This round of head coaching appointments has largely gone under the radar, with most schools opting to bring in talent from smaller programs and seeing the usual chain reaction of moves. That was the case until one move completely shook up the college sports scene. The legendary NFL coach, often regarded as the best in history, has surprisingly taken the reins of a college team that’s been yearning for some stability.
We’ve also witnessed some familiar faces making a comeback as coaches, either at their old stomping grounds or in new roles within a state where they’ve found previous success. You’ll probably recognize a few names on the move this season, though some might be new to you. Despite these shifts, including the jaw-dropping hire in Chapel Hill, this year’s coaching carousel hasn’t been as dazzling or frantic as in recent years—consider last year, when three of the four College Football Playoff teams were welcoming new head coaches.
What’s really notable about this year’s changes is the absence of any puzzling choices. Typically, there’s at least one hire that leaves everyone scratching their heads, but this time each position seems to have been filled with someone who genuinely appears capable of steering their new teams toward success.
With that context, let’s dive into our rankings for how these hires stack up heading into the 2025 season.
