Grading college football head-coach hires: From Deion to Dilfer

The college football coaching carousel has reached its second and more exciting phase: hiring season.

Positions are beginning to fill in the Power 5, starting with Nebraska and Arizona State immediately after the regular season. Every new hire comes with a degree of hope but also plenty to analyze. Recent coaching cycles have shown that some can't-miss hires will miss, and that less-celebrated coaches have been exactly what certain programs needed.

We are here to break down the most notable new hires: how coaches fit, the challenges they will face and more. We also will supply an initial grade. This file will be updated throughout the coaching carousel.

Jump to a new hire:
Walters to PUR | Taylor to STA
Brohm to LOU | Satterfield to CIN
Sanders to COL | Dilfer to UAB
Key to GT | Freeze to AUB
Fickell to WIS | Rhule to NEB
Dillingham to ASU

Ryan Walters to Purdue

Why is this a good fit?

Adam Rittenberg: Walters is ready to lead a program. I spent time with him before the season and again during the season, and I could see his natural leadership skills. Although he didn't spend time in the Big Ten before Illinois, his last two seasons under Bret Bielema have helped him get familiar with the league, and develop the leadership skills needed for this opportunity. Walters likely would have been the choice at Colorado if not for Deion Sanders, and had impressed several schools in interviews this cycle. He should energize Purdue's recruiting efforts, although his staff -- both on the field and in support roles -- will be very important to keep the program's momentum after its first Big Ten West Division title.

Tom VanHaaren: He's a young coach at 36, which I think is starting to be more of a trend in college football. Relating to prospects, understanding the importance of NIL and the ever-changing landscape is what matters and Walters is part of that new generation of coaches. He has been a coach in multiple conferences and had success and most recently had the Illinois defense playing really well. Under his tutelage, the Illini defense ranked No. 2 in yards allowed per game among all FBS teams, No. 8 in rush yards allowed per game and No. 6 in pass yards allowed per game. He has seen what is required in the Big Ten and knows the blueprint for success.

What will be Walters' biggest challenge?

Rittenberg: Purdue has been historically an offense-driven program. Walters is the first Boilers head coach with a defensive background since Leon Burtnett, who led the program from 1982 to 1986. After the Jeff Brohm era, Purdue fans will want the excitement on offense, and specifically with the quarterback position, to continue under Walters. Like all defensive assistants getting their first opportunities as head coaches, Walters will need a detailed plan for how he's going to approach the offense. Although the Big Ten is a league where defenses often carry the day, especially in the West Division, Purdue has stood out because of its quarterback tradition. How Walters addresses those areas will be essential to the early part of his tenure.

VanHaaren: The biggest challenge is going to be building a consistent team. As much success as Brohm had, the team wasn't consistently at the top of the Big Ten West rankings year in and year out. The team finished in first place in the West this season, in a three-way tie for second in the 2021 season and in sixth place during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. If the conference does away with divisions, it will be even harder for Purdue to get back to the Big Ten championship game unless it can build something consistent. Walters should use the portal to help build his roster and will need to expand out of Indiana in high school recruiting to bring in the right players. Brohm was able to dip into Florida and Texas to land players, but it's difficult getting high-level playmakers at a place like Purdue. Walters and his staff will have to differentiate themselves somehow to stick out in recruiting and get the right prospects and players from the portal.

Realistic expectations for over the next 3-5 years?

Rittenberg: Purdue just made the Big Ten championship game, and while the team will lose quarterback Aidan O'Connell and other key players, the expectation isn't to take a major step back. The school has upgraded its investments into football, and Walters will be stepping into a much better job than any of his predecessors. Purdue fans aren't the type to expect championships every year, and the school still leans more toward basketball than football, but Walters will need to have the Boilers in contention by Year 3, and certainly get the team to consistent bowl games. The interesting expectations to follow may involve recruiting and NIL, as Walters will bring his own ideas and try to find ways to improve the roster and Purdue's overall brand.

VanHaaren: I think the realistic expectation should be to build on what Brohm is leaving behind. It's a program that rises to the occasion in big games, has had a winning record the past few seasons but needs to take the next step. There can't be two good seasons then two bad. I don't know if there's a record prediction I have so much as I'd like to see Walters build on what's there, add some pieces through the portal and recruiting and try to keep improving each season. The conference is going to get more difficult with the additions of UCLA and USC, so Walters needs to start creating what he wants now and continuously improve each season.

Grade: B+

Walters is one of the sport's top young coordinators, and deserves a chance to lead his own program. It's also encouraging to see a top young Black assistant get his opportunity, as the overall hiring cycle hasn't helped diversify the coaching ranks. Purdue's history of hiring offensive coaches makes its choice a bit surprising, and Walters will need an excellent plan for how to keep the points coming. There could be some initial growing pains, but Walters has high-level potential as a head coach. -- Rittenberg

Troy Taylor to Stanford

Why is this a good fit?

Adam Rittenberg: Taylor brings a nice mix of experience from the Pac-12, the FCS and the high school ranks and will give Stanford a new and dynamic identity on offense. Stanford fans who watched Sacramento State's riveting FCS playoff game against Incarnate Word on Friday had to come away excited about the schematic jolt Taylor will bring to The Farm. He had similar success at Eastern Washington in 2016. Taylor also knows California and the Pac-12 as a former star quarterback at Cal -- he set the Bears' all-time passing record with 8,126 yards -- and a former assistant at Cal and Utah. The 54-year-old also worked as a high school coach in the Sacramento area, and will need no introduction to the state's recruiting scene. As Stanford search committee member Condoleezza Rice noted, Taylor is an innovator, which the program needs after the past few years.

