida’s top target, was opposed to a system in which the general manager is empowered and on an equal footing with the head coach, as Jim Nagy is at Oklahoma. According to sources, athletic director Scott Stricklin had previously supported such alignment; but, the position changed to better suit the head coach’s goals once Billy Napier’s Gators went on a winning streak in November. In February, Nick Polk was appointed associate AD football general manager at Florida. The general manager for player personnel is Jacob Lafrance, who was already employed at the time.
Although sources outside of Gainesville believe that LSU is the front-runner for Kiffin if he were to depart Ole Miss, Florida has also voiced confidence in its place in the Kiffin sweepstakes. However, individuals close to Kiffin emphasize that he frequently changes his mind, so no one can be sure what he will do.
If Kiffin decides against selecting the Gators, keep an eye on people like Eli Drinkwitz, Jedd Fisch, and Clark Lea. Despite last week’s public spectacle about an upcoming interview, Florida’s search is still focused on Jon Sumrall of Tulane.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
