Who are the Hot New CFB Coaching Candidates

[sushihorn 3249]

On 11/19/2018 at 3:03 PM, LTbear said:

Colorado fans are very high on offering JL.

 

[LTtxfan 50000]

Here's an OLD Hot Coach.... 🤣 

Why people are talking about Mack Brown to UNC — wait, what?

Yeah, this is a real rumor right now!

Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora is 5-17 in his last two seasons in Chapel Hill, and despite the support of his peers could still be fired after Saturday’s game vs. NC State.

UNC has a lot of upside and a lot of names attached. Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and App State head coach Scott Satterfield are two to watch. There’s no reason a Mark Stoops-style slow build couldn’t work here.

But Brown? Yeah, the 67-year-old national title winner at Texas, retired since 2013, is a name floating around boosters at UNC. Given that Brown is second all-time in program wins at North Carolina (he coached the Heels from 1988-’97), this isn’t quite as strange as Les Miles to Kansas, but the style (and age) of Brown is at odds with the desire among UNC insiders to get “younger and cooler,” per one source.

[LTtxfan 50000]

SBNATION.....

Why James Franklin is an early name for USC

The industry consensus is that Clay Helton will be fired if the Trojans lose to undefeated Notre Dame on Saturday. Penn State head coach James Franklin’s name is the most prominent in early speculation about replacements.

We’re told this isn’t Franklin’s camp stoking the fire.

He fits the intangible needs people in the industry think USC needs: he’s media savvy and could stand out in the Pac-12 as an aggressive personality, had some Los Angeles recruiting experience for Washington State and Kansas State, and has already repaired a national brand that had far more significant damage.

It’s not that Franklin wouldn't listen if it came to it (he would), but right now the conversation is more armchair AD’ing than actual engagement. And for what it’s worth, Franklin, a Pennsylvania native, labored over the decision to leave Vanderbilt for Happy Valley in 2013.

There’s also the matter of Helton’s fate not being certain. If USC were to upset the Irish, AD Lynn Swann could likely rally support behind a coach who won the conference in 2017 and the Rose Bowl a year prior.

Helton would likely have to make more staff changes. He has already made some, like effectively demoting offensive coordinator Tee Martin by taking play-calling duties away and firing long-time friend Neil Callaway. It remains unclear if the moves were made directly by Helton on his own or at Swann’s behest.

[LTtxfan 50000]

Wonder why Chris Klieman  NDSU doesn't draw more attention for other new jobs??

 

"It's expected that  KState will go after Klieman.....  if Snyder retires. Current  Wildcats athletic director, former North Dakota State AD Gene Taylor was the former AD at  NDSU  and left in 2014......... 

Klieman, with three Division I FCS national championships in four years with the Bison and a better-than-average shot at another with his current team 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in the country, might become the rare FCS coach who makes the jump to a Power Five conference. Kansas State is a member of the Big 12. The Bison defeated Kansas State to start the 2013 season when Klieman was NDSU's defensive coordinator.

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McFeely: If Kansas State job opens, NDSU football coach Klieman will be top candidate

By Mike McFeely on Nov 14, 2018 at 8:30 p.m.

FARGO — It appears there will be a mess in Manhattan, Kan., home of Kansas State University and its fine football program.

Bill Snyder is the 79-year-old coach of the Wildcats who some say has overstayed his time on the sidelines. Kansas State has fallen into mediocrity the last several seasons and there are those who want Snyder to ride off quietly into an ambassador's role.

It's unlikely this will happen, because Snyder is a proud, stubborn and powerful man. If Snyder does not want to resign to make room for new blood, he will not. And the Wildcats athletic director, former North Dakota State AD Gene Taylor, cannot fire Snyder. The stadium in which Kansas State plays is named Bill Snyder Family Stadium, and you can't fire legends who've received such honors.

