The 2024 coaching carousel has largely spun itself out, with most of the Power 4 jobs being filled before December ends. 27 (and counting) FBS jobs changed hands in this hiring cycle. A few FCS-level jobs await candidates, but the six big power conference programs are no longer vacant. Who are these coaches who got the golden ticket to coach at a big-time program with more resources? Are there any surprise hires among the lot? Which program made a mistake? Smaller teams aimed high in this coaching cycle, so who could rise and shock the college football world? Let’s find out in this 2024 coach carousel review!
You can find the 2023 coaching carousel review linked below:
North Carolina
The surprise hire of the coaching carousel lands in Chapel Hill with an unmatched coaching resume. Belichick needs no introduction as the greatest NFL coach of all time. However, it will be a mystery as to how he performs at the college level with zero collegiate experience. The 72-year-old coach is 15 wins shy of becoming the winningest head coach in NFL history, and it is undoubtedly curious why he chose the college route. Belichick’s first staff will have extensive NFL ties, with son Steve tabbed as DC, and reports indicate that Freddie Kitchens will be the OC. How they fill out the rest of the assistant pool and support staff will go a long way in determining the success of the Belichick regime.
Given the dynamics of the new college football world, perhaps the other purported candidate for the job would’ve been the better option. Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is a rising star in the industry after elevating Troy to previously unattainable heights. He elected to remain at Tulane after being passed over by the Tar Heels. Check back next year to see if UNC made the right call.
Grade: C for execution, A for the high-profile hiring
Purdue
Odom takes on what is arguably the most challenging job in the Power 4 with the Boilermakers. After four middling seasons as the Missouri head coach and three seasons as a defensive coordinator, he took on the thankless job of rebuilding the dormant UNLV program. He is an efficient defensive mind who has improved the stop units nearly every season he has coached. Recruiting may not be his forte, but development is a key attribute. The new Purdue coach has worked many jobs, including administrative positions.
UNLV developed into an MWC contender during his brief tenure in Las Vegas and was in the conference title game both years. He has assembled a staff capable of turning around the Boilermakers because they cannot be any worse than they were under Ryan Walters. It would be a remarkable coaching job if Odom and crew could get the Boilermakers to contend for bowl eligibility in year one.
Grade: B
UCF
In an offseason carousel that saw several coaches return “home” where past glories were achieved, none are more intriguing than the Frost reunion. After leaving Nebraska in 2022, he served as an analyst for the Los Angeles Rams for several months this season. The well-traveled Nebraska alumnus previously led UCF to a “national championship” during the 2017 season. He started the Knights’ ascent before leaving to coach his hometown school. Frost didn’t fare as well at Nebraska, going 16-31 before being relieved of his duties early in the 2022 season.
He takes over for Gus Malzhan, who resigned and left for Florida State’s OC vacancy. It remains to be seen how Frost will navigate a new college football environment compared to the one he left. UCF isn’t in the same conference and is in a much more competitive Big 12. He’s off to a good start in the portal and recruiting on such short notice. While the staff isn’t complete, former UCF QB McKenzie Milton is on his staff as OC. It should be an exciting move for the Knights and Frost to reunite.
Grade: B
Wake Forest
Dickert leaves Washington State for Wake Forest after three and a half seasons in Pullman. He took over for Nick Rolovich in 2021 after the latter was fired for his refusal to comply with state-mandated vaccination regulations. As a head coach, Dickert sports a 23-20 record, leading the Cougars through a chaotic period in which the Pac-12 was crushed due to realignment, NIL, and transfer portal. The new Demon Deacons coach is a defensive mind by trade (which is interesting since he played collegiately as a receiver), coaching mostly for programs like NDSU, South Dakota State, and Wyoming. He’s experienced in coaching athletes from smaller programs, so the transition to Wake should be seamless as the institution has one of the smallest enrollments in FBS.
He had Wazzu compete and punch above their weight class quite frequently, which bodes well for Wake Forest. Washington State won the Apple Cup twice in his three full seasons. Washington State has had multiple defensive standouts that went onto the NFL under his tenure, like Daiyan Henley, Chau Smith-Wade, and Jaden Hicks. Also, offensively, Wazzu was highly explosive under the guidance of John Mateer and Cam Ward. Dickert is a proven talent developer whose first WF staff is solid. He takes over for the retired Dave Clawson, who had the Demon Deacons competitive in the powerful ACC for many years.
Grade: B
Washington State
To replace the man listed above, Washington State tabbed a coach with a very successful resume at the FCS level as they continue life in the reimagined Pac-12. Rogers initially started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, South Dakota State, in 2010 before serving as a GA at FAU for the 2012 season. He then returned to the highly successful Jackrabbits program in 2013. The former SDSU coach has two FCS titles and five Missouri Valley Football Conference titles on his coaching CV. He knows what success looks like to say the least.
To underscore the dramatic paradigm that college football has underwent, even an decorated alumnus like Rogers leaves, it says something about the fiscal realities of the sport. Washington State is no longer part of the big boys club but has seen a large amount of success over the past several seasons. The new coach could be the perfect hire to keep the good times rolling in Pullman in a drastically new environment.
Grade: A
West Virginia
The prodigal son returns home after many years away from the Country Roads of Morgantown. RichRod revolutionized college football way back in the early 2000s. While WVU has remained relevant in the intervening years since he left, some struggles have also been experienced. They moved to the Big 12 after his departure and have been competitive. After a tumultuous tenure at Michigan, he moved to Arizona for several seasons before hitting the assistant circuit. Rodriguez spent three seasons at Jacksonville State and experienced vast success, going 27-10 and transitioning the FCS program to FBS play.