Paolo Uggetti: Stanford needs a refresh in every sense of the word, and Taylor has all the tools to be able to give the Cardinal a new look. At their peak under Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw, the Cardinal were a well-coached team that gave fits to the more talented groups in the conference, such as USC and Oregon. They did more with less from a talent standpoint yet still produced a balanced team that could beat anyone, in addition to turning out plenty of NFL products. Taylor will obviously provide the offense with a more exciting and modern brand of football than Stanford has had the past few years, but as Adam mentioned, it's his experience working (and playing) in the Bay Area that should allow him to inject the program with the right energy and approach, not just on offense but in every facet on and off the field.

What will be Taylor's biggest challenge?

Uggetti: In short, NIL and the transfer portal. Stanford has not embraced the sport's new game-changers with open arms. Right now, the Cardinal are exactly the kind of program that lends itself to players leaving through the portal rather than coming to Palo Alto. Can they still compete in this day and age without leaning into NIL and the portal? It doesn't feel likely. Taylor will have to find a way to bridge the gap between Stanford's institutional, and perhaps slightly archaic, approach and what's required of a modern program. Taylor will be given plenty of time to succeed, which will allow him to focus on recruiting as a pathway to success, but keeping players will be equally important. The offensive acumen of a coach like Taylor should become a powerful recruiting tool, and nothing will be a better elixir than simply winning games.

Rittenberg: The Stanford job is significantly harder in a sport where the portal and NIL are major factors. Outgoing coach David Shaw noted that Stanford is capable of adjusting to the times, but likely would do so gradually. The transfer situation is a real problem, as Stanford will lose players to the portal -- just like every program -- but has a tougher time replenishing those spots. Taylor will need to sell more than the Stanford degree in recruiting, and he'll get recruits and some transfers to rally around him and his system. His staff hires will be very important, especially the offensive and defensive line positions, where Stanford has regressed recently. Stanford continued to recruit well at the end of Shaw's tenure, but Taylor must restore the program's reputation for player development. He inherits a roster with some holes but also some promise, which Shaw noted at his departure.

Realistic expectations for Taylor over the next 3-5 years?

Rittenberg: Stanford would love to recapture what it had under Shaw and Harbaugh from 2010 to 2016. The school also realizes those lofty ambitions aren't as realistic in the current landscape. The portal likely will never be an advantage for Stanford, and the program doesn't have the level of support that many Pac-12 schools enjoy. The key is to start getting back to bowl games, which Taylor certainly can target by Year 2 or 3. Stanford likely would be fine as a program that consistently wins 6-9 games per season and occasionally competes for championships. By Years 4 and 5, Taylor needs to be approaching those goals.

Uggetti: It's going to be a slow build for Stanford, especially in today's Pac-12, where the cream of the conference's crop seems to be getting even better. But with Taylor at the helm, the Cardinal can certainly become a more exciting team to watch as soon as Year 1 and eventually can become the kind of squad good teams hate playing against. This is a program that was among the Pac-12's elite in the not-so-distant past. That might not be realistic right away, but hiring Taylor could be Step 1 in making the U-turn back in that direction.

Grade: B+

Taylor is a bold hire for Stanford, which mainly considered candidates with ties to the school or to the NFL, such as former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, another finalist for the job. I love when Power 5 schools give successful FCS coaches a chance, and Taylor should provide immediate schematic upgrades to a program that had become stale. The bigger questions come in how he recruits and navigates the portal/NIL challenges. Taylor's previous Pac-12 experience should help, but he's making a big jump to take over a Stanford program going through turmoil. -- Rittenberg

Jeff Brohm to Louisville

Why is this a good fit?

David Hale: This is essentially the definition of "fit." Louisville wanted to hire Brohm in 2018 after parting ways with Bobby Petrino, but he opted to remain at Purdue. Scott Satterfield was coming off a lot of success at Appalachian State, but he had no ties to the program, and after he flirted with South Carolina in 2020, the fan base largely soured on him. Brohm, on the other hand, is a true son of Louisville. He's from the city, he had a ton of success as a player there, and he views this as a destination job. Considering all the turmoil within Louisville's athletic department over the past few years -- including both the athletic director and university president leaving in the past 12 months -- Brohm offers the program something it desperately needs: stability.

Adam Rittenberg: There's not a Power 5 coach more closely connected to the city and the university than Brohm. He's from Louisville's most decorated football family and had long been the only coach Louisville fans wanted to take over. He's arriving at the top of his game, after guiding Purdue to its first Big Ten championship game appearance, following a nine-win season last year. After the Scott Satterfield era, Louisville needed a coach who truly belonged at its program and saw it as a destination, not a stopover. Consider that Brohm left a program in a better-resourced league that had supported him extremely well, even though the results didn't really get good until 2021. He will give Louisville an immediate recruiting bump in the city and the region, and brings an exciting style of play that should attract top transfers.

What will be Brohm's biggest challenge?

Rittenberg: Going home doesn't automatically equal success. Just look at Scott Frost and Nebraska, a can't-miss hire at the time that missed terribly on a number of levels. Brohm will have more to navigate in Louisville than a place where he has limited or no connections. The entire Brohm family -- Jeff, his father and a brother played quarterback there and another brother played wide receiver -- will be a constant story. Brohm will need to manage the impact. He also will face immediate expectations to elevate the program, which might not line up with reality. Brohm needs to harness the excitement around his hiring and a 2023 recruiting class that projects very well. He should make Louisville an attractive destination for transfers, especially on offense. But there are inherent obstacles he will deal with, including financial challenges within the athletic department.

