Ranking College Football's Open Head-Coaching Jobs for the 2022-23 Carousel
College football's 2022 season has reached December and the coaching carousel is already in full swing. There will be at least 22 coaching changes, as Auburn, Wisconsin, Colorado, Nebraska, Arizona State, Charlotte, USF and Georgia Tech all made a coaching change in the first two months of the season. Additionally, more jobs opened at the conclusion of the regular season, as well as vacancies created by coaches moving to other jobs (Luke Fickell to Wisconsin and Hugh Freeze to Auburn).
Sorting out which college football program is the best job is a source of constant debate. Each of the 131 jobs in the nation presents its share of challenges, resource concerns, recruiting territory, or just the willingness to win or commitment level from the school.
Which of the open jobs is the best in the 2022 coaching carousel? Athlon Sports takes a look at the pros, cons, recruiting, win trends, and other factors to consider for determining which open job should be the most attractive to head coaches.
(Note: This list will be updated as more jobs become available this season. Every job that opened this offseason will be included in this list - even after a hire is made.)
Ranking College Football's Open Head-Coaching Jobs for the 2022-23 Carousel
1. Auburn (Hired Hugh Freeze)
Why Auburn Opened: Bryan Harsin's brief two-year tenure at Auburn ended with his dismissal on Oct. 31. With no ties or previous experience in the SEC, Harsin was a curious (and unpopular) hire after his arrival from Boise State. The Tigers started 6-2 in Harsin's first year but ended '21 on a five-game losing streak to finish 6-7. After a tumultuous offseason with significant roster turnover, and an investigation into the program that put his status in doubt, Harsin needed a fast start and rapid improvement to save his job. The Tigers started 2-0 but lost five of six to sit 3-5 going into November.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 8.2
*This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 14
Pros: Life in the SEC is never easy, but Auburn has several things working in its favor. The program is willing to spend big-time money for its next coach and staff and possesses the resources to effectively recruit the portal and deploy NIL as needed. Recruiting talent to Auburn isn't an issue, as the program can tap into Alabama, Georgia and Florida to stock the roster. This program has the tradition, facilities, history, resources and ability to land talent to compete and win national championships.
Cons: As with every job in the SEC, expectations are high at Auburn. The resources are there, but you have to compete (and beat) Alabama and Georgia on a regular basis. Also, if you don't enjoy recruiting, don't bother applying for this job. Alignment between administrators, boosters and coaches is a must. Will that happen with a new athletic director and coach?
Other Factors of Note: Finding Harsin's replacement is the first big decision for new athletic director John Cohen, who was hired away from Mississippi State on Oct. 31.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. There are no concerns about the stability or future of the SEC. However, changes are coming in the future with Texas and Oklahoma slated to join in time for '25. Divisions are expected to be discarded, and the scheduling model (eight or nine games) is unsettled.
The Hire: Former Ole Miss and Liberty coach Hugh Freeze was hired to replace Harsin on Monday, Nov. 28. Freeze went 34-15 with the Flames from 2019-22.
2. Nebraska (Hired Matt Rhule)
Why Nebraska Opened: Scott Frost was fired after Nebraska's Week 2 loss to Georgia Southern. The Cornhuskers did not record a winning season or reach a bowl under Frost, as his overall record in Lincoln ended at 16-31.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 5
*This excludes 2020 and data from the '22 season.
Five-Year Recruiting National Average: 24.2
Pros: Nebraska has excellent tradition, facilities, fan support, and the willingness to (spend and) win. Contending for national championships annually once again is unlikely, but the Cornhuskers should be more relevant in the Big Ten than they have been in recent seasons. Although it hasn't translated onto the field, Nebraska has the best five-year average in recruiting among Big Ten West teams. The program should be able to thrive in the NIL arena.
Cons: Access to talent. The state of Nebraska doesn't produce enough talent within its own borders to build a team capable of winning the Big Ten title, so the program has to recruit surrounding states and Texas, Georgia, Florida and California for players. Expectations are also high here.
Other Factors of Note: Acquiring talent hasn't been Nebraska's problem in recent years, so finding a coach who can develop the roster better in the future is a priority. Former Nebraska linebacker Trev Alberts is now the athletic director and this hire could shape his tenure in charge in Lincoln.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Zero concerns here. The Big Ten is set to add USC and UCLA in 2024 and more teams from the West Coast could join in the future. Having a seat at the table at the Big 2 - Big Ten or SEC - is the best place to be in college football.
The Hire: Matt Rhule was announced as Nebraska's new coach on Saturday, Nov. 26. Rhule spent the last three years as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers but previously had successful stints at Temple (2013-16) and Baylor (2017-19).
