The college football coaching carousel just keeps spinning this cycle, with the latest turn being DeShaun Foster's hire at UCLA to replace Chip Kelly, who left for the offensive coordinator job at Ohio State.
The carousel provided late fireworks this offseason, including with the bombshell news of Alabama's Nick Saban riding off into retirement. After Kalen DeBoer left Washington for Tuscaloosa, former Arizona coach Jedd Fisch agreed to take over the Huskies job, with San Jose State's Brent Brennan filling the void left by Fisch. Fresh off a national championship, Jim Harbaugh left Michigan for the Los Angeles Chargers and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore was promoted to replace him.
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 can be exactly what certain programs needed.
We are here to break down the most notable new hires: how head 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 hire:
UCLA
Boston College
Michigan
Alabama
Arizona
Washington
Texas A&M
Duke
Houston
Indiana
Mississippi State
Michigan State
Northwestern
Oregon State
Syracuse
UCLA hires DeShaun Foster as its next coach
Why is this a good fit?
Adam Rittenberg: After Chip Kelly, UCLA needed a coach who really wanted to be in Westwood and would put more energy into the personnel areas that college football's current climate demands. Athletic director Martin Jarmond, in announcing Foster's hire, said he sought a coach who is "a great recruiter and fully embraces the NIL landscape to help our student-athletes." Foster, a former UCLA star who played in the NFL, witnessed the arrival of NIL and changes in recruiting as a Bruins assistant since 2017, so he takes the job while understanding the landscape, the obstacles but also the opportunity for the program to be a bigger factor in recruiting. He served as UCLA's director of player development and high school relations in 2015 before becoming an on-field assistant for Texas Tech in 2016.
As UCLA prepares for its move to the Big Ten, it needs all its most influential donors and alums on board, and Foster could be a uniting force. As a UCLA source told me last week, the team bond had remained solid during winter workouts despite the drawn-out uncertainty surrounding Kelly's next move. The reaction to Foster's hiring Monday was "ecstatic," according to the source.
What will be Foster's biggest challenge?
Paolo Uggetti: In the immediate, Foster's biggest challenge will be keeping UCLA's roster intact. All of the reasons Foster is a good fit -- his leadership qualities, playing experience and development chops -- will give him a good opportunity to do so. But as the Bruins head into the Big Ten next season, Foster & Co. will be competing against some of the top teams, coaches, NIL efforts and recruiting powerhouses in the nation, not to mention the one in their own city. As Kelly -- who had plenty of experience and gravitas on his side -- found out, building a winning program at UCLA takes a lot more than meets the eye. As a first-time head coach, Foster's learning curve could be steep. With its location, education and resources, UCLA certainly has the potential to be more than just L.A.'s other college football team. UCLA just needs someone to effectively use its advantages to attract talent -- and then develop that talent and win.
On paper, Foster appears to be well prepared as a CEO-type figure who can resonate with players and donors alike at the school where he played and already has coached. Ultimately, if it wants to succeed in the Big Ten, UCLA needs to do more than recruit players such as five-star Dante Moore into its program; it needs to keep them.
Grade: B
Rittenberg: Foster is a first-time head coach taking over UCLA at a very challenging but exciting time. Like the program itself, Foster likely will go through some bumps as he grows into the role, especially as UCLA acclimates to a new league. But he brings an energy and enthusiasm the Bruins sorely need after Kelly, and the team's personnel outlook also should improve under his watch. Under the circumstances, UCLA made a solid hire without the benefit of a truly full candidate pool.
BC to make Bill O'Brien its next coach
Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: Despite a very late coaching vacancy in Chestnut Hill, Boston College added a replacement in O'Brien who has had success leading teams from both college (Penn State) and the NFL (Houston Texans). O'Brien brings tremendous name recognition, especially in New England after two stints with the Patriots -- most recently as their offensive coordinator -- and likely can access a higher-level recruit/transfer than BC has in recent years. He also should understand the job better as a Boston area native who spent much of his early coaching career in the ACC, making stops at Georgia Tech, Duke and Maryland. Although his last two assistant stops didn't go that well, his track record as a head coach included four division titles in Houston, and consecutive bowl appearances at Penn State, despite taking over an extremely difficult situation in State College. O'Brien should provide BC a clear identity on offense and ideally produce a more entertaining brand of football.