Hale: Step 1 is maintaining a surprisingly good recruiting class -- potentially the best one in Louisville's history. Satterfield had commitments from seven blue-chip prospects, including five-star running back Rueben Owens, who already announced he was decommitting. All committed, knowing Satterfield was on the hot seat, so a change at head coach can hardly come as a shock, but that doesn't mean the vultures won't be circling as other schools look for an opportunity to steal a few top prospects amid the changes.

Realistic expectations for Brohm over the next 3-5 years?

Hale: Since 2000, Louisville has been ranked in the AP poll in parts of 13 different seasons, including twice reaching No. 3 in the polls. It has produced elite talent, including Lamar Jackson, Teddy Bridgewater, Elvis Dumervil and Jaire Alexander. What it hasn't had is consistency, with a procession of successful coaches -- John L. Smith, Petrino, Charlie Strong -- all leaving for greener pastures at their peak. That means the highs have been offset by some serious lows, while Satterfield's tenure was largely marked by mediocrity. So what are appropriate expectations at Louisville? Fans have seen top-five seasons and want more, but the recruiting area, the ACC finances and the long shadow of the basketball program are all challenges. Still, Brohm knows the landscape, and he might be uniquely suited to manage it. There's a world where Louisville builds out a strong NIL infrastructure and competes with Clemson and Florida State atop the ACC regularly. It's perhaps a lofty goal, but it's not impossible.

Rittenberg: Louisville fans will want an immediate championship contender, which may not be realistic. But by Year 3 of the Brohm era, the Cardinals certainly should be pushing for more than seven- or eight-win seasons. Brohm's hiring provides the program with a clear identity and direction, which should help with roster upgrades. Louisville needs to end its losing streak against Clemson (eight games) and start stringing together notable seasons in the ACC, where the team has averaged four losses per season since joining the conference with only one year of fewer than three league defeats. The team also must start beating in-state rival Kentucky, which has won four straight and five of the past six games against Louisville.

Grade: A

Sometimes the obvious choice is the right one, and Louisville did the only hire that made sense after Satterfield's abrupt departure. Louisville couldn't get Brohm back in 2018, when he was relatively early in his Purdue tenure. But the timing lined up this time, and Louisville brought one of its favorite football sons home. Brohm will provide energy, offense and no questions about how well he fits the city/program. Coaching hires are never a guarantee, but it's hard to envision this one going poorly for Louisville. -- Rittenberg

Scott Satterfield to Cincinnati

Why is this a good fit?

Andrea Adelson: Satterfield has been a head coach for nine years, so that experience is hugely important as Cincinnati transitions to the Big 12. Even more important is the experience he has at the Power 5 level. Satterfield led Louisville to bowl appearances in three of his four years there, and though the fan base had soured on him over the past several seasons, he built that program back after Bobby Petrino allowed it to flatline. He also has recruiting chops -- Louisville is in line to sign the best class under Satterfield. Given Louisville's proximity to Cincinnati, there should be established connections that Satterfield can use to his advantage.

Adam Rittenberg: This might sound hypocritical, as I ultimately think Satterfield is best suited to work in the Carolinas, but his familiarity with the area from his time at Louisville will help Cincinnati. He doesn't need to familiarize himself with the high school recruiting scene. To Andrea's point, he understands what Cincinnati needs for the Big 12 transition and to minimize the inevitable bumps along the way. Satterfield has had only one losing regular season as an FBS coach. He likely will give Cincinnati a boost offensively. Satterfield also can use his previous recruiting ties to help Cincinnati stand out in a conference that now has a foothold in Florida with UCF and will need to broaden where it finds talent.

What will be Satterfield's biggest challenge?

Rittenberg: Luke Fickell put together Power 5-caliber rosters at Cincinnati, especially in 2021, when the team made its historic College Football Playoff run. But the Bearcats are going through significant personnel turnover, and Satterfield and his staff will need to work hard to prevent a dropoff in performance. Cincinnati and Louisville are also similar programs, from location to history, and Satterfield ultimately must adjust better to his new job than his old one. Fickell was a perfect fit for Cincinnati and took the program to new heights. He's an incredibly tough act to follow, especially with the conference transition looming.

Adelson: The biggest challenge is maintaining the success Luke Fickell established, but now in a Power 5 conference. We have seen other schools successfully make that transition -- starting with TCU, which joined the Big 12 a decade ago and is now headed to the College Football Playoff from the Big 12. Cincinnati has already made a playoff appearance, so it goes without saying there is an excellent foundation in place that does not need to be torn down or destroyed. Where he will need help is on the defensive side of the ball, which has been a strength under Fickell. Louisville struggled every year on defense under Satterfield until turning a corner midway through this season. Though he won at Louisville, his teams were never really elite at any one particular area.

Realistic expectations for Satterfield over the next 3-5 years?

Adelson: Make no mistake, Cincinnati is joining a far more competitive conference top to bottom than the one it is leaving behind -- even with Texas and Oklahoma departing. But the expectations are not going to change. Satterfield will be expected to compete for championships within three years of taking over the job, but I am not sure whether the Bearcats will get there in that time frame. Louisville never came close to competing for an ACC title, and while you could argue it happened to be in the toughest division with Clemson, Wake Forest did win the Atlantic in 2021.