3. Wisconsin (Hired Luke Fickell)
Why Wisconsin Opened: This opening came as a surprise. A 2-3 start, along with concerns about the offense and overall direction of the program, prompted Wisconsin to fire Paul Chryst. However, Chryst was 67-26 in his tenure with the Badgers, so this won't be a rebuilding project for the new coach. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will work as the team's interim coach - and is the favorite to win the full-time job.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 10.2
*This excludes 2020 and data from the '22 season.
Five-Year Recruiting National Average: 32.2
Pros: The ability to consistently win is in place at Wisconsin. This program has had just two losing seasons and has eight top-10 finishes since 1993. Wisconsin has a passionate fan base, is in a great college city (Madison), and the support on Saturdays with a packed stadium to rank among the top 30 jobs in college football. Although a few changes on offense wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, the Badgers have a clear identity and can recruit talented linemen and backs to execute that scheme. The willingness to win is also in place at Wisconsin. Work is needed on facilities, but plans are in place to help this program close the gap in the Big Ten.
Cons: It's not a huge hurdle, but Big Ten expansion likely means divisions will go away in the future, which makes it harder (but not impossible) for teams in the West to make the conference title game. Also, if Wisconsin doesn't retain Jim Leonhard on a full-time basis, it will be competing with another Big Ten team (Nebraska) in the same candidate pool. The in-state recruiting pool isn't deep, so navigating outside of state borders and thriving when it comes to player development is a must.
Other Factors of Note: It's no secret Leonhard is the front-runner to get this job. The firing of Chryst shows the expectations are high, but this program has also slipped a bit in recent years. Despite that and the challenges in recruiting that exist, history has shown you can consistently win (and win at a high level) in Madison.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. The only question for Wisconsin in conference expansion is what happens to divisions and scheduling in the new-look Big Ten.
The Hire: Interim coach and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was believed to be the frontrunner throughout the process, but in a bit of a surprise, Wisconsin hired Luke Fickell away from Cincinnati to replace Chryst.
4. Louisville (Hired Jeff Brohm)
Why Louisville Opened: Scott Satterfield left Louisville to be the head coach at Cincinnati. The Cardinals went 25-24 under Satterfield's watch but only finished 15-18 in the ACC. Satterfield's best season at the helm came in 2019 with an 8-5 mark.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 6.6
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 46.8
Pros: The resources and track record are there to win consistently. Louisville's athletic budget is one of the best in the ACC, and the facilities are a strength. The Cardinals have had only five losing seasons since 1998. That's a mark even more impressive when you consider the program has played in four different conferences (C-USA, Big East, AAC and ACC) and six different coaching tenures. There's a willingness to win and a commitment to get the necessary resources to do so.
Cons: It's hard to find many downsides to the Louisville job. The in-state recruiting base isn't as strong as some of its ACC counterparts (Florida State for example), but the program can also dip successfully into the surrounding area (and Florida) for talent.
Other Factors of Note: The elimination of divisions in the ACC should help Louisville, as it doesn't have to play Florida State or Clemson on an annual basis.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Thanks to a grant of rights for the ACC's television deal, the ACC is stable for now. The long-term stability of the league remains uncertain, however. The ACC needs to somehow close (or at least minimize) the revenue gap between the Big Ten and SEC.
The Hire: Louisville native and former U of L quarterback Jeff Brohm was named the program's head coach to replace Satterfield. Brohm spent the last six seasons at Purdue, compiling a 36-34 mark and winning a Big Ten West Division title in '22
5. Arizona State (Hired Kenny Dillingham)
Why Arizona State Opened: Arizona State and coach Herm Edwards parted ways after a 30-21 loss to Eastern Michigan after Week 3. Edwards finished his tenure in Tempe at 26-20 and won 17 games in Pac-12 play.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 7
*This excludes 2020 and data from the '22 season.
Five-Year Recruiting National Average: 48.6
Pros: Talent is on the rise in the state of Arizona. The right coach can keep some of that talent at home instead of it landing at other Pac-12 programs. Arizona State is also willing to spend and the facilities are solid. The future of the Pac-12 is unsettled, but the right coach and investment in staff around him could help Arizona State challenge in the conference at a higher level. Also, there's not much to complain about when it comes to the weather in Tempe.
Cons: Arizona State has just six Top-25 finishes since 1988 and the last outright Pac-12 title was won in 1996. And despite the in-state talent growth, you still have to compete with several other programs in the Pac-12 for recruits in Texas and California. The Sun Devils are frequently considered a "sleeping giant" in the Pac-12. However, what type of coach can help this team consistently win at a high level? The athletic department could be in transition if the school wants to hire another athletic director to hire Edwards' replacement.
Other Factors of Note: Who is making this hire? Will Arizona State let Ray Anderson make the next hire? Or will the program hire a new athletic director and reset the department?