What will be O'Brien's biggest challenge?
Andrea Adelson: The first challenge is elevating the program when the resources, facilities and budget are simply not what they are at the most competitive football schools in the ACC. The last coach to win more than seven games at Boston College was Frank Spaziani in 2009. Is Boston College capable of more? The Eagles have shown in their history that they are, but that was before budgets for football grew exponentially over the past 20 years. Now with the transfer portal and NIL, the ability to elevate is even harder. BC has an NIL pool of roughly $2 million, ranking among the bottom third of the ACC. Recruiting overlooked prospects and developing them has always been the backbone of the program, but even that has become harder because players are now being enticed to leave for greater NIL dollars at bigger programs. Former coach Jeff Hafley was constantly trying to recruit to keep his own team together, and while many of his top players stayed -- including Zay Flowers, Christian Mahogany and Thomas Castellanos -- that reality is not changing no matter who is leading the program. Then there is the specter of more realignment down the road, and where BC fits in a constantly changing landscape. BC is not an easy place to win, and any coach coming in must realize he has to do more with less to get the job done.
Grade: A-
Rittenberg: O'Brien hasn't led a college program during the NIL/transfer portal era, and faces some baked-in challenges at Boston College. But he is a proven head coach with deep ties to both the region and the city. Under these circumstances, Boston College couldn't have asked for a much better successor to Hafley.
Moore promoted to head coach at Michigan
Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: Moore established himself as one of the nation's top assistants in recent years, but last fall, he showed why he's such a great fit for Michigan. He guided the Wolverines through their toughest regular-season stretch, taking over as acting head coach for Jim Harbaugh during Harbaugh's three-game suspension related to sign-stealing accusations. Moore led the team to road wins over Penn State and Maryland and a home win over archrival Ohio State. He has grown rapidly as a playcaller and delivered excellent game plans during College Football Playoff wins over Alabama and Washington. Moore endeared himself to not only his position group (offensive line) but the entire team, and showed Michigan fans that he had the steady hand to lead amid adversity. Michigan would have had a really hard time finding a better external option than Moore, who can maintain schematic continuity and keep the roster together as much as possible. He also should be empowered to make changes in certain areas of the program.
What will be Moore's biggest challenge?
Rittenberg: No first-time head coach is ever truly ready for the opportunity, and Moore gets a massive one as he takes over a Michigan program that just won its first national title in 26 seasons. He replaces an icon in Harbaugh and could encounter unrealistic expectations for his first season, especially since he got the job so late in the calendar. Moore will need time to grow into the role, but he ultimately will be judged according to the championship standard he helped set in Ann Arbor. He will be dealing with a dramatically different roster and likely some key changes on the staff. It's a lot to throw at a young coach who had never been a coordinator until 2022.
Grade: B+
Rittenberg: Context really matters around Moore's hire. Michigan could have gone with a more established head coach, but the timing of Harbaugh's departure, the roster situation and the mood around the program all worked very much in Moore's favor. The key is how much patience Michigan has with him as he settles into a great but challenging job with the program at its highest point in a generation.
Brent Brennan from San Jose State to Arizona
Why is this a good fit?
Kyle Bonagura: Brent Brennan is well-suited to make the jump to Arizona, having spent his entire coaching career on the West Coast, and he has the necessary ties and experience to be successful. At San José State, he achieved well above the program's historical standard despite a relative lack of resources and stiff competition in the market. At Arizona, there will be similarities as the university navigates a difficult financial situation while making the jump to the Big 12, but he'll have significantly more backing than he did in San José. This is a hire that can work but I would stop short of expecting the Wildcats to regularly compete for conference titles. Brennan should have them in the mix on occasion, though, and at Arizona that's a marker for success. He's generally regarded as a players' coach, which should help with the transition.
What will be Brennan's biggest challenge?