Rittenberg: Cincinnati's past four coaches won at least nine games by their second season, a list that even includes Tommy Tuberville. This is a program that expects success and has invested to make it happen. Satterfield is inheriting a conference transition and should get two seasons to get settled before the higher expectations truly kick in. But by Year 4, Cincinnati will need to be pushing for Big 12 championships and CFP spots. Satterfield shouldn't be surprised by much he inherits at UC. He will have support from athletic director John Cunningham and others, but the middling results he had at Louisville ultimately won't cut it.

Grade: B-

I like this move for Satterfield more than I do for Cincinnati. He brings Power 5 experience and a good overall record to a program entering the Power 5, but some of the same issues that surfaced at Louisville could spill over at what seems like a very similar program. Satterfield seems best off outside of an urban environment, at a school closer to his home area. Fickell was an Ohio guy who loved the state and connected well with everyone around the program. Cincinnati might have been better served to find someone a bit more like him. -- Rittenberg

Deion Sanders to Colorado

Deion Sanders' coaching career has reached the highest level of college football -- and a surprising destination in Colorado.

Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Famer who transformed Jackson State's program the past few years, was named Colorado's new coach Saturday night. After interviewing for several Power 5 jobs in recent years, Sanders' ascent to the FBS seemed like only a matter of time. But rather than remaining in the South, where Sanders spent most of his playing career and his entire coaching career, he's headed to a completely new region with the mission of reviving a once-elite Colorado program that has faded from view for much of the past 20 years.

"Not only will Coach Prime energize our fanbase, I'm confident that he will lead our program back to national prominence," athletic director Rick George said in announcing the hire.

Sanders has been viewed as the perfect coach for the current college football climate, in which the transfer portal and name, image and likeness are king. He is a historic hire in many ways, including being Colorado's third consecutive Black coach -- a first for a Power 5 program. But can he boost a program that is 89-152 since the 2003 season? For more, click here.

Grade: A-

I wouldn't give an automatic "A" for any program that hired Sanders. There are risks that come with the hire, just as there would be for most fairly new college coaches who haven't worked at the Power 5 level before. But Sanders gives Colorado immediate relevance, which the program has sorely lacked for most of its time in the Pac-12. Colorado suddenly becomes a place notable recruits and transfers will consider. Sanders will have a learning curve, but Colorado will benefit from his arrival in multiple ways. -- Rittenberg

Trent Dilfer to UAB

Why is this a good fit?

Adam Rittenberg: I'm not sure it is, but Dilfer certainly brings some recognition to the program. Recruits and their families certainly will know who he is, especially quarterbacks. His work with the Elite 11 program has been notable, and he clearly knows the game. UAB wants to increase its profile as it transitions toward the American Athletic Conference. Dilfer clearly will have a learning curve, but he's a splashy hire with a big vision for what UAB can become. The Blazers presumably will get into some recruiting battles they couldn't compete in before. Dilfer will need a lot of help, but UAB seems committed to supporting him with the right staff as the team embarks on a big challenge ahead.

Alex Scarborough: It's not a fit -- at least not as the program is currently constituted. Dilfer doesn't have any college coaching experience, barely has high school coaching experience and has no ties to the region beyond spending the past few years in Nashville, Tennessee. So the question becomes what the vision for UAB is moving forward and how Dilfer fits into that? Is it a version of what Deion Sanders has done at Jackson State? Because Dilfer has a similar profile as a successful former NFL player who is instantly recognizable thanks to his time in the media and has the type of magnetic personality to attract recruits. What's more, Dilfer has experience as the head coach of quarterback camp Elite 11 and the recruiting connections that come with that. It's a huge swing we're talking about, trying to recast UAB as a national program. Let's not forget that only a few years ago, it shut the football team down. But Dilfer is aiming high. At his introductory news conference, he said, "The College Football Playoff is something we should talk about."

What will be Dilfer's biggest challenge?

Rittenberg: Understanding the recruiting/transfer landscape and limiting attrition from the roster he inherits. Dilfer needs a recruiting crash course and some help around him to finish this cycle and make sure UAB doesn't take a roster dip. Players clearly weren't happy with how the coaching search went, although interim coach Bryant Vincent never seemed like a strong candidate for the permanent gig. Dilfer is a true outsider and will need to build rapport with his new team. He also has to assemble a staff and prepare for a conference transition. There's a ton on his plate.

play

Sacramento State falls to Incarnate Word in Troy Taylor's last game

Sacramento State falls to Incarnate Word in Troy Taylor's final game with the Hornets, as he is expected to take the head coaching job at Stanford.

Scarborough: What Adam brings up with the players being unhappy is important because Dilfer should try to hold as much of the roster together as he can. There's talent there. You don't reach seven consecutive bowl games in the Group of 5 by accident. But I question, given Dilfer's lack of experience, how well he understands the complexities of roster management in college football (see: transfer portal plus NIL). I asked Dilfer whether he felt a sense of urgency with the portal about to open Monday. His answer surprised me because he essentially said no. He said he wanted to establish trust with players, which is great and all, but that takes time, and he's going to be in Nashville on Thursday competing in the state high school championship. You can't exactly build a bridge of trust over a long weekend. Monday is coming fast, and the roster could be depleted shortly after that. While I understand his desire to build through high school recruiting and use transfers sparingly, it's a risky path to take if you're trying to come out of the gates strong and win in Year 1.

Realistic expectations for Dilfer over next 3-5 years?

