2015 NCAA Coaching Vacancies and Who Should Fill Them

Pretty soon here, we are going to have some unprecedented movement among FBS coaches. With several high profile jobs open already including Miami, South Carolina, and Southern Cal, it is going to be fun to watch. Who goes where and why? I will try to predict all of that for you....

First, some rules though. I will not list the same coach for more than one vacancy. The priority goes to the most high profile job which in my opinion here is Southern Cal. For each position I will select who I think the school should hire. I also attempt to only select coaches that I think would actually take the job available. As you can see below I think there will be quite a bit of turnover in college football. This will get very interesting.....

American Athletic

Houston

Tom Herman will be a candidate at every power 5 job and for good reason. The guy has been a masterfully productive coach. Houston would obviously love to keep him obviously, but I just don’t see it happening. They nab a bigtime coordinator with upside. Luckily for them, that coordinator is already on staff.

Hire: Todd Orlando (Houston Co-Defensive Coordinator)

Memphis

Justin Fuente has done a bang-up job for the Tigers and got them to be a nationally ranked and respected team. That being said, he is in line for a much better job than the one he currently has. Memphis would do well to take a rising coordinator. They do just that by nabbing the mastermind behind Ohio State’s defense.

Hire: Chris Ash (Ohio State Co-Defensive Coordinator)

Navy

I am torn on this one. Ken Niumataolo is always a candidate for a Power 5 job it seems and it seems he always stays at Navy. That very well could happen again, but I just have a feeling that a Power 5 school is able to lock him up this time. To replace him Navy looks for a guy that runs a similar offense and has experience at a military school. That search leads them to Citadel coach Mike Houston to replace Niumataolo.

Hire: Mike Houston (Citadel Head Coach)

Temple

This situation is very similar to Houston’s. Temple has a coach in Matt Rhule that is outperforming his job. It is incredibly unlikely that he will remain with Temple. There best option could well be to nab a coordinator that is outperforming their job as Conklin is doing for Pitt. Conklin has turned around the defense at Pitt after leading FIU to a historic turnaround. This guy is going to get a lot of head coaching looks.

Hire: Josh Conklin (Pittsburgh Defensive Coordinator)

UCF

Has a team ever fallen further than UCF has since their Fiesta Bowl victory over Baylor? They have gone from a BCS bowl win to looking like a team without a prayer to get a victory. They need a young, high energy guy that is well known in Florida. Terrell Buckley would be a risky hire, but the type of hire needed at this stage by the program. He could get UCF back to running the conference quickly. He won’t be the hire, but that’s who I would target.

Hire: Terrell Buckley (Louisville DB Coach)

USF

Willie Taggert is slowly improving the program, but they are taking baby steps and I believe a change can and will be made. This is about as good a non-Power 5 job as you can get with the talent advantage these guys get over most other schools by being in Tampa. You have to think they will be looking to make a change and make a splash. After swinging for the fences and missing on more prominent names, I think they end up with Mark Stoops after he gets axed from Kentucky. That would be a solid hire for the Bulls and he already has recruiting connections in Florida from his time with the Noles.

Hire: Mark Stoops (Kentucky Head Coach)

Atlantic Coast

Boston College

Steve Addazio has done a solid job changing the trajectory of the program, but 6 straight losses is 6 straight losses and I think a change is going to have to be made here. The Eagles have limited resources compared to some other ACC schools and would do well to stick with a guy that has to program’s interest at heart. They need a strong Catholic guy to take the helm. The choice here is current Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops who previously served as Arizona HC. Stoops brings a big name and some punch to a job that will have a little bit of patience with him.

Hire: Mike Stoops (Oklahoma DC)

Miami

This job is apparently going to Mario Cristobal and that would be a solid hire for the Hurricanes. The current Bama offensive line coach is a favorite among South FL HS coaches and I think his relationships in the area are what will land him the job.

I am not giving away who I would hire just in case some decision makers for the U are reading this blog. Hey, you never know right?

