College football’s coaching carousel was a doozy last winter, spinning wildly and putting some new faces in new places. The shift in leadership comes at a time when programs are eager to find the right man to win games and generate revenue for athletic departments that have a lot of bills to pay in the new era of college athletics.
Among the noteworthy changes was Lane Kiffin’s closely monitored transition from Ole Miss to LSU, a move that drew considerable attention given LSU’s storied football history.
The coaching changes were not limited to Kiffin. Michigan’s Sherrone Moore was fired amid controversy, and Kyle Whittingham took the helm shortly after stepping down at Utah, creating significant ripples across the college football landscape.
Notable First-Year Coaches at Power Four Schools
Lane Kiffin – LSU
Kiffin expects his sixth head-coaching job — the fifth at the college level after one in the NFL — will be pivotal in defining his legacy. At LSU, he is armed with the resources necessary to succeed at a program that has claimed three national championships from 2003 to 2019. Recently, Kiffin mentioned he has stepped away from social media to focus on the demanding nature of his role, which is closely scrutinized by both the athletic administration and local politicians.
“I don’t know that you could ever predict there would be a job taken with so much stuff around it,” Kiffin noted, referencing the political influences that shaped his hiring. LSU agreed to pay Kiffin an impressive $91 million over seven years, following the firing of Brian Kelly, who had $54 million remaining on his contract.
Kyle Whittingham – Michigan
Whittingham’s success in his inaugural season with the Wolverines may hinge on the development of quarterback Bryce Underwood, who struggled last year but now has additional support, including a dedicated QB coach and innovative training tools like virtual reality goggles. “We’re pulling out all the stops to try to help Bryce become the player we feel he can be,” Whittingham stated, emphasizing the importance of Underwood’s growth.
Jon Sumrall – Florida
Sumrall arrives at Florida after leading Troy and Tulane to multiple conference championship games. Despite the Gators’ recent struggles, Sumrall’s passion and charisma instill hope among players and fans. “This is a sleeping giant,” he declared confidently, suggesting that significant success is on the horizon.
James Franklin – Virginia Tech
Franklin aims to restore Virginia Tech to its former glory, a task made more challenging after the Hokies’ struggles since Frank Beamer’s retirement. With a record of 104-45 at Penn State, Franklin is eager to reinvigorate the Hokies’ program. “I want the people that love Virginia Tech to watch us and say, ’That’s what Virginia Tech football’s supposed to look like,” he expressed.
Matt Campbell – Penn State
Campbell’s first season at Penn State involves a significant roster reboot, with 50 returning players complemented by numerous transfers. “This year’s so uniquely different,” he noted, emphasizing the competitive environment he’s fostering within the team.
Alex Golesh – Auburn
Auburn has seen a decline in performance over the years, and Golesh is tasked with rebuilding the program’s identity. “We’ve stripped it all the way down and have tried to rebuild it from the ground up,” he stated, aiming for a return to the program’s former stature.
Eric Morris – Oklahoma State
Morris takes over following Mike Gundy’s departure, bringing a coaching philosophy rooted in accountability and discipline. “I psychologically build up these kids and build tough teams,” he explained, aiming for a fresh start with the Cowboys.
Bob Chesney – UCLA
Chesney faces the challenge of revitalizing a UCLA program that has struggled for a decade. Engaging the campus and community is a priority as he aims to boost attendance and performance. “Our record will be a direct result of what we do on a day-to-day basis,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of accountability.
Pat Fitzgerald – Michigan State
Fitzgerald’s return to coaching comes after a tumultuous period following his dismissal at Northwestern. At Michigan State, he aims to restore the program’s credibility. “I’d say we have a bag of chips on our shoulder,” he commented, underscoring the urgency of his mission.
As college football continues to evolve, these first-year coaches will face the scrutiny and expectations that come with their prestigious roles. The upcoming season is set to be a pivotal one, not just for their respective programs but for the future landscape of college football itself.
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AP Sports Writers Brett Martel, Mark Long, Beth Harris and freelance reporter Travis Johnson contributed.
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