Rittenberg: Arizona had arguably the best returning roster in the reshaped Big 12 for the 2024 season. Players were understandably surprised and stung by Jedd Fisch's departure, especially after a 10-win season and a No. 11 finish. Many players voiced their support for former defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen, not Brennan, to take over for Fisch. Brennan's best asset is a fun and engaging personality that connects well with players. He needs to immediately connect with cornerstone players such as quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and keep as much of the roster together as possible. Most of Fisch's staff will join him at Washington, so Brennan must make smart choices with his staff, and ideally retain or add coaches who have relationships with the current roster. Any conference move will bring obstacles, but Arizona is at an important moment given the recent momentum. Brennan must prevent a big drop-off.
Grade: B
Rittenberg: Brennan positioned himself well for this job the last time it opened, and now takes over a program in a healthier but more significant spot as the Big 12 transition begins. Roster retention is by far the biggest issue, and he must navigate the Big 12 move intelligently. Brennan's personality and connection to longtime Arizona coach Dick Tomey create the possibility for a long-term, successful hire after Fisch's abrupt exit. Brennan's 34-48 record doesn't jump out, but he overcame baked-in challenges at San Jose State, which should serve him well with Arizona.
Jedd Fisch agrees to deal with Washington
Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: If Washington didn't want to promote one of Kalen DeBoer's assistants as his replacement, the school needed a sitting power conference coach with the personality and savvy to steer the team toward the Big Ten while limiting the turbulence from an unexpected transition.
Fisch has been everywhere and seen everything in a career that includes stops with seven NFL teams, including the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, and college programs in four of the five major conferences. He connects well with players, boasts a large network of coaching contacts and should resonate well with a Washington donor base that just got a taste of playing for a national title. Fisch has familiarity with Seattle and the West Coast after stops at UCLA and Arizona, and the Big Ten after stops at Michigan and Minnesota.
He should continue Washington's trajectory on offense with a system catered to quarterbacks and wide receivers, and might be able to lure talented transfers from Arizona. Fisch left a potential CFP contender with Arizona and would have been in line for other higher-tier jobs. If Washington can keep him a while, the Huskies should avoid a drop-off as they prepare for the Big Ten.
What will be Fisch's biggest challenge?
Bonagura: It's fair to wonder if part of the reason Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama was that nearly all the Huskies' best players were either out of eligibility or likely headed to the NFL draft early. Then, when he left, others headed for the portal. As things sit, the roster is not constructed to compete at a high level in the Big Ten.
The first order of business is to address that, which Fisch showed he is capable of doing at Arizona. It took some time, but he had a full rebuild to do there, which is obviously not the case at Washington, which just played for a national title. It will be interesting to see how many players move with Fisch to Seattle. Quarterback Noah Fifita was set to be in the Heisman Trophy discussion after a fantastic freshman season. Does he make a similar jump to Caleb Williams, who left Oklahoma to go with Lincoln Riley to USC? Tetairoa McMillan, who had 1,402 receiving yards this past season, could help replenish a historically good Washington wideout group. Those additions along with Fisch would ease the sting in Seattle -- and add insult to injury at Arizona.
Grade: B+
Rittenberg: Fisch is an ascending coach with a virtually unmatched wealth of experience at both the college and NFL levels. He took on a much tougher task at Arizona and succeeded, and he has the personality and knowledge to reduce the upheaval of Washington's transition. The only concern here is how long he will stay. Washington can't afford another two-and-out coach, and Fisch has never stayed in one job longer than four years.
Kalen DeBoer to take over Tide
Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: DeBoer is a proven coach who has quickly shown he can win at the highest level of college football. Although he has only three total seasons in the Power 5 -- two at Washington, one as Indiana's offensive coordinator -- he hasn't flinched at all in the spotlight. He was unbeaten at Washington against ranked opponents until Monday's national championship game against Michigan. Although Alabama and the SEC represent a dramatically different challenge, DeBoer has the steady temperament and skill set to transition as well as possible. He's not Saban and he knows it, and he won't try to be anyone but himself as he fills impossibly big shoes in Tuscaloosa. After ESPN reported Saban's retirement, several knowledgeable industry sources noted that Alabama would need a different personality type to replace him and continue the program's success. DeBoer fits that, while also bringing an understanding of how to succeed in different places. The guy is 104-12 as a college coach. What's not to like?
What will be DeBoer's biggest challenge?