Hire: Mario Cristobal (Alabama OL Coach)

Syracuse

Syracuse is a job that some, but not all expect to be open. I expect it to open up and for them to aim big and aim for a young energetic coach. That coach I would aim for if I was the Orange is PJ Fleck. His name is coming on strongly as of late in a lot of spots and I think that Syracuse could be the perfect destination for him. He is a 34 year old coach that has a lot to offer a program and he has Western Michigan humming this season. In fact, the team is winning the MAC as of now and looks to be completely turned around as a program.

Hire: PJ Fleck (Western Michigan Head Coach)

Virginia

Mike London has done a terrific job recruiting for the Cavs, but it has not resulted in wins outside of his first season. It is time to make a change. Seeing how Georgia Tech has run the coastal recently with the triple option, Virginia will look to capitalize off a younger and more exciting personality with the same style of football. This is a huge opportunity for the Cavs if they get Navy’s coach and I think they go for it.

Hire: Ken Niumataolo (Navy Head Coach)

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech will swing and miss on some bigger targets like Rich Rodriguez who will ultimately select better offers. However, they get a guy who is exciting. A guy they need. This program needs a fresh exciting offensive coach that can keep Virginia kids excited and in state. Enter the coach of one of the most exciting offenses in the country at TCU. Meachem would get kids excited and add some fun to Blackburg real quick.

Hire: Doug Meachem (TCU Offensive Coordinator)

Big 10

Illinois

Fuente is one of the top young names that will land a high profile job. He may land one much better than Illinois. However, Illinois should target him and he would be a major hire should they pull it off.

Hire: Justin Fuente (Memphis Head Coach)

Indiana

If Arkansas is expecting to be a perennial championship contender they must let go of Bielema. How he did in the Big 10 before though would have Indiana fans quite excited to have him. His relationships are in Big 10 country and not SEC country. He is a Big 10 coach and there is a school in the Big 10 that would gladly welcome him back. I believe that school is Indiana.

Hire: Bret Bielema (Arkansas Head Coach)

Maryland

It seems as if the writing is on the wall for Richt to leave UGA and it just might be time for a change for both parties. If you project where he might fit, Maryland just might be the perfect place. This is a good spot in an incredibly weak division and could be a great opportunity. 9 wins is disappointing at Georgia, but it would be a major success for the Terrapins. He could get Maryland headed in the right direction.

Hire: Mark Richt (Georgia Head Coach)

Minnesota

This is a loyal program that stood by Coach Kill through all of his health issues. Anybody would love to coach for a school with that much support. They go for a top defensive mind from a rival by bringing in Durkin. This would be a terrific fit.

Hire: DJ Durkin (Michigan Defensive Coordinator)

Nebraska

Let’s be honest, Nebraska blew the hiring process last time. They went from a solid coach to a guy that doesn’t belong in a Power 5 job. They could possibly give him more time, especially after upsetting Michigan State, but I expect a change to again be made. Nebraska swings for the fences and hits with arguably the most coveted young coach in Matt Campbell. He gives the Cornhuskers everything they want in a coach. They could not hope for much more than beating several other Power 5 schools and getting this elite coach.

Hire: Matt Campbell (Toledo Head Coach)

Purdue

Purdue had some solid years once upon a time, but now they are pretty much the laughing stock of the Big 10. It does not have to be that way. Not only does it not have to be that way, but these guys could really compete. The easiest way for this school to compete is to bring in a National Championship level coach. They do that by bringing in former Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel. He would welcome a return to the Big 10 at any school and they should take advantage of that.

Hire: Jim Tressel (Former Ohio State Head Coach)

Big 12

Iowa State

If your goal is to compete on the biggest stage and knock off the conference big dogs consistently, then sometimes you need to learn from what they do. Baylor has an explosive offense that few in the country can replicate. If I am a Big 12 bottom feeder like Iowa State, then I look to bring in a dynamic coach from that squad to help me score points in bunches. Bringing Kendal Briles in at Iowa State would add a lot of excitement to a program that has very little right now.