Conference Realignment Outlook: With USC and UCLA departing the Pac-12, Arizona State's path to the conference title (in theory) should get a little easier. Of course, the future of the Pac-12 is unsettled, and the Sun Devils are a potential candidate for Big 12 expansion. It's unlikely Arizona State would get left behind in a major realignment between the Pac-12 or Big 12, but the overall uncertainty of how the future looks is still a major concern.
The Hire: Oregon offensive coordinator and Arizona native Kenny Dillingham was announced as the program's new coach on Sunday, Nov. 27.
6. Stanford (Hired Troy Taylor)
Why Stanford Opened: David Shaw resigned following Stanford's regular-season finale against BYU. Shaw is the winningest coach in program history, recording 96 victories since 2011 (96-54 overall). Although Shaw guided the Cardinal to three Pac-12 titles and plenty of wins, the program was trending in the wrong direction over the last few seasons. Stanford has not had a winning season in a full year of games since '18 and is just 14-28 over the last four seasons.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 7
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 28.4
Pros: Coaching at an academic power can create challenges, but as Shaw and Jim Harbaugh showed, you can compete and win Pac-12 titles here. As evidenced by the five-year signing class trend (28.4), academics (and good facilities) can be a strong selling point on the recruiting trail. Although Shaw's salary wasn't public, he was reportedly one of the highest-paid coaches in the conference. Stanford won't lack for resources to pay for its next head coach.
Cons: In addition to the challenges of navigating admissions, Stanford needs to adapt to the portal and NIL era of college football. Although you can win here, this might not be the best job for every coach. A coach with experience in navigating academics, while also understanding the new era of college football, would likely thrive here.
Other Factors of Note: Stanford finished in the top 25 in seven out of eight seasons from 2010-17. A trip through the program archives shows a big-time collection of coaches that roamed the sideline in Palo Alto, including Bill Walsh, Dennis Green, Pop Warner, and Harbaugh. Winning the Pac-12 in the future could get easier with UCLA and USC off to the Pac-12.
Conference Realignment Outlook: There's instability and uncertainty surrounding the future of the Pac-12. The conference has yet to sign a new television deal and no teams have been added to replace USC or UCLA. Although there's concern about the future of the league, Stanford should be in a good place should the Pac-12 fall apart. In that scenario, the Cardinal would be a priority target for the Big Ten in future expansion or could be an option for the Big 12. Stanford shouldn't worry too much about a future home for football.
The Hire: Sacramento State head coach Troy Taylor was hired as Shaw's replacement on Dec. 10.
7. Georgia Tech (Hired Brent Key)
Why Georgia Tech Opened: Geoff Collins was fired after a 10-28 record since taking over the program in 2019. The Yellow Jackets defeated Western Carolina but lost by a combined score of 110-20 in their three losses in '22.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 5.4
*This excludes 2020 and data from the '22 season.
Five-Year Recruiting National Average: 44.6
Pros: The state of Georgia is prime recruiting territory. In theory, attracting (and access to) talent shouldn't be a problem. The ACC isn't as deep as the Big Ten or SEC, so there is upward mobility. Despite the challenges with this job, Georgia Tech went to bowl games every year from 1997-2014 and won the national title in '90. Getting to No. 1 overall again is a steep climb, but the right coach can win a lot of games with the Ramblin' Wreck.
Cons: The academics are a selling point on the recruiting trail but also can be a challenge to lure talent on campus. Also, competing for interest with Georgia and the SEC in your same state is not easy. Resources - especially with the lagging ACC revenue - and willingness to spend on football are a concern.
Other Factors of Note: In addition to Collins, athletic director Todd Stansbury was fired. How quickly can Georgia Tech find a replacement for Stansbury? And will they be hired before the new coach?
Conference Realignment Outlook: The ACC is stable (for now) due to the conference's grant of rights through the 2035-36 season. Georgia Tech has been rumored as a potential candidate for Big Ten expansion.
The Hire: Interim coach Brent Key was promoted to the full-time role. Key went 4-4 after replacing Collins during the '22 season.
8. Cincinnati (Hired Scott Satterfield)
Why Cincinnati Opened: Luke Fickell departed as the program's head coach to take the Wisconsin job on Nov. 27. Fickell guided the Bearcats to a 57-18 mark from 2017-22, which included two American Athletic Conference titles and an appearance in the CFB Playoff in '21.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 8.6
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 48.6
Pros: There's a lot to like about this job. Finding in-state talent in Ohio isn't a problem, and Cincinnati recruited well over the last five years (48.6) in the Group of 5 ranks. Moving to the Big 12 in 2023 is another positive for this program, which will bring in more revenue and allow it to compete at a higher level. The program is willing to spend on coaching salaries and whatever is needed by football to win. Historic Nippert Stadium was also recently renovated. The program is also planning on other facility improvements in the coming years.
