In the 2024-25 hiring spree, six former Power 5 schools opted for new coaching direction, down from 14 last year, yet these changes feature significant names, including a six-time Super Bowl winner. Meanwhile, Group of 5 schools saw a whopping 21 coaching shifts.
A notable pattern this year: 12 new FBS coaches came straight from the ranks of FCS or lower divisions, a phenomenon I dub the "Curt Cignetti Effect."
Let’s dive into my evaluations of the 2024-25 coaching hires.
Power Conference Evaluations
West Virginia (A): Rich Rodriguez from Jacksonville State
Typically, I’m skeptical about coaches returning to their former schools, but this reunion is a no-brainer. Rich Rod guided the Mountaineers to three consecutive seasons with double-digit wins from 2005 to 2007, a feat the program hasn’t reached since. Despite a rocky departure for Michigan 17 years ago, Rodriguez has recently led Arizona to the Pac-12 title game and steered Jacksonville State to a Conference USA championship last year.
Purdue (A-): Barry Odom from UNLV
After an unsuccessful stint with rookie head coach Ryan Walters, Purdue made a wise move by selecting a seasoned leader like Odom. Though his 25-25 record at Missouri was a mixed bag, he revitalized UNLV, leading them to consecutive Mountain West title games and a first-ever school ranking. This experience is invaluable for rebuilding Purdue.
Wake Forest (B+): Jake Dickert from Washington State
Wake Forest poses significant challenges, but these pale in comparison to the upheaval Dickert faced at Washington State. Stepping in mid-2021, he led the team to three bowl appearances in four years, navigating the Pac-12 tumult two years into his tenure. At Wake, Dickert must carve out his legacy, succeeding the successful Dave Clawson.
Washington State (B): Jimmy Rogers from South Dakota State
I’m a firm believer that FCS coaching experience equips candidates for FBS success better than most hot coordinators. Rogers, at 37, spent 12 years helping South Dakota State rise to prominence, winning the 2023 national title in his first year as head coach. He joins Washington State at a pivotal moment post-Pac-12 dissolution.
North Carolina (C): Bill Belichick, formerly of the New England Patriots
I can’t stress enough my reservations about this flashy hiring. Success rarely follows NFL coaches to the college scene, and Belichick’s case, despite his six Super Bowl rings, is a stark example. General Manager Mike Lombardi recently noted the program’s NFL-style operations. While Belichick’s tactical prowess is indisputable, it’s just a fraction of collegiate coaching responsibilities.
UCF (D): Scott Frost, former head coach of UCF and Nebraska
This decision had me scratching my head. Frost delivered an extraordinary season for UCF in 2017 before struggling in Nebraska, compiling a 16-31 record despite ample resources and impressive recruiting power. During his time there, UCF was part of the AAC, but it’s now a Power 4 program. His poor Big Ten track record (10-26) and scant demand since his firing should raise alarms.
Group of 5 Evaluations
Temple (A+): K.C. Keeler from Sam Houston State
This hire should have happened ages ago. At 65, Keeler was a winning force in FCS with national titles at Delaware and Sam Houston. The Bearkats’ transition to FBS, marked by a 9-3 season last year, is just the latest in his long list of triumphs.
Utah State (A+): Bronco Mendenhall from New Mexico
Mendenhall, a Utah native with 11 years of head coaching at BYU, is perfectly positioned to lead Utah State as they step into a reimagined Pac-12 next year.
Southern Miss (A): Charles Huff from Marshall
After a contract disagreement with Marshall, Huff, known for toppling Notre Dame and snagging a Sun Belt title, seized the chance to lead Southern Miss—which recently endured a 1-11 season.
Charlotte (A): Tim Albin from Ohio
Albin is a remarkable acquisition. Following 16 years with Frank Solich at Ohio, he moved to head coach in 2021, achieving three successive 10-win seasons and winning the MAC title for the first time since 1968.