The battle's flashpoint seems to be Snyder's successor. The coach, it's believed, wants his son Sean, a longtime assistant, named to succeed him. Taylor, it's been reported, has no interest in that plan. He wants to hire his own coach. The fear in Manhattan is that Snyder will make his retirement a protracted, behind-the-scenes scrum contingent on his son getting the job.

This matters in North Dakota today not because of Taylor, who left NDSU in 2014, although he's certainly part of the intrigue. No, it matters because if Snyder decides to retire and his son does not succeed him, NDSU head coach Chris Klieman will immediately become a leading candidate to be the next head coach as Kansas State.

Edited November 21, 2018 by LTtxfan

[LTtxfan 50000]

Report: Texas Tech AD could turn to Brent Venables if Kliff Kingsbury is out

By Bryan FischerNov 22, 2018,

The hot seats are extra toasty this Thanksgiving weekend as several head coaches around the country will be fighting for a win to save their jobs. One such coach in the crosshairs is likely Texas Tech’s Kliff Kingsbury, who kept his job last season with a late rally but suddenly finds himself right back in the same fight with his team on a four-game losing streak.

Though things were looking promising for the Red Raiders a few months ago, injuries to QB Alan Bowman has allowed the program to slide back to mediocrity and they need a win against Baylor at AT&T Stadium on Saturday just to make a bowl game in 2018. While some athletic directors tend to stick to just the standard boilerplate statements at this time of the year, Red Raiders boss Kirby Hocutt did not hold back on the state of the program on his weekly spot on a local Lubbock radio station.

“We’ve talked on this show about our expectations and where we aspire to be and wanting to be relevant. But you are what your record says you are and we’re not where we expect to be,” Hocutt said, according to the Dallas Morning News. You know, football is the ultimate team sport. You have 11 men on the field and you’re only going to be as successful as each individual executes their responsibility. Unfortunately, we just seem to continue to have lapses in focus, lack of discipline at certain times. Those mistakes, those penalties continue to affect us and the success we’re not experiencing right now.”

Needless to say, that’s not exactly any sort of rousing bit of support for the job Kingsbury has been doing. While it remains to be seen if Tech would dismiss their head coach — a successful alum of the program, it should be noted — speculation is already turning toward who might be in line for the job if it comes open.

Per Austin American-Statesman columnist Kirk Bohls: 

 

Kirk Bohls ✔@kbohls

I'll be very surprised if Kliff Kingsbury survives this season at Texas Tech. Source tells me if he's fired, Tech will look seriously at Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

It’s not entirely surprising to hear that Hocutt could go after Brent Venables considering the two played football together at Kansas State. The Clemson defensive coordinator will likely be in the running for the Wildcats job it that also comes open this offseason and he is certainly no stranger to the Big 12 given the many years he spent at Oklahoma before taking the gig with the Tigers.

Who knows what Hocutt will end up doing over the coming days but it does seem pretty clear that all the parties involved in this one will have plenty of options over the coming weeks.

Edited November 23, 2018 by LTtxfan

[Mileslong 4810]

Jason Candle would be a lights out hire for Texas tech, they could wax a lot of teams and I’m not just blowing smoke

[LTtxfan 50000]

Penn State coach James Franklin isn’t doing much to quiet rumors that his future could lie away from Happy Valley.

Franklin dodged a question on Tuesday about his future at Penn State, saying he was “focused on Maryland” and dismissing one reporter’s query.  

Josh Moyer@ByJoshMoyer

 

Love this exchange earlier on the Big Ten coaches teleconference:

 

5:39 PM - Nov 20, 2018

 

 

That non-answer comes amid rumors that Franklin has been floated by several national media figures as a potential candidate for the USC 

Edited November 23, 2018 by LTtxfan

[Tony Two K 605]

I’m hearing Jack Del Rio and Jeff Fisher.

[F250 29200]

On 11/19/2018 at 1:38 PM, Rollo Tomassi said:

I think the North Texas coach is a hot commodity.

