The college football coaching landscape has been dramatically reshaped by the unexpected midseason firing of James Franklin at Penn State. This monumental decision creates the most appealing job opening in the FBS, igniting a potentially wild coaching carousel that will see a domino effect across the Power Four conferences. We break down all eight current vacancies, ranking them by their inherent appeal and the immediate and sustained success they offer to prospective coaches.
The college football coaching carousel, always a source of immense speculation and fan discussion, has kicked into overdrive following the surprising midseason dismissal of James Franklin from Penn State. His departure on October 12, 2025, after a third straight loss and an 11-plus season record of 104-45, leaves arguably the most attractive coaching position currently available in the Bowl Subdivision. This move, as reported by Yahoo Sports, is poised to trigger a significant ripple effect across the sport.
The Unpredictable Nature of Coaching Hires: A Historical Perspective
Predicting the success of a new coaching hire is notoriously difficult. As seen with figures like Jedd Fisch, who went from being ranked dead last among Power Five hires to becoming one of the most successful coaches in just a few years, the immediate assessment rarely tells the full story. Similarly, the 2022-23 coaching cycle saw mixed results. While hires like Matt Rhule at Nebraska and Luke Fickell at Wisconsin were graded highly from the start, others like Trent Dilfer at UAB were seen as gambles, which ultimately proved true with his recent dismissal.
These rapid changes underscore the immense pressure and high stakes involved in college football. A coach’s ability to maximize talent, build an inventive offense, recruit effectively, and manage program culture are all critical factors, as highlighted by a 2024 ranking of new hires that featured names like Bronco Mendenhall at New Mexico and Willie Fritz at Houston among the top prospects.
What Defines a Top College Football Coaching Job?
The appeal of a coaching position is multifaceted, extending far beyond current team performance. Fan communities often debate the criteria that truly make a job desirable. Factors such as a strong tradition, state-of-the-art facilities, a robust budget, and access to fertile recruiting grounds are paramount. As noted by Athlon Sports, programs like Texas, Florida, and Alabama consistently rank among the nation’s best due to these inherent advantages.
In the modern era, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) resources and institutional support have also become crucial. Programs with substantial NIL backing and athletic department commitment can significantly enhance recruiting potential and player retention, allowing coaches to compete for top-tier talent. Academic prestige, while sometimes a recruiting challenge (e.g., Northwestern or Stanford), can also attract a specific caliber of athlete and coach seeking a balanced experience.
The 2025 College Football Coaching Carousel: A Deep Dive into the Vacancies
With James Franklin’s dismissal, the hierarchy of current vacancies, as analyzed by USA TODAY Sports, is clear. We delve into each opening, providing context and outlining the unique challenges and opportunities they present.
1. Penn State: The Crown Jewel
Few programs can boast the combination of history, fan support, and recruiting power that Penn State offers. Aside from the anomaly of the COVID-19 season, the Nittany Lions haven’t experienced a losing season since 2004. Franklin, despite his recent struggles, established a foundation capable of contending for national championships. With substantial resources and an enviable recruiting base in the heart of the Big Ten, this job is primed for a coach who can immediately capitalize on its potential for sustained success. The expectation, as noted by USA TODAY Sports data, is to compete at the highest level annually.
2. Arkansas: The SEC Allure
While winning consistently at Arkansas has proven challenging—the Razorbacks have only exceeded eight victories once since 2011—the sheer draw of being in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) makes this job highly appealing. The SEC is widely considered the best conference in college football, offering unmatched exposure and a strong recruiting footprint. This opening, following Sam Pittman’s firing after a 56-13 blowout loss to Notre Dame, serves as a significant entry point for a strong candidate looking to establish themselves in a top-tier league.
