In college football, predicting how a new coaching hire will pan out can feel like throwing darts at a board. Just look at how fans reacted to Brian Kelly and Billy Napier four years ago—there were a lot of mixed grades. As we kick off the 2025-26 coaching carousel, let’s break down some recent hires and see how they stack up based on what each school really needs.
Kentucky hires Will Stein: Grade B
Hired on December 1, Will Stein is a Kentucky native and son of a former player. He’s made waves as Oregon’s offensive coordinator, successfully adapting his strategies despite facing challenges with injured players. While his local ties are strong, he hasn’t taken the head coach role in the SEC before. Much of his success will depend on how the school supports him, especially given that Kentucky often prioritizes basketball funding.
UCLA hires Bob Chesney: Grade B+
Also hired on December 1, Chesney has a remarkable history, having led teams to success at multiple levels. Yet, he has never coached outside the Eastern time zone, which could pose challenges. With a focus on maintaining Southern California talent, UCLA must significantly boost its football budget if it hopes to compete.
Michigan State hires Pat Fitzgerald: Grade B-
Fitzgerald made a name for himself at Northwestern, but there’s hesitation around his hiring given ongoing scandals. The Spartans need to rebuild, and while Fitzgerald has donor support, questions linger about his ability to adapt and motivate in a changing landscape.
LSU hires Lane Kiffin: Grade A
Kiffin, hired on November 30, is considered a top-tier option for LSU. His knack for navigating the modern college football scene, particularly with transfer players, sets him up for success. Despite a rocky departure from Ole Miss, he has the potential to turn LSU into a powerhouse, although skepticism about his championship record remains.
Ole Miss promotes Pete Golding: Grade B
Promoting Golding maintains stability for Ole Miss after a coaching shake-up. He’s well regarded as a defensive coordinator but faces uncertainty in building his new staff. His Louisiana roots could help in recruiting, a crucial element for the program’s success.
Florida hires Jon Sumrall: Grade A-
Sumrall has excelled at both Troy and Tulane, consistently reaching championship games. His experience managing rosters and strong connections to SEC recruitment will be invaluable. However, Florida fans are still buzzing over not landing Kiffin, making it a challenging environment for Sumrall.
Auburn hires Alex Golesh: Grade B+
Golesh shows promise after improving a struggling South Florida team. He has a strong offensive background, which Auburn desperately needs. The challenge will be keeping key players. His previous success suggests improvement is on the horizon.
Arkansas hires Ryan Silverfield: Grade B
Silverfield had a solid run at Memphis but didn’t clinch a conference title. As he takes on an SEC powerhouse, he will need to prove he can attract top talent and improve the football program’s visibility and funding.
Stanford hires Tavita Pritchard: Grade C
Pritchard knows Stanford well but returns to a landscape that has dramatically shifted. His familiarity is a plus, but his recent absence from coaching at a high level raises questions about his ability to adapt to current challenges.
Oregon State hires JaMarcus Shephard: Grade C
While Shephard has had success developing wide receivers, appointing another first-time head coach feels risky after previous mistakes. He has local ties, but time will tell if he can meet expectations.
Colorado State hires Jim Mora: Grade B
Mora’s diverse coaching experience, from the NFL to college, makes him an interesting hire. He’s adept at turning around programs and now faces the task of building Colorado State’s football identity.
Oklahoma State hires Eric Morris: Grade B+
Morris, known for developing quarterbacks, has Texas roots that could benefit Oklahoma State. However, his defenses have been inconsistent. The upcoming season will reveal if he can balance both sides of the ball effectively.
Virginia Tech hires James Franklin: Grade A-
Franklin, previously of Penn State fame, is hailed for his recruiting skills and program management. While he has addressed key concerns for Virginia Tech, his strategic decisions in game management will be closely monitored.
Kent State promotes Mark Carney: Grade B
Carney turned a struggling Kent State team around after stepping in unexpectedly. His experience as interim head coach has been promising, making it a sensible choice for a challenging environment.
As the coaching carousel unfolds, these hires reflect a blend of risk and potential. The journey ahead for each of these teams may define the future of their football programs.
For further insights into coaching strategies and their impact on college football, visit NCAA Football.
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