Rittenberg: UAB hasn't had a losing season since 2013 and has been good to very good ever since the program returned from its hiatus. Although conference transitions are tough, the program should be strong enough to compete right away in the AAC. Dilfer referenced the CFP at his introduction, so he's not aiming for bowl eligibility in the next few years. But roster attrition is likely, and Dilfer will need time to settle into being an FBS coach. A rough season or two is possible, but by Year 3, the Blazers should be contending in their new conference.

Scarborough: I'm going to be honest here. I have no idea what to expect, which has as much to do with the unusual choice of Dilfer as coach as with the history of UAB football. While recent history says the Blazers should remain competitive, look at what the program was like before Bill Clark rebuilt it coming out of the shutdown in 2014. You're looking at one bowl game and three winning seasons in 18 years -- never once winning more than seven games. You're looking at a shoestring budget and the program being shuttered because it wasn't worth the expense. You're looking at a city of Birmingham that didn't come out to games, traveling instead to Tuscaloosa and Auburn. So while Dilfer is right about the potential of a program that has alignment in the administration, is well-funded, and is located in the talent-rich and football-crazed Southeast, I'm skeptical that UAB will actually check all those boxes long term. Maybe Dilfer can be a catalyst. Maybe his vision of becoming a Group of 5 powerhouse can come true. But the boom-bust potential is high when you combine an unproven head coach and a program that started winning only in the past five years.

Grade: C-plus

I'm not against bold hires like Dilfer. Sometimes they work. But athletic directors can sometimes be too starstruck in their searches. UAB had the longest runway for its search and talked to a lot of potential candidates. To settle on Dilfer with several proven college coaches out there seems like a curious choice. He has to learn a lot without much time and with a conference transition ahead for UAB. He could end up being a genius move, but this feels like UAB overthought the process for replacing the great Bill Clark. -- Rittenberg

Brent Key to Georgia Tech

Why is this a good fit?

Andrea Adelson: If there is anybody who understands what it takes to win at Georgia Tech, it is Key, a four-year starter for the Yellow Jackets from 1997 to 2000.

Before he returned to Georgia Tech in 2019 as the run game coordinator/offensive line coach, he was an assistant at Alabama, learning under Nick Saban. That is a pretty good combination. Familiarity with a unique program like Georgia Tech is extremely important. The Yellow Jackets played more disciplined, more physical and with more confidence during his eight games as interim coach. Georgia Tech went 4-4 in those games with wins over the top three teams in the Coastal Division, including division champion North Carolina. When I spoke to Key in October and asked what he wanted people to see in his team, he said: "I want them to see a team that plays hard for 60 minutes, a very well-disciplined football team, a defense that flies around and are the fastest guys on the field, and offensively is efficient in what they do." Key has won over the fan base and brought back a no-frills approach after former coach Geoff Collins tried to be a showman promoting the program with little tangible on-field results.

𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇 pic.twitter.com/mJxXq5PTSF

— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) November 30, 2022

Adam Rittenberg: I'm always cautious about promoting interim coaches, even when they do a good job of harnessing emotion and facilitating improvement. But Key's success in the role was undeniable, as he immediately got Georgia Tech to perform closer to its potential after years when almost nothing positive happened. The players clearly respond to him, and he understands the challenges and advantages of the environment from his time as a player and an assistant. I wish more offensive line coaches got chances to lead programs and Sam Pittman at Arkansas is a good example of why administrators should look beyond coordinators with their searches. Key has spent his entire career in the Southeast and will have a good plan for Georgia Tech's recruiting. Other than his time at Alabama, Key has held a recruiting coordinator title (at UCF and Georgia Tech) ever since 2006.

What will be Key's biggest challenge?

Rittenberg: The interim tag is off and the emotional boost some interim coaches generate will soon fade away. Key is now an ACC head coach and must navigate the inevitable learning curve for a first-timer. He also must rebrand Georgia Tech in his own way and differently from predecessor Geoff Collins. While Key deserves credit for the success he generated, he also was part of the team's failures the past few seasons. He must learn from those and not spend too much time on branding while not ignoring it, either. Georgia Tech doesn't have the resources that many of its competitors enjoy, and Key must figure out how to distinguish the program both in recruiting and schematically.

Adelson: Georgia Tech is certainly in a unique situation. The football program needs major upgrades to its facilities and fundraising, which is why J Batt was hired as athletic director from Alabama. Add in the high academic standards, the rise of rival Georgia and the way programs from around the country are recruiting the Atlanta area in particular, and that just compounds the challenges Key must face. But Key has been an exceptional recruiter, and Georgia Tech is in a major metropolitan area with Fortune 500 companies which is a selling point to student-athletes with NIL interests. Georgia Tech has proven it can win and develop NFL players, but it has catching up to do in a variety of areas.

Realistic expectations for Key over next 3-5 years?

Adelson: I am not sure Georgia Tech will be in position to compete for ACC championships without significant investment in resources and facilities during this time period. However, the Yellow Jackets should be competitive in the ACC and an annual bowl team given the talent in the area and the small snippet we have seen from Key as interim coach. What will be interesting to see is how Georgia Tech navigates a new world without divisions. The Yellow Jackets arguably got the toughest permanent opponents in the new scheduling model, having to play Clemson, Louisville and Wake Forest every single year. The nonconference scheduling philosophy has not helped Georgia Tech, either, as the Jackets have continually played one of the toughest overall schedules in the country. Batt would be well-served to rethink this philosophy as Georgia Tech heads into a division-less era in the ACC.