3. UCLA: Big Ten Challenges, Franklin’s Potential Landing Spot?
UCLA’s coaching vacancy, created by the dismissal of DeShaun Foster after an 0-3 start and a 5-10 overall record, comes with unique financial constraints that limit the pool of established Power Four head coaches. Foster himself was a first-time head coach whose energy and recruiting enthusiasm were noted but ultimately couldn’t overcome the challenge of preparing UCLA for life in the Big Ten, as discussed during his initial hire. However, a fascinating possibility exists: a proven coach like James Franklin, with a substantial buyout from Penn State, could present a “soft landing” option, offering experience at a relative discount.
4. Virginia Tech: Seeking an Experienced Hand
After a disappointing stint with first-time head coach Brent Pry, who was fired after a 0-3 start and a 16-24 overall record, Virginia Tech is likely to prioritize experienced candidates. The Hokies can highlight a renewed financial commitment from the athletics department and a potentially clearer path to the College Football Playoff from the ACC. While securing a top-tier candidate like Shane Beamer may be a long shot, the program’s investment and conference alignment offer significant upside.
5. Oklahoma State: A New Era Post-Gundy
The firing of Mike Gundy, who served as the face of Oklahoma State football for over two decades with a record of 170-90, marks an end of an era. This opening provides a unique opportunity for the program to redefine its identity. They could pursue a defense-oriented coach, such as former assistant Jim Knowles, or continue with an offense-driven philosophy. Gundy’s impressive tenure, including a 3-9 season in 2024 before his September 23, 2025 dismissal, leaves a significant legacy to build upon.
6. Stanford: Academic Hurdles vs. New Investment
Long considered a challenging job due to rigorous academic standards and geographical isolation, Stanford now boasts a recent $50 million donation earmarked specifically for its football program. This financial boost, coupled with the intriguing presence of general manager Andrew Luck, could make the job more attractive. However, challenges remain, including long travel distances in the ACC, recruiting hurdles, and difficulties with player retention in the transfer portal. Former coach David Shaw, who achieved consistent success, proved that winning is possible, but it requires a specific approach.
7. Oregon State: Navigating the New Pac-12
Oregon State finds itself in a period of transition, but the program will be part of the new-look Pac-12, which offers some stability after the conference’s near-collapse. The dismissal of Trent Bray, who was ranked 24th among 2024 hires and went 5-14 in his short tenure, suggests the program needs a fresh start. This opening is likely to attract experienced Group of Five coaches or top Power Four assistants who understand the unique demands of winning off the beaten path in Corvallis. The opportunity to rebuild within a more stable conference structure could be appealing for the right candidate.
8. UAB: Rebuilding After Dilfer’s Short Stint
The firing of Trent Dilfer after a 2-4 start to the 2025 season and a short three-season tenure (which was graded a C- upon his hiring) signifies a program in need of significant repair. UAB’s decline since the departure of successful former coach Bill Clark has made this position less appealing. However, the program’s move to the American Athletic Conference in 2023 does offer a slight boost in competitive stature and exposure. Rebuilding efforts will be extensive, requiring a coach capable of overcoming significant program damage and leveraging the new conference affiliation.
The Ripple Effect and Fan Speculation
The coaching carousel is far from over. The dismissal of Sam Pittman at Arkansas is just one example of an SEC opening that could become even more significant if other powerhouses like Florida or Auburn eventually follow suit. The market for coaches, as evidenced by the quick hires in previous cycles (e.g., Kalen DeBoer to Alabama, Jonathan Smith to Michigan State), is highly competitive.
Fan communities are buzzing with speculation about potential candidates. Will Penn State’s new hire trigger another move, pulling a coach from another Power Four program? Could James Franklin himself find a “soft landing” at a program like UCLA? The strategic choices made by athletic departments in the coming weeks will not only define the immediate future of these programs but also set the stage for the next wave of college football narratives.
The ultimate success of any hire, as history shows, remains almost impossible to predict in the moment. However, the current vacancies, particularly the one at Penn State, offer a fascinating glimpse into the ambitions and challenges facing college football programs as they navigate an increasingly dynamic and demanding landscape.