Hire: Kendal Briles (Baylor Offensive Coordinator)

West Virginia

After being passed over for the Virginia Tech job, Bud Foster will be looking on to head elsewhere. He doesn’t mind heading to a rival school because VT passes on him in their coaching search. I expect him to never be treated as a serious candidate with the Hokies and to put himself in position to get hired elsewhere.

Hire: Bud Foster (Virginia Tech Defensive Coordinator)

Conference USA

Florida Atlantic

If I am looking to gain some success for my program and knock the other in state teams down a few pegs, I might look at a smaller school being able to do that to the big boys. I see this coach take Auburn to their absolute limit and I think about how great a fit he will be for my school.

Hire: John Grass (Jacksonville State Head Coach)

North Texas

David Gibbs was the interim coach at Houston last year and holds a 1-0 career record. He has a stellar record as a defensive coordinator and some background success in the Texas region. That success, the relationships he has with HS coaches and the fact that he is a rising coordinator makes him seem like an ideal fit at North Texas.

Hire: David Gibbs (Texas Tech Defensive Coordinator)

Texas San-Antonio

Novell has seen some success and is another coach from the southwest. He will be able to recruit kids well at this spot and can help bring some excitement to the program.

Hire: Mike Norvell (Arizona State Offensive Coordinator)

Tulane

Tommy led an undefeated season at Tulane in what is probably the best season in school history. Terry is younger than Tommy and led an undefeated season at Auburn. For a school with little upside to replicate a similar season, it is certainly worth a shot.

Hire: Terry Bowden (Akron Head Coach)

Independent

No expected openings

Mid-American

Akron

Let’s not sugarcoat it here, I love Bowden as much as anyone, but it hasn’t worked at Akron. For whatever reason, they haven’t had the success that I and others envisioned. After this season it is probably best for both parties to head their separate ways. Akron will attempt to get a coordinator with upside and hits the mark if they go with Sanford.

Hire: Mike Sanford (Notre Dame Offensive Coordinator)

Kent State

Should Boston College let Addazio go as it seems they must, a small school will swoop him up. If Kent State is fortunate enough to be that school, good for them.

Hire: Steve Addazio (Boston College Head Coach)

Toledo

Toledo would prefer to keep Campbell, but he will be one of the most sought after coaches for the many Power 5 openings. To fill his impending departure, do not be surprised if a former Power 5 coach falls down to them

Hire: Mike London (Virginia Head Coach)

Western Michigan

Elko is a name on the rise. He has done well as the coordinator for the Deacs after making a name for himself with Bowling Green as their coordinator. A move back to the MAC is very possible with a head coaching offer this time. Elko is a good fit to replace the high energy Fleck.

Hire: Mike Elko (Wake Forest Defensive Coordinator)

Mountain West

Hawaii

Clune spent 2014 as the Hawaii defensive coordinator and when he left the Hawaii defense fell apart. The Warriors look to bring him back and see if he again can have a positive impact on their defense. This hard-working coach would be a solid hire for Hawaii.

Hire: Kevin Clune (Utah State Defensive Coordinator)

San Jose State

Tyson Summers leaves UCF for Colorado State and all of a sudden the UCF team looks like a high school squad. He has done a great job turning around defenses everywhere he goes and there is no reason to think he can’t do the same for a weak San Jose State squad.

Hire: Tyson Summers (Colorado State Defensive Coordinator)

Pac 12

Arizona

Although some crazies suggest otherwise, the ideal option is obviously for the Wildcats to keep RichRod. If he leaves for a more prestigious Power 5 job though, they need another dynamic mind that can recruit in the Pac 12. That guy is Scott Frost.

Hire: Scott Frost (Oregon Offensive Coordinator)

Colorado

Colorado is too proud of a program to put up with how much they have struggled since joining the Pac 12. They need a coach that can get them to be a lot more competitive. Pelini has success recruiting the area, getting a strong defense, and winning games. There is no reason the Buffs should not target Pelini.

