UPDATE: The college football coaching carousel is gaining momentum, with multiple high-profile vacancies emerging just weeks before the end of the season. Notably, University of Washington’s coach Jedd Fisch is attracting significant attention from potential suitors, including Florida and UCLA, as his team aims for a ninth or tenth win this season.
Fisch’s success has positioned him as a prime candidate for top-tier jobs. His impressive turnaround of the Arizona Wildcats—taking them from 10-11 to 10-3 in just three seasons—has boosted his market value. Washington’s current trajectory, with expectations of at least nine wins, further bolsters his appeal. As vacancies continue to arise, Fisch’s name is surfacing as a strong contender.
The Florida Gators are reportedly eyeing Lane Kiffin, but if Kiffin declines, Fisch could be their next target. Additionally, Fisch’s connections to UCLA, where he served as defensive coordinator, make him a potential candidate there as well. His agent, Doug Hendrickson, is aligned with the Wasserman Group, tied closely to UCLA’s athletic fundraising efforts.
As the coaching landscape shifts, Fisch’s current contract averaging $7.75 million annually may soon see a significant increase, potentially reaching $10 million as a result of rising demand. With a relatively low buyout figure of $10 million, Fisch is viewed as an affordable option for schools looking to make a splash in the coaching market.
In a surprising twist, speculation is brewing around Fisch’s potential candidacy for the LSU job. With former Arizona president Robert Robbins being considered for the LSU presidency, Fisch could find himself on a shortlist if LSU seeks to make a strategic hire. The uncertainty surrounding coaching changes means Fisch’s future could pivot dramatically depending on upcoming performances.
As the LSU situation unfolds, the Tigers are also in the midst of a coaching overhaul. Following the firing of athletic director Scott Woodward, who was responsible for managing Brian Kelly’s sizeable buyout, LSU becomes a pivotal player in the coaching carousel. The Tigers’ vacancy is expected to trigger a chain reaction across college football, leading to numerous openings and further instability in the coaching ranks.
Meanwhile, Oregon State is keeping an eye on prospective candidates as they evaluate their coaching options. Although the Beavers face uncertainty about available head coaches, they must prepare strategically for the hiring process. Current head coach Jonathan Smith may be in the mix if he doesn’t solidify his position at Michigan State.
Amidst all this, the search for a new head coach at Stanford is heating up. Former Penn State coach James Franklin is seen as a potential home run hire if Stanford opts to invest heavily in their football program. However, Franklin’s options may lead him elsewhere, as he considers positions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
As the college football landscape rapidly evolves, November promises to be a tumultuous month. With each coaching change, the domino effect could lead to an estimated 25-30 vacancies by January 2024. The urgency is palpable as programs look to secure top talent before the season closes, heightening the stakes for coaches and athletic directors alike.
Expect to see more developments as schools assess their needs and align themselves with suitable candidates in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on the shifting dynamics of college football coaching—this carousel is just beginning to spin.