Rittenberg: Whoever followed Saban at Alabama would do so with the understanding that replicating Saban's success is next to impossible, especially with the transfer portal, NIL and an expanded CFP coming this season. DeBoer will be held to unrealistic expectations by Alabama fans who either don't remember or have trained themselves to forget what life was like before Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa. He has never coached south of Carbondale, Illinois, and will need to adjust to life in the SEC, especially the cutthroat recruiting landscape. DeBoer's down-to-earth personality will help him along the way, but he hasn't faced the scrutiny and criticism that likely is coming at some point. His ability to navigate those waters, make smart adjustments and stick with what got him here will shape his tenure with the Tide.
Grade: A-
Rittenberg: DeBoer is an excellent hire under the circumstances, especially as he comes off a national championship game appearance. Saban dramatically improved the Alabama job but also created unrealistic expectations for his successor. In DeBoer, Alabama lands a proven winner, but also someone with a different personality and approach than Saban who has a chance to continue the program's success in the NIL/portal era. The only concern is DeBoer's unfamiliarity with the SEC and the region.
Mike Elko to Texas A&M
Why is this a good fit?
Dave Wilson: Paying a nearly $77 million buyout to Jimbo Fisher only to hire his former defensive coordinator is certainly a choice, but the Aggies have long said they are focused on a fit rather than a splash. Elko, the 2022 ACC coach of the year after an inaugural 9-4 season at Duke, oversaw a tough defense during Fisher's best campaign at A&M in 2020. Elko also understands the landscape in College Station, especially after a Saturday night revolt against hiring Kentucky's Mark Stoops (another former Fisher DC!), and can get to work re-recruiting the roster, with several players having committed to play for him to begin with. The Aggies have the NIL money and location to attract talent. They just need a coach to mold it into a contender, which they've been seeking since R.C. Slocum last won a conference championship in 1998. And to continue the theme, Elko is the first defensive head coach the Aggies have hired since Slocum.
What will be Elko's biggest challenge?
Rittenberg: Elko doesn't look or sound like a stereotypical Texas A&M coach, but he has a chance to connect with the A&M community in ways Fisher never could. Elko must take his previous experience as D-coordinator in College Station and apply it for the future, both in what to do and what not to do. Elko is smart and savvy, and he should use the resources around A&M to rally support and figure out why a program with so many inherent advantages has had such a hard time winning consistently on the national level. His staffing will be especially important for a relatively new head coach, and he must incorporate a player development component into the recruiting process, rather than just the talent grab that seemed to sidetrack Fisher with the Aggies' roster.
Grade: B+
Rittenberg: I have always liked Elko and his approach, but time will tell if he is the right coach for Texas A&M at such a volatile moment for the program. If given the time and patience to find his way, Elko should have the Aggies closer to competing for the top of the SEC.
Manny Diaz takes over at Duke
Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: Of all the top Power 5 coordinator candidates in this coaching cycle, Diaz had arguably the best chance to move into a major conference head-coaching job. Although he did great work the past two years in the Big Ten, he's by far the most connected to the ACC, as a Florida State alum who landed his first on-field assistant job at NC State and then returned to his hometown of Miami as Hurricanes defensive coordinator, only to replace Mark Richt as head coach. Although he didn't restore Miami into a national power, he had the team bowl eligible in each of his three seasons and went 16-9 in ACC play from 2019 to 2021. Plus, Miami's issues clearly go beyond Diaz, as the uneven results under current coach Mario Cristobal have shown. Sources familiar with Duke's search said the school focused on candidates with defensive backgrounds, aiming to continue the progress under Mike Elko. Duke also wanted a coach who understood the NIL world and had been at major programs. Diaz, who has also worked at Texas, brings a nice range of experience to Durham at an important time for the program.
What will be Diaz's biggest challenge?
Adelson: Duke will always be a developmental program, finding under the radar high school players to build a foundation and then using the transfer portal to enhance the roster. Though Elko had success in two seasons, there are perhaps even bigger challenges for the Blue Devils in the portal and NIL era. All you have to do is look at quarterback Riley Leonard, whom Duke spent time and effort developing, but who is now in the portal and about to visit Notre Dame. Duke has multiple high-level players in the portal, perhaps a result of Elko leaving, so Diaz is going to have to rebuild at several key positions across the roster -- starting at defensive line, where nearly every significant contributor is gone. Elko did a nice job bringing upgrades to the football facilities, and the NIL situation is not dire by any stretch. Maximizing the talent it has and making sure to retain that talent are twin challenges at Duke.