Hire: Bo Pelini (Former Nebraska Head Coach)

Southern Cal

This job has been open for quite some time and is perhaps the best job available. They should have the pick of the litter during this offseason. Ultimately, I think they settle on Tom Herman, but this could go many different ways and will likely have a domino effect whichever way they decide.

Hire: Tom Herman (Houston Head Coach)

SEC

Arkansas

It is time to move on from the 6 wins a year that Bielema has provided the Razorbacks. If they want to make a true contending push in the SEC West, they obviously may need to do something different. When you have a big dog like Alabama you are trying to catch, sometimes you need to replicate what they do. Arkansas will make a big run at Kirby Smart as they should and they could well get him.

Hire: Kirby Smart (Alabama Defensive Coordinator)

Georgia

The home run and rumored candidate is Rich Rodriguez the current coach @ Arizona. That offense would slay in the SEC. Alabama has struggled with teams that run this type of offense and nobody is better at it than RichRod. Getting an offense that the conference juggernaut struggles with would be huge. Not to mention that he’d have a fairly easy path to the SEC Championship game to likely play Bama. If they could lure him away as I think they can it would be a major coup. However, I do think there will be some competition for Rich Rodriguez and that competition will likely be the other SEC teams.

Hire: Rich Rodriguez (Arizona Head Coach)

Kentucky

I really like Stoops and think he is the right guy for the job and a guy that will ultimately turn the program around, but I don’t think Kentucky will be that patient. They will try to go in another direction and try to go with a guy that has a proven track record as a head coach. Rhule would be a coup for Kentucky if they can Stoops.

Hire: Matt Rhule (Temple Head Coach)

Missouri

Their choice here is Florida Defensive Coordinator Geoff Collins. Although I would not be surprised if Collins got a better power 5 job as well. He would be a fantastic choice for the Tigers. To get back atop the SEC East, one way is to take a brilliant mind off the team that knocked you off.

Hire: Geoff Collins (Florida Defensive Coordinator)

South Carolina

Clemson has not only passed South Carolina, but knocked the school back a few pegs. Taking their top coach and one of their top recruiters is a great way to battle back. Build the Gamecocks on the defensive side and make them a real force in the SEC. Venables has the potential to deliver that elusive SEC title that the Ol’ Ball Coach never could. The cupboard is pretty bare though so it will take a few years.

Hire: Brett Venables (Clemson Defensive Coordinator)

Sun Belt

Georgia State

Schiano wants another shot coaching and Georgia State gets a coach that can outcoach anybody they would normally get. It isn’t everyday that a former NFL coach comes to the Sun Belt.

Hire: Greg Schiano (Former Rutgets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach)

Idaho

With as many high profile jobs open as there are, it is entirely plausible and perhaps even likely that Riley can score a bigger job than this. However, he should be the target and could put the Vandals on the football map. After their upset of Baylor yesterday though, this is looking unlikely.

Hire: Lincoln Riley (Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator)

Louisiana Monroe

Holgersen is likely toast at West Virginia, but he was a very successful coordinator with Oklahoma State before taking over at WVU. The last time a successful Oklahoma State coach ended up in Louisiana, he won a natty. That will not happen here. However, Holgersen could make a major impact for this Louisiana school.

Hire: Dana Holgersen (West Virginia Head Coach)

New Mexico State

This is one of the worst if not the worst division 1 job. This program has not had a winning season since 2002. Their current coach is 4-20. The program looks like they have no prayer. They cannot possibly expect to get a really big name in here. They can however, try to get a young coach with a lot of upside from outside the Power 5. My choice fitting that criteria would be Bryan Vincent from South Alabama.

Hire: Bryan Vincent (South Alabama Offensive Coordinator)

As I said that is quite a change. 40+ open jobs are predicted to have change by me here. It will be interesting to see if teams think like me and how the dominos fall. Prepare to learn some new names football fans....

-Noland