Advertisement

Take a spin on college football's annual coaching carousel

 
Georgia head football coach Mark Richt ponders a report's question during a news conference to discuss his departure from Georgia Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, in Athens, Ga. University of Georgia Athletic Director McGarity said in a statement released by the school the two "mutually agreed that he would step down as head coach." (AP Photo/John Bazemore) GAJB101
Georgia head football coach Mark Richt ponders a report's question during a news conference to discuss his departure from Georgia Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, in Athens, Ga. University of Georgia Athletic Director McGarity said in a statement released by the school the two "mutually agreed that he would step down as head coach." (AP Photo/John Bazemore) GAJB101
Published Dec. 1, 2015

As you read this, another Division I-A football coach likely has been canned. Or has moved on to a more prominent gig. Or had his contract re-upped. Welcome to the silly season, when pink slips are issued at a preposterous clip. Five coaches have been let go in the past few days, joining six others dismissed during the season and one (Illinois' Tim Beckman) fired in the preseason. Toss in the guys who saw the writing on the wall and bolted (South Carolina's Steve Spurrier, UCF's George O'Leary, Virginia's Mike London), and you have a profession in upheaval.

Which makes it no different than any other December in the major college ranks. Here's our breakdown of all the head-spinning, head-scratching turbulence.

Three best available jobs

South Carolina

Perks: It's an SEC gig, and the fan base remains rabid even when the Gamecocks are deplorable (see late 1990s). Spurrier proved you can win a division title there.

Pitfalls: Following a legend. In-state recruiting base isn't exactly sprawling. Division title goes through Athens, Gainesville, Knoxville and sometimes Columbia, Mo.

Georgia

Perks: On the surface, everything (facilities, fan base, tradition, conference). The biggest name in one of the most fertile recruiting regions.

Pitfalls: Delusional aspirations. (See "three worst firings.")

UCF

Perks: Fertile backyard recruiting base. Cozy on-campus stadium (and indoor facility). Young, upwardly trending AD for a boss (Danny White). Nowhere to go but up — potentially into a bigger conference.

Pitfalls: Non-Power Five gig. Team being inherited just finished 0-12 and ended the year with nine straight double-digit losses.

Three worst firings (or near-firings)

Mark Richt, Georgia

Tenure: 15 years, 145-51. Two SEC titles. Nine 10-win seasons.

Rationale for dismissal: Underachieved past three years after nearly winning SEC in 2012. Consecutive losses to Florida. Ugly regular-season loss to Alabama.

Why he should stay: See "tenure." Did we also mention his character rarely has been questioned? (He and his wife adopted two kids from Ukraine, one a special-needs child). "I don't know what the world is coming to in our profession," Alabama coach Nick Saban said of Richt's dismissal.

Note to successor: Beat Florida regularly. Crush Georgia Tech annually. Hope and pray Saban retires soon. The first national title since 1980 wouldn't hurt, either.

Scott Shafer, Syracuse

Tenure: Three years, 14-23. One bowl berth (2013).

Rationale for dismissal: Seven wins in past two seasons following 7-6 mark in '13.

Why he should stay: Because resuscitating the Orange requires more than three years, and that eyesore of a home facility (Carrier Dome) doesn't help. Maybe Shafer isn't the guy, but he should've been given a bit more time. Dick MacPherson, one of the greatest coaches in Syracuse lore, was 12-20-1 in his first three seasons.

Note to successor: Insist on a long-term deal. Keep recruits away from the Carrier Dome during their visits.

Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene

Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene

Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter

We’ll send you news and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Florida’s college football teams every day.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

Les Miles, LSU

Tenure: Eleven years, 111-32. One national title, one conference title.

Rationale for near-dismissal: A 9-7 SEC record in past two years. Five straight losses to Alabama.

Why he should stay: Better question: Why are we even having this discussion?

Note to administration: If beating Saban regularly is a prerequisite for this job, you'll have no candidates. And a vote of confidence is better than silence amidst a flurry of speculation.

Three guys sure to move up the food chain

Matt Rhule, Temple

Has Owls (10-2) playing for conference title. Reportedly has spoken with Missouri officials about Tigers' vacancy and could be a good fit for Maryland, too.

Dino Babers, Bowling Green

Could be formally named UCF coach today, although he denies a deal is done. Has won 17 games and two MAC division titles in past two years and helped lead Baylor's offensive resurgence as an assistant.

Kirby Smart, Alabama (defensive coordinator)

Almost certain to land Georgia job. His defense ranks third nationally (first in yards per play), and he has spent the past nine seasons learning under Saban.

Three 'retreads' primed for a reboot

Richt

Insisted at Monday's farewell presser he wants to coach again. And soon. A .740 winning percentage will give him a chance.

Butch Davis

Has interviewed at Miami, which he once raised from NCAA probation ash heap.

Gene Chizik

Being hailed nationally for transforming North Carolina's once-moribund defense for a playoff contender.