Cons: Not much. Perhaps it will take some time to transition and fully allot resources to compete on a consistent level in the Big 12. Competing for attention in Ohio with Ohio State, as well as in the city of Cincinnati with the Bengals could (perhaps) be a small challenge for a new coach.
Other Factors of Note: The Bearcats have just three losing seasons since 2006. Four of the last five hires left Cincinnati to coach at a Power 5 school.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. Cincinnati has been one of the top Group of 5 programs in recent years and that success has helped the Bearcats move to the Big 12 in '23. Although more conference realignment dominoes could fall, the Big 12 is on stable ground for the near future and will give Cincinnati more exposure at a higher level of play. Also, the Big 12 is more financially lucrative, giving the program a chance to pour more resources into football.
The Hire: Louisville coach Scott Satterfield was hired to replace Fickell on Dec. 5.
9. Colorado (Hired Deion Sanders)
Why Colorado Opened: Karl Dorrell was fired after Colorado's 0-5 start to the season. The Buffaloes went 4-2 in the 2020 pandemic-shortened campaign in Dorrell's first year but proceeded to go 4-8 last year. Dorrell was just 8-15 in his tenure in Boulder, and both sides of the ball were a disaster this season. Colorado ranks last in the Pac-12 in scoring offense and defense and lost all five of its games by 23 or more points.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 5.8
*This excludes 2020 and data from the '22 season.
Five-Year Recruiting National Average: 48.8
Pros: The scenery in Boulder (and Colorado overall for that matter) is picturesque. In other words, this job has a good quality of life for a coach and his staff in a standout college town (Boulder). Although it's been a while, the Buffaloes won a national title in 1990. With USC and UCLA set to move to the Big Ten in 2024, along with a future Pac-12 with no divisions, is a path to bowl eligibility a little easier?
Cons: Excluding the abbreviated 2020 season, Colorado has just one winning season since '06. That year (2016) was also the only time the Buffaloes posted a winning record in the Pac-12. Why has this program slipped from the ranks of a consistent winner? There are concerns about the level of administrative support, the ability to spend on football, as well as some academic challenges to navigate. The state of Colorado doesn't produce enough talent to build a winning roster, so the ability to recruit California and Texas (and get the most out of player development) is a must.
Other Factors of Note: Dorrell was a curious hire from the start and leaves behind a big rebuilding project for the next coach. There's some potential here for the right coach. However, the next coach needs to push for a bigger commitment on resources to win at a higher level in the Pac-12.
Conference Realignment Outlook: The ongoing uncertainty of the Pac-12 hangs over Colorado. However, if the Pac-12 falls apart, this program isn't going to be left out, as a return to the Big 12 is likely in that scenario. Clarity on the conference front could be coming in the next few months, but regardless of Big Ten/Big 12 expansion, the Buffaloes (like all teams outside of the Big Ten and SEC) have to be concerned about a growing revenue gap.
The Hire: Colorado made one of the most intriguing moves of this year's coaching carousel by hiring Jackson State coach Deion Sanders.
10. Purdue (Hired Ryan Walters)
Why Purdue Opened: Jeff Brohm departed Purdue to take over as the head coach at Louisville. Brohm went 36-34 with the Boilermakers and posted 17 wins with a Big Ten West Division title (2022) over the last two years.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 5.8
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 44.4
Pros: There's a clear Power 2 forming (Big Ten and SEC) in college football, and Purdue has a seat at that table in the Big Ten. Brohm was reportedly making over $5 million a year and had the resources to hire a good staff. The program is also set to renovate Ross-Ade Stadium to go with already solid facilities on campus.
Cons: If the Big Ten discards divisions in the near future, getting to the conference title game will be a tougher climb for Purdue. Coaches can win here, but the Boilermakers have only one season (1979) of more than nine victories. Yes, this is a Big Ten job, but it's one of the tougher ones in the conference.
Other Factors of Note: Purdue hasn't recorded a top-25 finish since 2003. The 12 victories in Big Ten play over the last two years were tied for the best stretch for a program in conference play since winning 14 from 1979-80.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Zero concerns here for Purdue. The Big Ten is set to become a 16-team conference with the addition of USC and UCLA in 2024. Also, the league will begin a massive and lucrative television deal next year with FOX, CBS and NBC.
The Hire: Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was named the program's head coach on Dec. 13
11. USF (Hired Alex Golesh)
Why USF Opened: Jeff Scott was dismissed as the program's head coach on Nov. 6, which came one day after USF lost 54-28 to Temple. That defeat dropped Scott's record to 4-26 with the Bulls since taking over in 2020. Daniel Da Prato will work as the team's interim coach for the remainder of '22. Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop was also dismissed. Ernie Sims will work as the program's defensive signal-caller for the rest of the season.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 6.8
*This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 81.2
Pros: Upside. High-school recruiting territory isn't a concern located in the talent-rich state of Florida, and USF could be a good rebound spot for transfers after they look to return to Sunshine State after committing elsewhere. Although Scott went 4-26, success has not eluded USF at the FBS level. The program has played in 10 bowl games and won 21 games from 2016-17. USF has also started the process to build an on-campus stadium. Additionally, the program opened a new indoor practice facility in '22.