Rittenberg: Key nearly got Georgia Tech bowl-eligible despite taking over one-third of the way through the season. He must find ways to keep the positive vibes going and could mitigate some roster turnover by creating some semblance of continuity. Andrea brings up really good points about the scheduling, though, as Georgia Tech hasn't done itself many favors outside of the league. Still, the ACC isn't filled with unbeatable teams. Even Clemson has shown some cracks, at least against non-ACC opponents. If Key can continue to maximize and develop Georgia Tech's talent, the team should soon be making bowl games, and then can target higher goals in the league. Batt's fundraising clout also is a big factor, as Key will need immediate help from a resource standpoint.

GRADE: B

I like Key and the fit he brings to Georgia Tech. I also would have loved Tulane's Willie Fritz there, as Power 5 programs continue to miss out on what he would bring. My concern with Key, like some other interim coaches who get promoted, is how many other jobs he could have realistically landed? Any in the Power 5? Maybe it won't matter and he'll have a Pittman-like effect at Georgia Tech. The team clearly responded well to him. Now he has to pull the right strings in the offseason to keep things moving on an upward trajectory. -- Rittenberg

Hugh Freeze to Auburn

Auburn athletic director John Cohen will sign the contract for new football coach Hugh Freeze with both eyes open.

If anyone knows the upside and the risk involved in hiring the former Ole Miss coach, it's the former Mississippi State athletic director. They didn't just share a state for five years, they shared a conference. Cohen would have attended AD-level meetings and heard all about why Freeze left Oxford under a dark cloud in the summer of 2017. (At Tuesday's introductory news conference, Cohen expressed confidence in both Freeze and the thoroughness of Auburn's vetting procedures but declined to take any questions that would have shed more light on that process.)

Freeze was once the toast of Ole Miss. He tore it up on the recruiting trail and had a high-flying offense that pushed the tempo and took shots downfield. He brought the Rebels to their first Sugar Bowl in 45 years. He beat Alabama and Nick Saban twice.

But the fall from grace was swift and scandalous. For more, click here.

Grade: B+

For some, Freeze's off-field history makes this a failing grade. On the field, the more I thought about Freeze vs. Kiffin, the more I leaned toward Freeze as the better option for Auburn. Freeze has won more big games and has an edge in recruiting.

The SEC recruiting scene is treacherous and relentless, especially for the No. 2 school in a state with a good talent base but not that of Florida, Texas, Georgia or Louisiana. Freeze's interest in and commitment to recruiting sets him apart from many coaches. Still, Auburn should be concerned about things he'll say and do to generate the wrong type of attention. Freeze must surround himself with the right assistants and support staff and focus on what he does best. -- Rittenberg

Luke Fickell to Wisconsin

Why is this a good fit?

Adam Rittenberg: There's so much to like here, and I'm still shocked that Wisconsin could land a coach as coveted as Fickell. He has been on the radar for almost every major Power 5 opening the past few years.

Fickell has deep roots in the Big Ten as a Columbus, Ohio, native who spent almost his entire career playing or coaching for Ohio State until taking the Cincinnati job. He's a strong recruiter and believes in the same values (toughness, elite line play) that have defined Wisconsin's consistent run during the past three decades. Fickell also has the ability to upgrade Wisconsin's talent and performance level to compete more consistently with Ohio State and Michigan. Wisconsin has a good history with defensive-minded coaches (Barry Alvarez, Bret Bielema). If Fickell can modernize and upgrade Wisconsin's offense, the team should be back in the top 15 soon.

Tom VanHaaren: I'm with Adam -- I didn't see this coming. I have talked to Jim Leonhard, the Badgers' interim coach, in the past about how much he likes it at Wisconsin and how much he would like to stay and coach there. But if you have an opportunity to hire someone like Fickell, who has had success in getting Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff, you have to jump on it. Fickell understands the dynamic of the Big Ten and what it would take to build a winning team. He doesn't need to change much in recruiting as the footprint at Wisconsin is similar to that of Cincinnati. Wisconsin signed one ESPN 300 recruit in the 2022 and 2023 classes, while Cincinnati signed two. Fickell has relationships in the area and can hit the ground running almost immediately on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal. Fickell's Cincinnati teams were built on good defense, similar to Wisconsin, but also good quarterback play. That is something the Badgers have been lacking, so if Fickell can revive the run game and also add to the passing game at Wisconsin, he could have a lot of success.

Andrea Adelson: I distinctly remember sitting in Fickell's office the morning the College Football Playoff selections were announced one year ago, knowing full well the Bearcats would find their way into the top four. At the time, Fickell's name had come up for several openings -- including Notre Dame. I asked Fickell about how he handled other teams making overtures while he was preparing Cincinnati for the conference championship game with a potential history-making playoff spot on the line. He was honest when he said this about other teams: "Those people want to talk, they don't want to wait." Read between the lines and it is clear that Fickell perhaps had to pass up some opportunities because he wanted to be completely focused on his team heading into the conference title game, knowing what was at stake. The key difference this time around? No conference championship game.

Fickell has obviously proved himself at Cincinnati, and with a move pending to the Big 12, perhaps this feels like the right time for another coach to help lead the program through the transition to a Power 5 conference. There is little doubt he has accomplished more than any other coach at Cincinnati. He leaves as the winningest coach in school history and helped get the Bearcats in this position.

What will be Fickell's biggest challenge?

Rittenberg: Managing a roster that really wanted Jim Leonhard to get the permanent job. Leonhard is very popular with the current players, many of whom openly lobbied for him to get the job. This is the same group still feeling the shock from when Wisconsin fired Paul Chryst back in early October. The idea of an outsider coach, even a reputable one like Fickell, won't go over well with some in the locker room. Fickell also must reshape an offense that has stalled badly the past two seasons. Wisconsin needs better quarterback play and more imagination while still reflecting its core values. Fickell's offensive staff hires will be significant.