Grade: A-
Rittenberg: In Diaz, Duke lands a coach who had success in the ACC and was only fired because Miami felt it could land a specific replacement (Cristobal). Diaz brings ACC experience from two schools -- NC State and Miami -- to Duke, and arrives after showing again why he's an elite defensive coach after two excellent seasons at Penn State. Although he hasn't worked at a school exactly like Duke, he should adjust well and gives the program a chance to continue its momentum.
Houston hires Willie Fritz
Why is this a good fit?
Wilson: Fritz has coached -- and won big -- at every level in Texas, including the high school level at Willis (near Houston) back in 1986; the junior college level, with two national titles at Blinn from 1993 to 1996; and the FCS level, with several years as an assistant coach at Sam Houston State before returning as the head coach and going 40-15. After an incredible turnaround at Tulane, he has ties in Louisiana, too, which is an important recruiting area for Houston. Fritz is highly respected as a program builder and a winner, and now at age 63, he gets a shot at a Power 5 program in a state where he already has lots of ties.
What will be Fritz's biggest challenge?
Rittenberg: Fritz must stay true to an approach that has worked at programs without Houston's inherent advantages, but also without the immediate expectations to win. He can't skip steps at UH, which has underachieved since Tom Herman left town, eclipsing eight wins only once. Fritz also must find a strong foothold in the competitive recruiting scene in and around the city of Houston, where programs both within the Big 12 and beyond devote manpower and resources. His "Plan To Win" has worked in so many different settings, but never in a power conference. Houston is still a transitioning program and there likely will be some immediate roster challenges to address. Fritz also must establish a strong relationship with super booster Tilman Fertitta and other key stakeholders around Houston.
Grade: A
Rittenberg: I never understood why major conference programs kept passing on Fritz, who nearly landed the Georgia Tech job last year. Fritz is a proven winner who has succeeded in different settings, including those in Texas, and understands the landscape and the challenges he will face. After 23 wins the past two seasons at Tulane, he should have Houston on an upward trajectory soon.
Indiana hires JMU's Cignetti
Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: Curt Cignetti is a proven winner at the college level who brings 13 years of head-coaching experience to Indiana. He seamlessly guided James Madison through its FCS-FBS transition, going 19-4 since the start of the 2022 season, and took Elon and James Madison to five straight FCS playoffs. Cignetti was at Alabama for Nick Saban's first four seasons as coach, serving as recruiting coordinator as Saban built the Tide dynasty. He also has Power 5 assistant experience at NC State and Pitt. Cignetti understands the player development component and how to be effective in the portal. With the right NIL support -- a massive factor, given what happened toward the end of Tom Allen's tenure -- he should have the Hoosiers competing in the Big Ten. The 62-year-old also could see IU as his final coaching spot and look to build a winner on his way out.
Biggest challenge
Tom VanHaaren: Cignetti is walking into a roster that already needed an infusion of talent before Allen was fired. The program has seen quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Jack Tuttle leave in the past few seasons. Tight end AJ Barner left and is having success with Michigan this season, and linebacker Dasan McCullough transferred to Oklahoma. Now, in this current offseason, Indiana has already seen 20 players enter the portal since Allen was fired. That includes offensive linemen Kahlil Benson, Carter Smith, Zach Carpenter and Matthew Bedford. It also included quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who threw 15 touchdowns this season. It is entirely possible that Cignetti could get some of these players to withdraw from the portal, but losing that many players off the roster in one offseason on a team that can't afford to lose any of its top talent is going to make this is an uphill climb. Add in the fact that USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington are joining the Big Ten next season while the conference does away with divisions and Cignetti has his work cut out for him.
Grade: A-
Rittenberg: Indiana hired a respected, veteran coach who won't flinch at some of the baked-in challenges the program faces, not having captured a conference title since 1967. Cignetti hasn't been at a Power 5 school since 2010, so there could be a bit of an adjustment period, but his knack for evaluating talent and establishing a strong identity is clear. If given enough resources, Cignetti will be able to upgrade the team's talent level and performance. Indiana must show that paying Allen's buyout ($15.5 million) isn't the endpoint of its investment for success.