Cons: USF is in the process of addressing one of its biggest drawbacks, which is the lack of an on-campus stadium. Until that process is completed and the facility is actually built, the Bulls will continue to play their games at Raymond James Stadium (home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Despite having prime location for recruiting, USF has just two top-25 finishes since moving to the FBS level in '00. By comparison, rival UCF has five since '13. The Knights are also moving higher than USF in the pecking order by joining the Big 12 in '23.
Other Factors of Note: Scott was making around $2 million this season. That's a solid salary for a Group of 5 program to attract a new coach. A recruiting average of 81.2 over the last five years isn't high enough for a program in the state of Florida. The new staff has work to do with in-state recruiting.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. USF should be one of the top jobs in the new AAC. And with future expansion coming at some point in the world of college football, it's important for USF to position itself to move up the conference ladder. Investing in the program with facility and stadium improvements are a must.
The Hire: Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh was hired as the program's next coach on Dec. 3.
12. North Texas (Hired Eric Morris)
Why North Texas Opened: Seth Littrell was fired at the conclusion of the regular season. North Texas went 7-6 and earned a trip to the Conference USA title game this year, which brought Littrell's overall mark in Denton to 44-44. The Mean Green also played in six bowl games and two conference championship games under Littrell's watch.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 6.6
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 88.4
Pros: Location. North Texas has excellent recruiting territory overall in the state of Texas, but the campus in Denton is around an hour away from Dallas. In other words, this is prime real estate for recruiting, and the next staff won't have to look far for players. Moving to the American Athletic Conference is a step forward for this program. Also, the facilities are solid, and Apogee Stadium opened in '11. The athletic budget provides all of the resources you need to be competitive, and North Texas can pay a competitive salary (Littrell was reportedly making around $1.9 million).
Cons: Competition for attention in Texas is always a challenge. Not only are the Mean Green fighting Texas and Texas A&M for attention, but UTSA is on the rise and also joining the AAC next year. Despite all of the advantages, this program has never won more than nine games at the FBS level. Since 1996, North Texas has just one stretch of three consecutive winning seasons.
Other Factors of Note: Everything is in place to win here - facilities, budget and recruiting territory. Also, North Texas is 11-5 in Conference USA games over the last two seasons. This shouldn't be a total rebuild for the new coaching staff.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. North Texas is one of six C-USA teams moving to the American Athletic Conference in 2023. The AAC will be the Mean Green's fourth conference at the FBS level since '96.
The Hire: Washington State offensive coordinator (and former UIW head coach) Eric Morris was named the program's replacement for Littrell on Dec. 13.
13. FAU (Hired Tom Herman)
Why FAU Opened: Willie Taggart was fired as FAU's head coach following the regular-season finale loss to WKU. The defeat to the Hilltoppers ensured the Owls would have a losing season (5-7) for the second year in a row. FAU went 15-18 under Taggart's direction and was just 11-11 in Conference USA play. With a move to the American Athletic Conference coming in '23, there was urgency for Taggart to show the program was moving in the right direction.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 7
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 82.2
Pros: With prime real estate in south Florida, this is an attractive job for coaches due to its fertile recruiting territory. Lane Kiffin showed you can win at a high level at FAU by recording two 11-win seasons (2017 and '19). Also, the stadium is relatively new (2011), and the program opened an athletic facility in '16.
Cons: As with any program changing conferences, FAU will have to spend more to keep up with some of its new neighbors in the AAC. This is still a relatively young program (joined FBS in '04). It's not necessarily a con, but FAU is trying to hire a coach at the same time as another school (USF) in the state of Florida from the same conference (AAC).
Other Factors of Note: The new-look AAC in 2023 will have at least five new coaches. Comparing the hires and overall impact in a few years will be an interesting case study.
Conference Realignment Outlook: FAU's conference outlook is stable for now, as the program is moving up to the American Athletic Conference in 2023.
The Hire: Former Texas and Houston head coach Tom Herman was hired to replace Willie Taggart.