Fresno State (A-): Matt Entz from USC
Entz spent a brief spell with USC before joining Fresno, having previously led North Dakota State to three national championships in five years. His wealth of experience will serve Fresno well.
FIU (A-): Willie Simmons from Duke
Originally from Florida, Simmons revitalized Florida A&M, steering them to four Top 25 finishes and winning the 2023 Black College Football National Championship.
Kennesaw State (B+): Jerry Mack from the Jacksonville Jaguars
Following a stint in the NFL, Mack returns to college coaching. His success at North Carolina Central, where he earned three MEAC titles, speaks for itself.
Marshall (B+): Tony Gibson from NC State
Bringing in Gibson is astute for Marshall. This long-time WVU assistant has a knack for developing talent, as seen with All-Americans Alim McNeill and Payton Wilson at NC State.
Rice (B+): Scott Abell from Davidson
Despite no ties to Rice, Abell revolutionized Davidson, who managed just nine wins over seven seasons before his 2018 appointment. Under his leadership, they reached the FCS playoffs thrice.
Appalachian State (B): Dowell Loggains from South Carolina
App State thrives on dynamic QBs. Loggains’ extensive NFL experience coaching this position, plus his recent work with SocCarolina’s top talent, positions him well here.
Central Michigan (B): Matt Drinkall from Army
With a history reminiscent of Kalen DeBoer, Drinkall thrived as an NAIA coach before absorbing Jeff Monken’s winning ethos at Army, now preparing for his role at Central Michigan.
New Mexico (B): Jason Eck from Idaho
While unfamiliar with the Mountain West, Eck’s aptitude for nurturing a program is undeniable. Idaho had five losing seasons before Eck’s leadership transformed them into an FCS playoff contender.
Ball State (B): Mike Uremovich from Butler
Though unexpected, Uremovich has valuable Group of 5 experience. His knack for helping Butler achieve consecutive winning seasons is an encouraging aspect for Ball State.
Ohio (B): Brian Smith as offensive coordinator
Smith, an integral part of Albin’s success, was the natural choice to step up. Previously with Rolovich at Hawaii and Washington State, Smith isn’t as deeply rooted in Athens, but his credentials are promising.
UMass (B): Joe Harasymiak from Rutgers
Given his substantial Northeast experience, including a successful tenure at Maine, Harasymiak, albeit tackling a daunting task as UMass joins the MAC, seems well-equipped for the challenge.
East Carolina (B-): Blake Harrell, Interim Coach
It’s rare to keep a coach under a dismissed regime, but Harrell impressed with five wins in his last six games. Now comes the task of stamping his own identity on the team.
Jacksonville State (B-): Charles Kelly from Auburn
Returning to the place where his FBS coaching journey began, Kelly, previously a key assistant to high-profile coaches like Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban, faces a steep learning curve as a first-time head coach with a newly FBS-ascended program.
Tulsa (B-): Tre Lamb from East Tennessee State
Tulsa is betting on Lamb, a promising 35-year-old coach fresh from taking Gardner-Webb to its first FCS playoffs in three decades. He’s yet to break seven wins in a season, which may be a concern.
UNLV (C+): Dan Mullen, Former Florida Head Coach
Following Odom’s successful stint, UNLV looks once more to the SEC. Mullen brings significant experience, though his absence from football since 2021 leaves questions about his adjustment to the rapidly evolving sport.
FAU (C): Zach Kittley from Texas Tech
At 33, Kittley became a name to watch after impressive developments with QBs at Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky. Despite this, none of his offenses at Texas Tech broke into the national top 50.
Sam Houston (C-): Phil Longo from Wisconsin
It’s unusual for someone recently dismissed as a coordinator to snag a head coaching role, but Longo’s previous success at Sam Houston in FCS days may be appealing—if the timing wasn’t quite so odd.
(Top images courtesy of Ethan Miller and Peyton Williams via Getty Images)
