James Franklin’s midseason dismissal from Penn State has created one of eight current head coaching vacancies in FBS college football.
The coaching changes could set off a domino effect of moves across the Power Four conferences.
Openings at Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Oregon State, and Alabama-Birmingham are also ranked based on their appeal.
James Franklin’s surprising midseason dismissal at Penn State leaves eight college football openings in the Bowl Subdivision, with many more set to open in what is shaping up to be one of the wildest coaching carousels in recent history.
Depending on where the Nittany Lions go in their search, Franklin’s replacement could trigger a domino effect that results in corresponding moves across the Power Four. Likewise with the opening at Arkansas, currently the only unfilled position in the SEC.
There is currently at least one opening in each of the Power Four leagues. For now, Penn State easily represents the most appealing open destination in the FBS and will draw the most impressive pool of candidates.
USA TODAY Sports ranks the current FBS openings based on appeal and the chance for immediate and sustained success:
1. Penn State
Excepting the COVID-19 season, Penn State hasn’t posted a losing finish since 2004. While his tenure imploded in the past three weeks, Franklin built a program capable of competing for national championships and will leave a foundation for immediate success. The Nittany Lions have an enviable recruiting base, nearly unmatched support and the resources to stand atop the FBS.
2. Arkansas
Arkansas will fall down the list of SEC openings once Florida becomes available, for one, and there’s always the chance that Auburn follows suit. This is not an easy place to win by any means — the Razorbacks have totaled more than eight victories just once since 2011 — but the draw of the SEC will entice a strong list of candidates looking for an entry point into college football’s best conference.
3. UCLA
UCLA has financial constraints that will essentially exclude established and successful Power Four head coaches from anything more than casual consideration. In the best-case scenario, the Bruins land a proven head coach with questionable job security who is looking for a soft landing spot in the Big Ten. One coach who might fit the bill is Franklin, who would come at a relative discount because of the exorbitant buyout due to him from Penn State.
4. Virginia Tech
After swinging and missing on a first-time head coach in Brent Pry, the Hokies’ search for a program-wide reboot should lead to a focus on more experienced candidates. While landing Shane Beamer is unrealistic barring a second-half collapse at South Carolina, the program can tout the athletics department’s renewed financial commitment and an easier pathway to the College Football Playoff coming out of the ACC.
5. Oklahoma State
This is maybe the most unique opening in the Power Four given how Mike Gundy stood as the face of Oklahoma State football for well over two decades. The school could opt to go in an entirely new direction and lean toward a defense-oriented coach such as Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who was an assistant at the school, or maintain an offense-driven path with a candidate such as North Texas coach Eric Morris.
6. Stanford
A recent $50 million donation earmarked for the football program does make Stanford at least somewhat more appealing to candidates who might otherwise be intimidated by four factors: the long travel as members of the ACC, hurdles in recruiting and talent retention, difficulties in managing the portal and the hard work needed to build an unimpressive roster. Working with general manager Andrew Luck is a draw, though, and David Shaw proved not too long ago that you can win and win consistently with the Cardinal.
7. Oregon State
Oregon State will be part of the new-look Pac-12 next season, bringing some stability to one of the most unstable situations in the FBS. This is clearly an opening destined to be filled by either a sitting Group of Five coach or one of the top Power Four assistants working in the Beavers’ general footprint. The school could also evaluate recently fired coaches looking to get back on the sideline in the same way UNLV pounced on Dan Mullen this past hiring cycle.
8. Alabama-Birmingham
UAB finally jettisoned Trent Dilfer, but the damage is already done. The Blazers’ decline over the past three seasons after the departure of Bill Clark makes this a much less appealing position overall, though the opening will be slightly more tempting given the program’s move to the American in 2023.
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