Seth Littrell

The man is a talented coach. He turned around a horrible UNT team and UNC turned to dog shit after he left. He probably needs another year in Denton before the big programs make a move on him.

 

 

[LTtxfan 50000]

23 minutes ago, F250 said:

The man is a talented coach. He turned around a horrible UNT team and UNC turned to dog shit after he left. He probably needs another year in Denton before the big programs make a move on him.

 

 

Inside Texas has said Littrell is a favorite at UNC if TECH doesn't interview him (assuming TECH job does open up).  Also rumored that Hocutt might pursue Brent Venables for TECH job since Hocutt & Venables played football together at KState......

[Nivek 17409]

Garrett

[mulletpelini 5225]

Exactly right.

[LTtxfan 50000]

Wonder if OC at Okie Lite gets interviews as a HC??  Okie Lite makes some of the best in game adjustments.....

Mike Yurcich

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR / QUARTERBACKS

 

https://okstate.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1552

[Bill Lumbergh 7351]

On 11/22/2018 at 7:11 PM, Mileslong said:

Jason Candle would be a lights out hire for Texas tech, they could wax a lot of teams and I’m not just blowing smoke

[LTtxfan 50000]

Hot Head Coach candidate Jimmy Lake will get lots of attention.....

Afterward, Huskies defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake leteveryone know — again — just how little he thinks of Washington State’s offensive system.

“We know what type of offense we’re playing,” said Lake, who has made a tradition of mocking Mike Leach’s Air Raid scheme after each of these Apple Cup drubbings. “They do the same thing, year in and year out. This is five years in a row now, so it makes it real easy to game plan when an offense does the same thing every year.

“Obviously now with the conditions, and they only can do one thing, that probably handcuffs you a little bit. It was definitely to our advantage, and we took advantage of it.”

Washington State’s offense, he said, looked the same as it did in each of the previous four matchups, all of which were decided by at least 18 points.

“Exactly the same,” Lake said. “It makes it real easy forus. Next year, maybe he’ll throw a little curveball. But it makes it very easy when you know what you’re going to get, so it’s awesome.”

And in one more shot at Leach, Lake remarked, “In what I read about the head football coach here, he does things a bit different way. Hopefully, he remains here for a longtime.”

Edited November 24, 2018 by LTtxfan

[Bill Lumbergh 7351]

9 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

Hot Head Coach candidate Jimmy Lake will get lots of attention.....

Afterward, Huskies defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake leteveryone know — again — just how little he thinks of Washington State’s offensive system.

“We know what type of offense we’re playing,” said Lake, who has made a tradition of mocking Mike Leach’s Air Raid scheme after each of these Apple Cup drubbings. “They do the same thing, year in and year out. This is five years in a row now, so it makes it real easy to game plan when an offense does the same thing every year.

“Obviously now with the conditions, and they only can do one thing, that probably handcuffs you a little bit. It was definitely to our advantage, and we took advantage of it.”

Washington State’s offense, he said, looked the same as it did in each of the previous four matchups, all of which were decided by at least 18 points.

“Exactly the same,” Lake said. “It makes it real easy forus. Next year, maybe he’ll throw a little curveball. But it makes it very easy when you know what you’re going to get, so it’s awesome.”

And in one more shot at Leach, Lake remarked, “In what I read about the head football coach here, he does things a bit different way. Hopefully, he remains here for a longtime.”

I like Leach and think uw lucked out a bit with the weather, but that's some quality rivalry coach smack right there. 

He has owned Leach every time they've played and has a right to mock his approach until Leach shuts him up. 

If he's actually just that good at scheming this offense, he should be high on every big 12 school's candidate list.  Our air raids have morphed a lot, but they're rooted in Leach's offense and he defends it as well as I've seen. 

[torre 1298]

13 minutes ago, Bill Lumbergh said:

I like Leach and think uw lucked out a bit with the weather, but that's some quality rivalry coach smack right there. 

