UPDATE: The coaching carousel is spinning rapidly as November 2023 brings with it emerging vacancies and heightened speculation around key college football coaches. The spotlight is on Jedd Fisch, head coach of the Washington Huskies, whose successful season could lead him to lucrative offers from both Florida and UCLA.
Just announced: Fisch has transformed Washington’s program, with expectations rising after a potential nine or ten-win season. His previous success at Arizona has made him a prime candidate for major jobs, especially with his connection to Florida, his alma mater, and UCLA, where he once served as defensive coordinator.
In a developing situation, the urgency increases as Fisch’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, is closely linked to UCLA’s search committee, which could drive up Fisch’s market value significantly. With his current contract averaging $7.75 million annually, a strong finish could see him commanding upwards of $10 million.
Meanwhile, LSU is also in turmoil after firing athletic director Scott Woodward amidst a series of coaching changes. The Tigers’ vacancy is highly coveted, potentially setting off a domino effect across college football. As many as 25-30 coaching vacancies could surface by January, as programs reassess their leadership.
At Oregon State, the search for a new coach is underway. Current head coach Jonathan Smith faces uncertainty, with speculation about whether he could return to the Beavers after struggling at Michigan State. The urgency here is palpable; Oregon State must act swiftly to attract the best candidates in a competitive landscape.
As for Justin Wilcox at Cal, pressure mounts as he navigates a challenging schedule. The Bears’ performance in their upcoming games could be pivotal for his job security. With expectations rising, winning only six games is no longer deemed sufficient.
In summary, college football’s coaching landscape is evolving rapidly, with significant implications for schools and coaches alike. The next few weeks will be critical, with coaching decisions likely to affect programs nationwide. Fans and stakeholders are on high alert as the coaching carousel continues to spin, and the stakes have never been higher.
Stay tuned for our next update, as the situation develops and more vacancies become official.