14. UNLV (Hired Barry Odom)
Why UNLV Opened: Marcus Arroyo was surprisingly dismissed at the end of the 2022 regular season. The Rebels finished 5-7 this year, which was the best mark under Arroyo's watch. However, after a 4-1 start, UNLV lost six in a row before beating Nevada in the season finale. The late collapse was likely a factor in Arroyo's dismissal.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 3.8
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 89.6
Pros: The resources are there to win at a high level in the Mountain West. UNLV plays its home games in the Raiders' new stadium, and the program's facilities have been upgraded in recent years. The state of Nevada, city of Las Vegas, and the surrounding area (Arizona, California and Texas) provide a solid recruiting territory.
Cons: Despite having a lot of things going for it, UNLV has struggled to consistently win. The program has just one winning season since 2004 ('13) and has only one year of more than seven victories (2000) since 1985.
Other Factors of Note: The potential exists to win. Can UNLV finally get it right this time with its coaching hire?
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. Boise State and San Diego State have been mentioned as potential candidates to join the Big 12 or Pac-12, but the Mountain West isn't in danger of collapse.
The Hire: Arkansas defensive coordinator and former Missouri head coach Barry Odom was picked as Arroyo's replacement.
15. UAB (Hired Trent Dilfer)
Why UAB Opened: Bill Clark retired prior to the 2022 season due to medical reasons, which prompted the program to promote offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent to interim head coach. Vincent was a longshot to keep the job, but the odds got even tougher after a 4-5 record in early November. Additionally, athletic director Mark Ingram indicated in early November that contact has been made with potential candidates. With the Blazers' disappointing record, combined with Ingram's public comments, all signs point to UAB hiring a new head coach and not keeping Vincent for '23.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 8.6
*This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 92.8
Pros: After the program had to go through an unnecessary two-year shut down (2015-16), UAB has yet to post a losing season. The Blazers also opened a new stadium in 2021 and are working to improve on-campus facilities, which includes a practice facility that opened in '17. The future of the program is also secure amidst major conference realignment, as UAB is slated to move to the American Athletic Conference in '23. It's also no secret the state of Alabama (see television ratings) likes football, so continuing to build interest in the program won't be a problem for a passionate UAB fanbase. Recruiting territory is solid within state borders, and there's plenty of talent in neighboring states like Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida and Georgia to tap into.
Cons: Moving to the AAC will require UAB to upgrade its coaching salaries and overall resources to the program. Recent tradition and success is solid, but the Blazers made only one bowl from 1996-14. As mentioned above, competing for space and attention in the state isn't easy with Alabama and Auburn. However, the rebirth of the program in '17 helped spark a renewed interest in the program, which should only grow as the program moves to a new conference (and especially if it continues to win at a high level).
Other Factors of Note: UAB has won 10 or more games just one time (2018) in its program history at the FBS level.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. The membership of the American Athletic Conference is changing significantly with Houston, UCF and Cincinnati off to the Big 12 but moving from C-USA to the AAC is a win for UAB.
The Hire: UAB hired former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer as its next head coach.
16. Liberty (Hired Jamey Chadwell)
Why Liberty Opened: Hugh Freeze left Liberty to be the head coach at Auburn. Freeze had a successful tenure with the Flames, going 34-15 from 2019-22. The program won at least eight games in every season with Freeze at the helm. Also, Liberty finished No. 17 in the final Associated Press poll after a 10-1 mark in 2020.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 6.8
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 113.8
Pros: Liberty has the resources and willingness to spend to build a competitive program. Considering the upgraded facilities and budget, the Flames should consistently contend for Conference USA titles starting in 2023. The move to C-USA is also a plus for this program.
Cons: Liberty is a unique school and won't be for every coach.
Other Factors of Note: Freeze was reportedly set to make around $5 million as Liberty's coach before leaving for Auburn. The Flames have been a member of the FBS level for just five years but have posted at least six wins each season.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Liberty will join Conference USA in 2023.
The Hire: Coastal Carolina coach Jamey Chadwell will take over for Freeze at Liberty in 2023.
17. Navy (Hired Brian Newberry)
Why Navy Opened: Navy parted ways with coach Ken Niumatalolo following the end of the team's regular season, which concluded with an overtime loss to Army. Niumatalolo went 109-83 as the head coach of the Midshipmen and guided the program to the AAC title game in '16. Niumatalolo is the winningest coach in school history.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 6.8
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 118.8
Pros: This is a tough job with some challenges and a dedicated mission. However, for the right coach, you can win a lot of games at Navy. The program has had just two full-time coaches since '02, so there's plenty of job security if you are winning and beating Army and Air Force on a consistent basis.
Cons: As mentioned previously, Navy is not an easy job. Recruiting to a service academy can be challenging. Additionally, there's no ability to redshirt players, while the transfer and NIL rules have only added to the difficulty of building a roster or attracting talent. The style of play (running the option) is a must considering the roster and size limitations on the line of scrimmage.