He has owned Leach every time they've played and has a right to mock his approach until Leach shuts him up. 

If he's actually just that good at scheming this offense, he should be high on every big 12 school's candidate list.  Our air raids have morphed a lot, but they're rooted in Leach's offense and he defends it as well as I've seen. 

Lake has a nice resume.  "talk the talk, walk the walk"

 

  • 2018 – Washington – Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
• 2016-2017 – Washington – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
• 2014-2015 – Washington – Defensive Backs
• 2012-2013 – Boise State – Defensive Backs/Passing Game Coordinator
• 2010-2011 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Defensive Backs
• 2008 – Detroit Lions – Defensive Backs
• 2006-2007 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Assistant Defensive Backs Coach
• 2005 – Montana State – Secondary
• 2004 – Washington – Defensive Backs
• 2000-2003 – Eastern Washington – Secondary
• 1999 – Eastern Washington – Undergraduate Assistant

https://gohuskies.com/coaches.aspx?rc=2951&path=football

[LTtxfan 50000]

Matt Rhule still seems destined for a better job..... If Baylor Wins today making them bowl eligible, maybe he feels like he's fulfilled his calling there and listens to new job offers???

Edited November 24, 2018 by LTtxfan

[Bill Lumbergh 7351]

Just now, LTtxfan said:

Matt Rhule still seems destined for a better job..... If Baylor Wins today and making them bowl eligible, maybe he feels like he's fulfilled his calling there and listens to new job offers???

He's a different guy.  Go read his interview about why he took Baylor.

I don't think he'll stay there forever, but I think he'll stay until they're better than they are now. 

[DeadArmadillo 907]

On 11/22/2018 at 7:11 PM, Mileslong said:

Jason Candle would be a lights out hire for Texas tech, they could wax a lot of teams and I’m not just blowing smoke

Tech might finally see a light at the end of the tunnel 

[LTtxfan 50000]

6 minutes ago, Bill Lumbergh said:

He's a different guy.  Go read his interview about why he took Baylor.

I don't think he'll stay there forever, but I think he'll stay until they're better than they are now. 

I have read it, but might be time to go to next "calling" situation....

If the Pedo State coach goes to USC, Rhule will consider PedoState job....

 

Edited November 24, 2018 by LTtxfan

[UTDD 362]

I personally like Lake trash talking from a competitive standpoint, but if I am an AD looking for a new coach to lead a program/national brand, I might pause if that is a consistent style towards opponents.

[LTtxfan 50000]

59 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

Matt Rhule still seems destined for a better job..... If Baylor Wins today making them bowl eligible, maybe he feels like he's fulfilled his calling there and listens to new job offers???

Maryland or Pedo State (if it opens) make some sense for Matt Rhule.....

Edited November 24, 2018 by LTtxfan

[LTtxfan 50000]

Jeff Brohm says Purdue 'is where I want to be' amid Louisville rumors (ESPN)

Purdue coach Jeff Brohm reaffirmed his commitment to the Boilermakers on Saturday despite being mentioned as a leading candidate for the coaching vacancy at Louisville, his alma mater.

"I want Louisville to do what's best for them," Brohm said after Purdue's 28-21 win at Indiana, which made the Boilers bowl-eligible at 6-6. "I'm a fan. But right now, I'm the coach at Purdue. This is where I want to be and I like it here."

Brohm has been mentioned as Louisville's top choice to replace Bobby Petrino, who was fired Nov. 11 after the team's 2-8 start. Brohm grew up in Louisville, played quarterback for the Cardinals and attended the same high school as Louisville athletic director Vince Tyra. Brohm's father, Oscar, and younger brother, Brian, also both played quarterback at Louisville.

Brohm called the reports linking him to Louisville "pure speculation" and said he has talked with Purdue players about the situation and "will continue to be honest with my team."

Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore told Rivals.com that Brohm told the team "there's nothing to worry about" regarding his future.

Brohm is 13-12 in two seasons at Purdue and 43-22 overall as an FBS coach

 

(Backup Plan???? .Neal Brown, a Danville native and former walk-on wide receiver at rival Kentucky, would fit almost everything U of L wants in Brohm, aside from the hometown ties.)

Edited November 24, 2018 by LTtxfan

[Thetexashammer 1062]

I've been to West Lafayette, Indiana. Ain't nobody wants to be in West Lafayette, Indiana.

[LTtxfan 50000]

https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/11/26/18108790/coaching-search-news-rumors-texas-tech-unc-louisville-maryland-colorado

Holgo maybe at Tech.....

Edited November 27, 2018 by LTtxfan

[TreatyOak 17370]

I know of another available coach: 

[Moby Ric 2058]

I hear Matt Wells is the next Saban.

[LTtxfan 50000]

 

[LTtxfan 50000]

https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/College-football-best-young-coaches-30under30-151573416/

College football's rising stars: The 30Under30 for 2020

ByCHRIS HUMMER 119 minutes ago

There were plenty of future stars on 247Sports’ 30Under30 list when it debuted in 2017.

Kenny Dillingham has risen from Memphis’ 27-year-old tight ends coach to Florida State’s offensive coordinator. Glenn Schumann has gone from 27-year-old linebacker coach to Georgia’s co-defensive coordinator. Indiana's Nick Sheridan was a 29-year-old quaterbacks coach back then and is now the Hoosiers’ offensive coordinator.

But it’s the last name on that 2017 list – alphabetically – who’s made the fastest rise to head coach: Scotty Walden.

Southern Miss promoted the now 30-year-old Walden to interim head coach last week following the resignation of head coach Jay Hopson. Whether Walden will keep the full-time job is to be determined, but he’ll be the head coach for the 11 remaining games on the Golden Eagles’ schedule.

It’s fast risers in the industry like Walden that 247Sports aims to annually identify. 247Sports’ goal with the 30Under30 series is to find the next group of college football coaching stars. We cast a wide net to do so, canvassing coaches and many other contacts to find 30 of the best young minds in the sport. That group will include a handful of off-field personnel, either those who work on the recruiting side of things or the GAs and analysts we believe are will be future impact coaches. 

In the end, Barton Simmons, Steve Wiltfong and I whittled the list down to 30 following a months-long process. In order to bring some fresh blood to the list, 247Sports limited returning honorees to five, most of whom earned a promotion this offseason.

These are college football’s rising stars for 2020, with names listed in alphabetical order:

 

Thomas Arends, Oregon, Director of Player Personnel (29): The Ducks have gone from dormant power to Pac-12 favorite under Mario Cristobal’s direction, and the recruiting department is a huge reason why. Arends helps lead a recruiting outfit that’s produced back-to-back No. 1 overall classes in the Pac-12, including a 2019 group that finished seventh nationally, the best class in Oregon history. Before returning to his alma mater – Arends started his career as associate director of player personnel under Chip Kelly – Arends worked at Baylor. He helped the Bears put together their 2018 class, which finished 29th nationally despite some difficult circumstances as a program.

Ishmael Aristide, Texas A&M, Defensive Analyst (29): Take a look at any member of Texas A&M's 2020 recruiting class, and there's a pretty good bet Aristide had a role in helping to land that player. Considered an elite recruiter, Aristide aided the Aggies' pursuit of players like Donell Harris and one of the deepest defensive back classes in the country. He's also been a big asset for Texas A&M's defensive back room, working alongside defensive coordinator Mike Elko. Aristide came to College Station from Ole Miss, where he served as a senior defensive analyst from 2017 to 2019. Before arriving in Oxford, he was a GA at Auburn. The former Purdue Boilermaker is someone we expect to have an on-field role sooner rather than later. Those around the Aggie program are very high on him. 