Rodriguez’s staff is quickly filling out with some notable names like OL coach Jack Bicknell, Jr and former Oklahoma DC Zac Alley. News broke before press time that former WVU star Noel Devine will be on staff as an analyst. It will be interesting to watch how RichRod fares in his second tenure in a more competitive Big 12 will be interesting. West Virginia’s native son returning home isn’t a huge surprise, but a good hire.
Grade: B
Other Notable Hires
Delaware State
The 38-year-old former star NFL receiver gets his first collegiate job with the FCS Hornets, who play in the MEAC. He’s a three-time Pro Bowl and Super Bowl champion who has been in the limelight since his high school days. Jackson’s rise in the coaching ranks has been stratospheric since his official retirement in 2023. Before he arrived at Delaware State, he served as the OC for Long Beach area high school, Woodrow Wilson HS. Interestingly, three-time Super Bowl champion and DSU alum John Taylor is Jackson’s uncle. The speed demon and return ace is legendary for his big play ability and theatrics.
It’s a win-win situation for both parties, as another HCBU program gets more attention and resources while Jackson gets coaching experience. Jackson is an electric personality who should draw recruits and transfers. He joins the ever-growing former NFL player turned HCBU coaches ranks. Jackson’s inaugural staff hasn’t been decided as of press time, so it will be interesting if there are any coaches from his NFL days on staff.
Grade: A for creativity and ingenuity
FIU
Coach Simmons returns to the Sunshine State, where he made his name in the FCS ranks before moving to Duke for the 2024 season. Before joining Manny Diaz’s staff as running backs coach in Durham, he was the longtime head coach at FAMU. He led the Rattlers to a 45-13 record in his six seasons in Tallahassee and led FAMU to their only Black College National Championship in 2023. Simmons served as Prairie View A&M coach for three seasons, earning a 21-11 record at the HCBU. He graduated from Clemson in three seasons before transferring and graduating from Citadel.
FIU has long been a laughingstock of college football. Simmons takes over a program from Mike MacIntyre, who went 12-24 during his three-year tenure. The Panthers’ road back to relevance will be arduous, as they must compete with numerous Florida programs, including UCF, USF, and blood rival FAU, for recruits. If there is anyone who could resuscitate FIU despite its limitations, it could be Simmons, a proven winner.
Grade: A
Norfolk State
As a first-time head coach, Vick returns home as the conquering hero of the Tidewater region of Virginia. Ironically enough, he joins former Eagles teammate DeSean Jackson as a head coach in the MEAC. The Virginia native doesn’t have much coaching experience but brings legendary brand value to a school that needs a little polish. He has experience in the media world as an analyst for Fox Sports. Vick served as a coaching intern for Andy Reid’s Chiefs during the 2017 training camp. He was reportedly in talks with Sacramento State for its vacant position.
The Virginia Tech superstar had an outstanding pro career and set the prototype for mobile quarterbacks that everyone sees in vogue today. He brings significant fanfare as a hometown hero returning to his roots. Yes, some segments of the world will not look past the off-field controversies, but Vick has long since earned the right to forgiveness after repaying his debts. If anything, he can teach the young men in his care many life lessons that he’s experienced. He’ll generate plenty of interest in the talent-rich DMV area. It’s a win-win scenario as Vick gains coaching experience to elevate his profile while the school gets publicity.
Grade: A for creativity and ingenuity
Sacramento State
Sacramento State joins its Hornet brethren in making a new hire for the ascendant program. Brennan Marion is a rising young star in the coaching industry, most recently serving as UNLV’s OC. He is the author of the famed “Go-Go Offense” that has taken the college football world by storm. Sac State is an FCS program looking to make some noise as they attempt to move to the Pac-12. The Hornets have won three Big Sky conference titles in the past six seasons. There are rumors that Marion will have significant financial backing as they enter a new era.
Marion is a brilliant offensive mind who has served under multiple offensive coaches like Steve Sarkisian and Mike Norvell. The 37-year-old coach has the charisma and background as a recruiter to get Sac State humming quickly again. However, he possesses a history of quickly moving on and not settling down in any place for long. There are four stops on his resume since the 2020 season. Wherever he goes, the offense becomes a bonafide explosive unit. Notable players under his watch include Xavier Worthy, Jordan Addison, Jayden Maiava, and Caylin Newton. He has been busy since being hired, landing numerous high-profile transfers and assembling a good staff.
Grade: A
UNLV
Mullen’s coaching CV is unquestioned, as he has had numerous successes during his Mississippi State and Florida stops. He served as an analyst at ESPN upon his departure from Gainesville. The former Florida coach jumped to UNLV after Barry Odom left for Purdue. This is a surprisingly good hire for both sides as UNLV can continue its ascendancy, and Mullen can coach in a less pressure-packed environment. Mullen hired or retained several notable names for his first staff in Vegas, including former Miss State HC Zac Arnett for DC.
UNLV was in contention for a playoff spot this season, pushing Boise State to its limits in the race for the MWC title. It’s in the middle of a fertile recruiting region so that Mullen can unleash his offensive mind with star power. The tools are there for the coach to succeed in Sin City. It is a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties. If Mullen can find his mojo that saw him land the Florida job, he can do big things in Las Vegas.
Grade: A
Joseph is a veteran writer of many publications past and present. He is a long-time Tennessee Titans fan and draft scout/analyst, along with writing about the league is a passion project. Mr. Yun has been credentialed to the Senior Bowl multiple times. Readers will find he brings the juice with a scout’s eye and analytical mind. Follow me on Twitter @2Yoon2ZeroBlitz for more good stuff!