Other Factors of Note: Navy has won 10 or more games five times in program history. Niumatalolo was the coach for three of those seasons. The Midshipmen are just 2-5 in their last seven games against both Army and Air Force.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Navy moved to the American Athletic Conference in 2015 to ensure long-term stability. Although the membership around the Midshipmen will change in '23, the program is secure in the AAC for next year and beyond.
The Hire: The Midshipmen promoted defensive coordinator Brian Newberry to be the program's new head coach.
18. Tulsa (Hired Kevin Wilson)
Why Tulsa Opened: Philip Montgomery was fired after Tulsa's season ended on Nov. 26. The Golden Hurricane finished 5-7 this year, which brought Montgomery's overall mark to 43-53 at Tulsa. The program made four bowl trips and posted three winning seasons under Montgomery's direction.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 5.2
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 111.2
Pros: Although Tulsa is a small school, winning on the gridiron hasn't been a problem. The Golden Hurricane have played in 12 bowl games since 2003 and posted five seasons of double-digit victories in that span. Tulsa is just over fours hours in drive time from Dallas, there's plenty of talent for the program to target within state borders and in the Lone Star State as well.
Cons: Tulsa's enrollment is just under 4,000, so this is a challenging job at a small, private university. How much is the program willing to spend on a new coach and staff? Will there be more resources and a bigger budget? Tulsa won't have a major facility or resource advantage over nearly all of the programs in the AAC. The program likely needs a coach who can maximize everything on the roster to overcome some of the budget and facility concerns.
Other Factors of Note: Despite the small enrollment, Tulsa has a good track record and history on the gridiron.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. The American Athletic Conference is set to add six teams in 2023 to replace Houston, UCF and Cincinnati. With the right coach, Tulsa should be able to consistently go to bowl games in the revamped AAC.
The Hire: Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was named as Montgomery's replacement on Dec. 6.
19. Western Michigan (Hired Lance Taylor)
Why Western Michigan Opened: Tim Lester was fired after Western Michigan concluded its 2022 season with a win over Toledo. Lester - a former quarterback at WMU - had only one losing record during his six years in Kalamazoo. The Broncos went to three bowl games under Lester's direction but never won the MAC West. Lester ended his tenure at Western Michigan with a 37-32 overall mark.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 8.2
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 89.6
Pros: The right coach should be able to win right away. In the MAC, there's not much separation among programs, so getting the right coach and quarterback could equal instant success. That could be enticing for candidates looking to move up the ladder, as there's a potential to win immediately. Western Michigan is located within a five-hour drive from big cities like Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and Indianapolis, which is also good for bringing talent to the program. P.J. Fleck proved you can win at a high level here by guiding Western Michigan to a New Year's Six bowl in '14.
Cons: Resources, ability to pay coaches, and budget will always be a challenge for every team in the MAC. Additionally, the transfer portal has made it more difficult to keep talented players on the roster. As Lester's firing proves, being a consistent bowl team isn't enough. Contending (and winning) conference titles are an expectation here.
Other Factors of Note: Western Michigan is the only MAC team that has fired its coach in the 2022-23 cycle. The Broncos have played in six bowl games since '14. However, the program has just three trips to the MAC Championship Game since 2000.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. The MAC isn't going to rank as the best Group of 5 conference, but this is a stable league with a strong geographic connection. There's also great exposure for the conference with midweek MACtion in November. None of the teams are expected to be targeted in conference realignment, so the 12-team MAC should be secure for the foreseeable future.
The Hire: Louisville offensive coordinator (and former Stanford and Notre Dame assistant) Lance Taylor was named the program's head coach on Dec. 8.
20. Coastal Carolina (Hired Tim Beck)
Why Coastal Carolina Opened: Jamey Chadwell left Coastal Carolina for Liberty. Chadwell emerged as one of the nation's top Group of 5 coaches over the last three seasons, compiling a 39-22 mark in five seasons at the helm. The Chanticleers won at least nine games in each of the last three years, including a 9-3 mark and a Sun Belt East Division title in '22.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 6.8
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 96
Pros: Coastal Carolina is a newcomer to the FBS level (2017), but the program already has proof of concept after winning 31 games over the last three seasons. Also, that success extends to the FCS level, where the Chanticleers played in '03 at the inception of its program. The recruiting territory is solid in the South and Myrtle Beach isn't far from Georgia, Florida or North Carolina.
Cons: Although the proof of concept is there with the program's recent success, as a young program, it's still building tradition and working to grow the attendance and fan base for the long haul. Coastal Carolina's stadium (Brooks Stadium) is one of the smallest in terms of capacity (20,000) at the FBS level.
Other Factors of Note: Recruiting to a school that's not far from the beach certainly doesn't hurt. Right? The teal field at Brooks Stadium gives Coastal Carolina a unique home-field edge.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Coastal Carolina has zero concerns here. The Sun Belt's recent expansion to 14 teams placed the conference in position to be the top Group of 5 league. The Chanticleers are a good fit in a conference that's emphasizing football.