VanHaaren: Fickell needs to get the offense back on track. Quarterback play has not been good for Wisconsin, averaging just 189.5 passing yards per game, which is ranked No. 112 among all FBS teams. The Badgers are averaging 173.3 rushing yards per game as well, which puts them at No. 52 overall. The team showed this season that a good defense isn't enough and the offense needs more talent. Fickell could use the portal to aid in building what he wants, but he has had a lot of success finding some gems on the recruiting trail to develop and grow into good players, as he did with Desmond Ridder for the Bearcats. Ridder was a three-star recruit out of Kentucky in the 2017 class and ended up as a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft to the Atlanta Falcons. He'll have to replicate that type of success to get Wisconsin back on track.

Realistic expectations for Fickell over next 3-5 years?

Rittenberg: If Fickell can limit attrition and make some smart additions in the transfer portal, including at quarterback, Wisconsin should be positioned to succeed relatively soon. The team won nine games last season and has had only two full seasons with fewer than nine wins since 2014. Wisconsin has a very good foundation on defense, but the offense needs a lot of work, especially if running back Braelon Allen departs. Fickell will need at least one recruiting/transfer cycle to get things right. The question is when the Badgers can start challenging the Big Ten's elite programs again. That answer might not come for three or four years.

VanHaaren: Again, I agree with Adam. This is not a complete teardown for Fickell, because there is talent on the roster. But he needs to add the right pieces. Luckily for him, he probably has a wider reach in the transfer portal now that he is in the Big Ten and it would be wise to use that early on to get the team on track. If divisions are eliminated, it might take longer for him to get his team back in meaningful games, but I think after two seasons and some good hauls in the portal and on the recruiting trail, Fickell should have the ship headed in the right direction.

Adelson: It will be easier for Fickell to recruit to Wisconsin than to Cincinnati, so there is a huge advantage right there, but one thing we should note is the way he developed talent at a Group of 5 program that does not have the same recruiting advantages as teams in the Big Ten. He had to do less with more, and boy did he ever. From 2018 to '22, Cincinnati had 16 NFL draft picks. Wisconsin, with the power and reach of the Big Ten, had five more than that. Because of his propensity for developing tough-minded teams without top-10 recruiting classes -- and the many lessons he learned as interim coach at Ohio State -- Fickell will have Wisconsin back among the top third of the Big Ten within five years.

Grade: A

Fickell would be an "A" hire for just about any program with a coaching vacancy. Wisconsin could have gone the safe, sensible route with Leonhard, who might become an excellent head coach. But athletic director Chris McIntosh went bold with Fickell, who understands the league and can elevate the program in short order. The only concern is what happens if either of the two jobs to which Fickell has been most connected -- Ohio State and Notre Dame -- open in the next few years. But Wisconsin can't worry too much about that, as it landed an absolute home run in Fickell. -- Rittenberg

Kenny Dillingham to Arizona State

Is this a good fit?

Adam Rittenberg: After the Herm Edwards experiment failed, Arizona State needed a coach who understands its advantages and challenges, but someone who also brings perspective from other programs. Dillingham checks the boxes as an alum who has worked in the SEC, ACC and now the Pac-12 as an offensive coordinator. He's incredibly well-connected in the state recruiting scene, where Arizona State hasn't done nearly as well as it could, especially with quarterbacks. Dillingham will hire a staff with similar roots and connections, and ASU soon should keep more of the best prospects at home. His age and lack of head-coaching experience are understandable concerns, but he's a "young old guy" in a sense, given how many prominent places he has coached. Plus, ASU has a history of hiring older coaches and not getting enough out of them. Why not try a different approach?

Paolo Uggetti: The homecoming hire doesn't always work in college football (see Scott Frost below), but on paper, Dillingham has all the makings to make Arizona State, at the very least, a far more explosive program on offense than it has been in recent years. The former Oregon offensive coordinator is an Arizona native who was born in Phoenix, went to high school in Scottsdale and did his college years at ASU. Despite the Sun Devils' standing in the sport and the Pac-12, there is a sentiment that this is more of a destination job for him than most coaches because of the Arizona ties. Going from Edwards to a 32-year-old coach with an already impressive offensive résumé isn't just a refresh, it's a complete overhaul for a program that badly needs it.

Tom VanHaaren: I would echo everything that Adam and Paolo said and I would also add Arizona State can have patience with someone like Dillingham. This was a dream job for him and if they allow him to build the program he wants, this could be a long-term deal for both sides. Quarterback play is so crucial in this league and Dillingham has had a ton of success at the position, which should translate over to Arizona State. The most recent evidence is the stats put up by Bo Nix in 2021 at Auburn without Dillingham, he had 2,294 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions, completing 60.99% of his passes. This season at Oregon, playing for Dillingham, Nix has 3,388 yards, 27 touchdowns and six interceptions, completing more than 71% of his passes. Nix also has 14 rushing touchdowns this season, compared to four in 2021 for Auburn. Also, being the offensive coordinator at Oregon this past season has given Dillingham a chance to build on his relationships on the West Coast, which will benefit him greatly at Arizona State.

What will be his biggest challenge?