Jeff Lebby to Mississippi State
Why is this a good fit?
Chris Low: After such a challenging season offensively, Mississippi State was starving for a more creative offense and, specifically, a more productive offense. Lebby has been synonymous with explosive offenses. Since becoming an offensive coordinator at the FBS level in 2019 for UCF, he has led all active O-coordinators in 50-plus point games (14). Oklahoma, Lebby's most recent employer, is ranked third nationally this season in scoring offense at 43.2 points per game. Lebby's track record in coaching quarterbacks is also a plus, with Mississippi State breaking in a new signal-caller in 2024. His previous experience at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin also should help Lebby recruit in the state. His style of offense will attract talented skill players, and Lebby has worked with an array of coaches from different backgrounds and should be able to put together a well-rounded staff.
What will be Lebby's biggest challenge?
Rittenberg: Lebby is a first-time head coach entering a challenging job in a cutthroat league. After contributing to Ole Miss' rise, he now needs to catch the Rebels and keep pace in the SEC. Lebby's offense should be a plus, both for recruits/transfers and the Mississippi State fans. But he will need a more comprehensive vision and plan to succeed in Starkville. His performance off the field will also be under the microscope. The son-in-law of disgraced former Baylor coach Art Briles, Lebby was reprimanded by Oklahoma earlier this year for having Briles on the field after a game in Sooners gear. Although Mississippi State fans widely celebrated his hire, there was some negative reaction due to his connection to Baylor and Briles.
Grade: B
Rittenberg: Lebby is a first-time head coach entering a challenging job in a cutthroat league. After contributing to Ole Miss' rise, he now needs to catch the Rebels and keep pace in the SEC. Lebby's offense should be a plus, both for recruits/transfers and the Mississippi State fans. But he will need a more comprehensive vision and plan to succeed in Starkville.
Jonathan Smith to Michigan State
Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: Smith could become the offensive version of Mark Dantonio, whose consistent success at Michigan State remains the model for any future Spartans coach. Like Dantonio, Smith has a keen eye for under-the-radar talent and understands the player development piece. Smith also has won at a program often viewed in its rival's shadow at Oregon State. Smith's pro-style offense attracted DJ Uiagalelei to transfer to Oregon State, and it will appeal to quarterbacks both in high school and in the portal. Michigan State will have clear schematic identities on both sides of the ball. Smith isn't about fluff, and his approach should resonate well at a program that needs stability and a defined vision.
What will be Smith's biggest challenge?
VanHaaren: Smith needs to rebuild Michigan State's entire identity. The Spartans had typically been a tough-nosed defensive team that would wear down opponents, but there was no sign of that team this season. Michigan State ranks No. 81 among all FBS teams in yards allowed per game, No. 68 in rush yards allowed and No. 85 in pass yards allowed. There wasn't anything the Spartans could hang their hat on, and Smith is going to have to start by retooling the roster. On offense, Michigan State needs help up front along the offensive line and should look to add as many playmakers as it can. The team ranked 128th in yards per game this season, and the way the transfer portal works, Smith might be able to find a quarterback to add to the competition and help the coach build the identity that he wants in East Lansing.
Grade: A
Rittenberg: Although Smith, 44, hasn't coached outside the Northwest, he gives Michigan State one of the more respected young coaches on the market, at a critical time for the program. Given the unrest around MSU, athletic director Alan Haller did an excellent job in targeting and ultimately landing a coach of Smith's caliber.
David Braun gets full-time job at Northwestern
Why is this a good fit?
VanHaaren: Braun has only been in the program since January, but he has an idea of what it takes to have success in Evanston, Illinois, in terms of building the roster. The proof is in the stats and what the players are saying about Braun after this season, as well. He was able to take a team that went 1-11 last year and saw coach Pat Fitzgerald get fired over the summer to a 7-5 record and a bowl game. The team was much improved under Braun, and his players have spoken about how much they trust him and how they believe he's the right guy for the job.
What will be Braun's biggest challenge?