The Hire: NC State offensive coordinator Tim Beck was hired to replace Chadwell.
21. Charlotte (Hired Biff Poggi)
Why Charlotte Opened: Will Healy was considered one of college football's rising stars but was dismissed after a 1-7 start in '22. The 49ers were 15-24 under Healy and earned the program's first bowl trip in '19. However, Charlotte was trending in the wrong direction with a 8-18 mark since the postseason trek. The 49ers lost to a FCS opponent (William & Mary) this season and consistently ranked at the bottom of Conference USA in scoring defense under Healy's watch.
Five-Year Win Trend*: 4.4
*This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season.
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 105
Pros: This is a job with some upside as it moves into the American Athletic Conference. Charlotte has a solid territory to recruit from and is planning a significant investment in its facilities. Prime location in Charlotte certainly doesn't hurt either.
Cons: Can the next coach turn the potential into consistent winning? This job has some factors working in its favor, but this is also a young program that's only been around since 2013 and made the move to the FBS level in '15. Charlotte will also need to increase its investment in salaries for coaches and add support staff as it moves to a tougher conference. Simply, the next coach will have to prove there's a consistent proof-of-concept for a period of time rather than a one-off season or two that results in a bowl.
Other Factors of Note: The next coach hired to replace Healy will be just the third full-time leader in the program's history. Charlotte is just 27-60 at the FBS level.
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. Charlotte is moving from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference in 2023.
The Hire: Charlotte hired Biff Poggi as its new head coach on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Poggi takes over the program after working at Michigan in an off-field role for the last two years. He was previously a high school head coach at the Gilman School and Saint Frances Academy.
22. Texas State (Hired G.J. Kinne)
Why Texas State Opened: Jake Spavital was fired as Texas State's head coach at the end of the team's regular season. The Bobcats went 13-35 under Spavital's direction and never won more than four games in a single year. Also, the program finished 9-23 in Sun Belt action under his watch. Although Spavital's tenure didn't work out in San Marcos, he did upgrade the roster talent and helped this program become more competitive in Sun Belt play.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 2.8
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 122.6
Pros: Location. If you are the head coach of a program in Texas, there's plenty of talent within your state borders to build a program. And as Spavital showed, Texas State can get transfers to San Marcos. The Bobcats are working to improve facilities, which includes a south end-zone complex. The budget ranks among the best in the conference and provides the resources to compete in the Sun Belt.
Cons: Texas State doesn't have a track record of success at the FBS level. Since the move to the FBS ranks in 2012, the Bobcats have just one winning mark ('14). The program has not won more than four games in each of the last eight seasons. The lack of an indoor practice facility is a drawback.
Other Factors of Note: Although the success hasn't been there, the resources and recruiting territory are there to turn Texas State into a consistent winner in the Sun Belt. The next coach will be the program's fourth full-time leader since the move to the FBS level (2012).
Conference Realignment Outlook: Stable. The Sun Belt improved its standing among conferences due to recent expansion and could be the top Group of 5 league in the near future.
The Hire: Former Tulsa quarterback and Incarnate Word head coach G.J. Kinne was hired to replace Spavital.
23. Kent State (Hired Kenni Burns)
Why Kent State Opened: Sean Lewis departed Kent State to be the offensive coordinator for Deion Sanders at Colorado. The Golden Flashes went 24-31 under Lewis, but the program showed marked improvement over the last three full seasons of games. Kent State went 7-7 and won the MAC East in '21 and finished 7-6 with a bowl victory - the first in the program's history - in '19.
Five-Year Win Trend:* 4.2
This excludes 2020 and data from '22 season
Five-Year Recruiting Average: 103.6
Pros: Ohio is a good spot for high school talent, so the next staff at Kent State won't have to look far to build the foundation of its roster. Winning here has been difficult. However, Lewis ran a unique offensive style and showed this program could challenge for bowls on a consistent basis.
Cons: Winning isn't easy here. Since 1962, Kent State has just 11 seasons of .500 or better. The program has just two years (1973 and 2012) of more than eight victories. The Golden Flashes have never been to back-to-back bowl games and have appeared in the postseason just four times since 1970. As with all jobs in the MAC, facilities, budget and resources are a challenge.
Other Factors of Note: Although this is a challenging job, Kent State has some famous alumni. Don James coached here from 1971-94, while Nick Saban and Jack Lambert both played for the Golden Flashes.
Conference Realignment Outlook: No conference concerns here for Kent State. The MAC is stable with its membership and aligned geographically in a solid 12-team league. Midweek MACtion in November allows Kent State good exposure on television networks.
The Hire: Minnesota running backs coach Kenni Burns was hired as Lewis' replacement.
