College Football Coaching Shakeup: Key Moves and Changes in 2025

The 2025 college football coaching carousel has already seen significant changes, with multiple high-profile firings and hirings occurring just weeks into the season. Notably, DeShaun Foster was let go from UCLA and Brent Pry from Virginia Tech in September, setting the tone for a tumultuous coaching landscape.

As the season progressed, the momentum escalated sharply. Following Week 7, Penn State parted ways with James Franklin after the team, once seen as a contender for the national championship, sunk to a disappointing 3-3 record with three consecutive losses. Then, after Week 8, Florida dismissed Billy Napier, and the following week, Brian Kelly was also shown the door at LSU. The coaching changes reached a fever pitch as the regular season concluded, highlighted by Lane Kiffin‘s decision to leave Ole Miss for the head coaching position at LSU.

Current Vacancies and New Appointments

A number of coaching vacancies have emerged in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), alongside several new hires that aim to restore competitiveness within these programs.

James Madison recently appointed Bob Chesney as head coach, following the departure of Bob Chesney, who led the Dukes to an impressive 11-1 record and a No. 19 ranking in the final AP poll. Chesney has a distinguished coaching history, boasting a 131-51 overall record across 16 seasons.

In contrast, Mark Stoops concluded his tenure at Kentucky after 13 seasons, despite being the program’s winningest coach; his official record stands below .500 due to vacated wins. Stoops was dismissed after a disappointing 5-7 season, culminating in a humiliating 41-0 defeat to rival Louisville.

Other notable firings include Jonathan Smith at Michigan State, who was let go after two seasons following a dismal performance that saw the team suffer six consecutive losses in the Big Ten. Similarly, Tim Beck was dismissed from Coastal Carolina after the team concluded the season with a disappointing record of 6-6.

New coaching prospects are emerging as well, with Jon Sumrall taking over at Florida after a successful run at Tulane, and Alex Golesh moving from South Florida to Auburn. Golesh led the Bulls to their best record since 2017, a significant achievement that highlighted his potential as a rising star in coaching.

Impact of Coaching Changes on Programs

The rapid turnover among coaching staff has significant implications for the teams involved. UCLA made headlines by firing DeShaun Foster after just two seasons amidst a disappointing 0-3 start. In contrast, Ole Miss‘s promotion of Pete Golding from defensive coordinator to head coach aims to maintain continuity and stability within the program.

Meanwhile, LSU‘s hiring of Lane Kiffin signals a fresh start following Brian Kelly‘s tumultuous tenure. Kiffin’s recruitment comes after Kelly’s firing, which followed a series of setbacks that left the program’s championship aspirations in tatters.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the impact of these changes will resonate beyond the current season. Coaches stepping into these positions will not only shape the immediate future of their respective programs but also influence recruitment strategies and team dynamics moving forward.

With the end of the regular season approaching, all eyes will be on how these new appointments fare as they embark on the crucial recruitment period and prepare for the next season. The coaching carousel remains in full swing, and the impact on college football will be felt for years to come.