Rittenberg: There's still a lot of uncertainty at Northwestern, from university and athletic department leadership to where the team will play games the next two seasons as Ryan Field is rebuilt. Braun has established a great rapport with the team and must limit portal exits, as Northwestern's admissions policy limits how many transfers can be added. He also needs to reshape the philosophy on offense, which had lagged significantly under his predecessor and could use a makeover. But the biggest obstacle will be no true home games until 2026.
Grade: B+
Rittenberg: Under the circumstances, Northwestern made the right hire and arguably the only hire that could keep the roster united. Braun will have some growing pains; he had never worked at a Power 5 program before joining Northwestern's staff as defensive coordinator in January. But his authenticity, relationship building and willingness to learn should serve him well, especially over the next two campaigns.
Syracuse turns to Fran Brown
Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: Syracuse ultimately needs to recruit and retain better players to compete in the ACC. Brown's recruiting prowess, especially in the Northeast, is undeniable and even headlined Syracuse's announcement of his hiring. He and his staff should upgrade the talent at a program where some recruiting streams have largely dried up. Brown has strong relationships with high school coaches and will need no introduction to the region and both its advantages and challenges. Syracuse ultimately needs to make the transfer portal a net neutral, rather than a negative, as it has been lately. Brown should help the school's overall personnel operation, especially if he can get help with NIL and other areas.
What will be the biggest challenge?
Adelson: Adam brings up two great points that will be the biggest challenges: stepping up NIL, and staffing. These were two critical areas that left former coach Dino Babers frustrated at times. Syracuse simply does not have the NIL structure in place right now that is competitive with schools in its own conference, let alone other programs across the country. It is why the program has lost top-tier talent to other Power 5 schools in recent years, including Duce Chestnut (LSU), Ja'Had Carter (Ohio State) and Jatius Geer (South Carolina) just to name a few. Athletic director John Wildhack seemed to dismiss that during a news conference last week, but being competitive in NIL is something Brown must get right, or he will find himself in the same situation as Babers. As for staffing, Syracuse must step up its salary pool to not only attract elite assistants, but to keep them. Babers faced staff attrition at times because assistants were leaving for programs that could pay them more.
Grade: C
Rittenberg: Brown's hire came as a surprise, as Syracuse had spoken to candidates with head-coaching and coordinator experience, including some currently overseeing college programs. Selecting a candidate best known for recruiting can carry risks, and Brown will face a learning curve as he oversees a Power 5 program after being a career defensive backs coach. His hires for on-field assistants and support staff will be especially critical.
Oregon State promotes DC Trent Bray
Why is this a good fit?
Bonagura: This is all about stabilization. Oregon State has been headed in the right direction for years under Jonathan Smith, and despite Smith's offensive background, a lot of the recent success has been due to its defense. Over the past two seasons, the Beavers have ranked No. 2 in the Pac-12 in scoring defense (20.72 points per game), and a bowl win would equal the program's best-ever win total over a two-year period (19). As the defensive coordinator, Bray obviously deserves a lot of the credit.
With the Beavers headed into an unprecedented period in which they are without conference, OSU athletic director Scott Barnes was well-served to (1) stick with what's working and (2) hire a coach that will limit the possibility of a mass exodus in the transfer portal. Bray checks those boxes and, as an alum, is someone the fan base can easily rally behind during this tumultuous period for the team, athletic department and, really, the university.
What will be Bray's biggest challenge?
Rittenberg: Navigating the uncertain road ahead in Corvallis as Oregon State figures out its conference affiliation, financial and staffing structure, schedule and other macro elements. Although Bray knows the program well as a former player and a two-time assistant, he has only seen Oregon State as a Pac-10/Pac-12 member, firmly in a power conference. Bray must do his best to keep the current roster together and provide as many firm answers as he can to recruits, transfers and their families. Smith took many of Oregon State's top staff members with him to Michigan State, so Bray will face some very important choices with his coordinators, position coaches and support staff.
Grade: B+
Rittenberg: I should have viewed Bray as a stronger candidate to replace Smith right away, given Bray's deep roots with the program, his ability to maintain continuity and his popularity with Oregon State fans. He will be a first-time head coach at a very delicate time in the program's history. There could be a steep learning curve, but Bray, like Smith, understands the program and its distinct elements and challenges as well as anyone.