Rittenberg: Uncertainty surrounding the NCAA investigation and Arizona State's administrative leadership. Dillingham takes over a program unsure of what awaits with potential NCAA penalties. Athletic director Ray Anderson's future also remains in doubt. The circumstances are less than ideal for a first-time head coach who will have an inevitable learning curve. Dillingham will provide excitement, but it's more important he brings stability to a program that hasn't had much in the past year and a half. Things may get worse before they get better, and Dillingham's ability to navigate what's ahead could shape his tenure in Tempe.

Uggetti: In short: making ASU relevant again. And that begins with the offense. It could not have been pleasant for Sun Devils fans to watch Jayden Daniels not only bolt to LSU this offseason but look like a fringe Heisman contender at one point. The talent cupboard in Tempe is nearly bare, and while their in-state rivals have leaped to the top 50 in recruiting rankings for next season, ASU is closer to No. 100. From what we've seen out of a Dillingham-led offense (in part, at Auburn and most recently, at Oregon) it should be easy for him to sell talented players on playing in Tempe, but it will take some time.

VanHaaren: The NCAA investigation is definitely up there. Looking at what has happened at Arizona State over the past few seasons under Edwards, Dillingham has two big challenges. He needs to reset the organizational structure and operations within the program through his coaching staff. It was a mess under Edwards, who acted more as a delegator, and Dillingham needs to have a finger on every part of his program. The second is that Arizona State has fallen off the map in terms of relevance for recruits. USC is hot with Lincoln Riley as the head coach, Oregon has been recruiting well the past few years, Arizona has renewed excitement under Jedd Fisch and Dillingham needs to bring that back for the Sun Devils. In this current recruiting class, Arizona State has just eight total commitments and no four-stars commits. There were 17 total commitments in the 2022 cycle and just one ESPN 300 prospect. Similar numbers were there in the 2021 class, as well, with 17 total commitments and three ranked in the ESPN 300. There's no reason Dillingham and the Sun Devils can't improve the recruiting profile and the type of prospect who wants to come to Arizona State.

Realistic expectations for Dillingham over next 3-5 years?

Uggetti: Speaking of time, Dillingham is going to need it. The rebuild will not be easy. And yet, given the way the Pac-12 is (and will be with the departures of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten) there's room for a middling team or two to make a leap. There's no doubt that Dillingham will use the transfer portal wisely to get his type of player into the program right away in a similar fashion to how Lincoln Riley did it at USC. The Trojans may be a tough example to try to replicate given that Riley has quarterback Caleb Williams at his disposal, but perhaps a more realistic and apt comparison could be what coach Jonathan Smith has done at Oregon State. In a span of four years, Smith turned the 2-10 Beavers into a nine-win team. If Dillingham can achieve a similar feat in the next three to five years, the hire will be a success.

Rittenberg: The transfer portal makes it much easier to flip things, but Dillingham might focus more on truly establishing ASU in the state recruiting scene. That's the smart long-term play. ASU also must limit transfer departures and get through whatever is coming next from the NCAA. If the penalties aren't too severe, bowl appearances should be a reasonable expectation by Year 2, and the Sun Devils should then start pushing the contenders in a winnable Pac-12. Ultimately, Dillingham needs to get the program back to where Todd Graham had it before things started slipping in 2015.

VanHaaren: This doesn't need to be a quick fix given how Dillingham feels about the program and how much work needs to be done. He can take his time, make smart decisions with balancing high school prospects and the portal and try to build a foundation. He'll need to prioritize developing high school recruits, while using the portal as a band-aid rather than a long-term solution. I think he can do that, given he has coached at Oregon, Florida State, Auburn, Memphis and Arizona State all within the last eight years. He is only 32 years old and time is on his side.

Grade: B+

Dillingham will inject energy into the program and fan base. He looks at ASU as a dream job and understands the environment he's entering. But young coaches often struggle under the best of circumstances, and Arizona State's situation is far from ideal right now. Dillingham's staff and support hires will be incredibly important, especially during what could be a rocky first few seasons. -- Rittenberg

Matt Rhule to Nebraska

Is this a good fit?

Rittenberg: Nebraska needed to reclaim its identity after the messy Scott Frost era, and Rhule has the ingredients to provide what the Huskers need. Athletic director Trev Alberts has been clear that Nebraska must improve significantly along the line of scrimmage and return to its roots as a tough, run-oriented program.

Rhule's teams at Temple and Baylor reflected that approach, and his ability to change the style of play at Baylor (and, to a lesser extent, the Big 12) undoubtedly jumped out to Alberts and the Huskers brass. Nebraska needed a coach who understands some of the realities in the Big Ten and who can build a team more like Wisconsin and Iowa than Ohio State. Rhule played in the Big Ten at Penn State and embraces the traits that work in the league and that Nebraska has never fully adopted.

Rhule didn't pan out in the NFL, and some Nebraska fans may be concerned about a Bill Callahan redux (Callahan, after all, also arrived with a strong reputation for line play). But Rhule's successful college head-coaching experience makes him different. He also has worked in different regions and should help Nebraska recapture the types of players needed.

Tom VanHaaren: When Rhule was at Baylor, he was able to build a strong program without having to tap into elite talent on the recruiting trail. In the 2018 to 2020 recruiting classes, Rhule signed just eight ESPN 300 recruits at Baylor. Scott Frost signed five ESPN 300 prospects in his three most recent classes, which means Rhule will have a similar profile recruit now that he's the coach at Nebraska. He already has a blueprint for recruiting and building up a program without having access to a pipeline of talent and he can now add the transfer portal to his toolbox. His success in the past in building a program and recruiting the right players is exactly what Nebraska needs now.