Keenan Bailey, Ohio State, Quality Control Coach (25): Last year, Corey Dennis made this list in the role Bailey now occupies. Considering Dennis is now Ohio State's QB coach, it's a good place to be. Bailey had a few on-field offers this offseason but turned them down to remain on Ryan Day’s staff for another season. He previously worked with Ohio State’s receivers – both as a GA and quality control coach – and transitioned to quarterbacks this offseason. One Buckeye source said of Bailey: “He will be the next guy to get a big job from Ohio State.” Bailey started his career at Notre Dame, where he was a recruiting analyst for two years.

John David Baker, USC, Tight Ends Coach (29): Clay Helton elevated Baker to tight ends coach this offseason after he spent 2019 as an offensive quality control coach. Baker came to Los Angeles from North Texas, where he served as a QC for three seasons under current Trojan offensive coordinator Graham Harrell. Baker, a former Abilene Christian quarterback, helped USC land top tight end target Lake McRee from Austin, Texas. Watch for Baker to emerge as one of the better young offensive coaches in CFB the next few years.

Tyler Bolfing, Louisiana-Monroe, Quarterbacks Coach (27): The ULM tight ends room took a big step forward a season ago under Bolfing’s direction with Josh Pederson breaking out as an all-conference performer after catching 567 yards and nine touchdowns, both program records for a tight end. Bolfing, a former starting QB at McNeese State, earned a promotion to QB coach this offseason. Previously, Bolfing served as McNeese’s tight end coach (2018) and a GA at ULM from 2016-17. A few coaches in C-USA have pointed to Bolfing as a future star.

Adam Breneman, Graduate Assistant, Arizona State (25): A former top 50 recruit and an All-American tight end for UMass, Breneman has quickly transitioned to the coaching ranks following his playing career. Breneman joined Arizona State’s staff this offseason, and he’s established himself as a key piece for the Sun Devil operation. Breneman has been a standout recruiter also coaches the team’s tight ends. Said head coach Herm Edwards of Breneman: “We don’t want to lose him now.”

Terrence Brown, Washington, Defensive Backs Coach (29): Brown is back where he started his coaching career, rejoining the Huskies following a two-year stint as Vanderbilt’s cornerbacks coach. While in Nashville, Brown mentored 2019 second-round pick Joejuan Williams. A former Stanford cornerback, Brown spent three seasons from 2015-17 as a graduate assistant working with the Huskies secondary. In that time, he worked with future NFL players like Kevin King, Budda Baker, Byron Murphy and Taylor Rapp. 

Kevin Cummings, San Jose State, Wide Receivers Coach (29): Few position groups have seen more growth over the last few seasons than San Jose State’s wide receivers. The Spartans ranked 87th nationally in passing yards per game in 2017 when Cummings took over the position group. Last year, San Jose State finished fourth nationally with a pair of all-conference wide receivers helping to lead the way. That group included Tre Walker, who caught 79 passes for 1,161 yards. He’s a potential draft pick in 2021.

Siriki Diabate, Middle Tennessee, Linebackers Coach (29): A former captain at Syracuse, Diabate joined the coaching ranks immediately upon graduation. He earned his first on-field role at Colgate as a 24-year-old, and in the years since he’s done internships with the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys along with a short stint as an analyst at Notre Dame. Since 2017, he’s coached Middle Tennessee’s linebackers, a run that’s seen him develop a trio of all-conference players (Darius Harris, Khalil Brooks, DQ Thomas). 

Corey Dennis, Ohio State, Quarterbacks Coach (27): In need of a replacement for the departing Mike Yurcich, head coach Ryan Day tabbed Dennis as the team’s next QB coach. Dennis had spent the previous five seasons in Columbus as an off-field assistant, largely working as Day’s right-hand man and tutoring quarterbacks. “He’s like my personal QB coach when Coach Day is not around,” Dwayne Haskins said in 2018. Now, Dennis takes over a QB room that includes Justin Fields and 2020 five-star CJ Stroud. Dennis is on a quick coordinator track.

Sean Duggan, Boston College, Linebackers Coach (27): Duggan got his FBS coaching start early, landing on Hawaii’s staff in 2016 as linebacker coach just two years removed from his Boston College playing career. Duggan spent two seasons with the Warriors, coaching first-team All-Mountain West selection Jahalani Tavai and future Denver Bronco Jerrol Garcia-Williams. Duggan joined the UMass staff for the 2018 season before moving on to Ohio State as a grad assistant in 2019. Now, he’s back home in Chestnut Hill with Jeff Hafley bringing him to Boston College from Ohio State. 

Deonte Gibson, Akron, Outside Linebackers (27): Gibson made his on-field debut a season ago for Eastern Illinois, coaching a defensive line that produced an all-conference performer (Terrell Greer) and aiding a defense that finished in the top 30 nationally defensively. Gibson, a former All-Big Ten player for Northwestern, started his career with the Wildcats as a GA in 2017 and 2018. Gibson was always considered a future coach by the Northwestern staff. Said Pat Fitzgerald of Gibson earlier this offseason: “Deonte is a great teacher and … a relentless recruiter.”

Kenny Guiton, Colorado State, Wide Receivers Coach (29): Guiton has already moved across the coaching map despite being only 29 years of age. He spent two seasons at Houston (2017-18), where he coached all-AAC wide receivers Marquez Stevenson and Steven Dunbar. Last year, he had a pair of All-Conference USA honorable mention honorees (Adrian Hardy, Malik Stanley) as the wide receiver coach for a Louisiana Tech team that finished with 10 wins for the first time in decades. Now, the former Ohio State quarterback has joined Steve Addazio at Colorado State.

Harrison Green, FIU, Special Teams Coordinator (29): Green moved back FIU this offseason following a two-year stint with Johns Hopkins. While in Baltimore, Green served as defensive coordinator during a 2019 season in which the Blue Jays surrendered just 17.8 points per game in route to a 12-2 record and a conference championship. The year prior, he was the team’s special teams coordinator for a Blue Jay group that reached the NCAA semifinals for the first time. Green last worked at FIU in 2017 as a GA when he coached the team's safeties during a then program-best eight-win season. Green is a Penn State grad and got his start in coaching as a recruiting assistant for Bill O’Brien.

Chris Hawkins, Arizona State, Cornerbacks Coach (25): Described as a “no-brainer” for this list by head coach Edwards, Hawkins has lit it up as a recruiter early in his tenure with Arizona State. Hawkins helped land a trio of four-star prospects thus far, and he has the Sun Devils in the mix for some high-profile targets. Hawkins came to ASU from USC, where he served as a graduate assistant in 2019 following a decorated playing career in Los Angeles.

Zach Kittley, Houston Baptist, Offensive Coordinator (29): You may have missed it, but FCS Houston Baptist nearly upset Texas Tech last week on the road. A big reason why is the 567 yards quarterback Bailey Zappe tossed. One week earlier, he threw for 480 against North Texas. Kittley is calling those plays. Last year, the Huskies ranked 12th nationally in yards per game among the FCS ranks. In Kittley’s debut the year prior, he helped Zappe set nearly every program single-season passing record. A protege of Kliff Kingsbury at Texas Tech – he was a GA and later an assistant QB coach from 2015-17 – Kittley is among the hottest young coordinators in the FCS, which means he's probably on the brink of a big-time jump. Texas offensive coordinator Mike Yurchich came from the FCS initially. Rutgers offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson started in the FCS. Indiana head coach Tom Allen made his name as an FCS defensive coordinator. You could go on and on. 

For more on Kittley, check out Barton Simmons' feature story. 

Conner McQueen, Oklahoma, Quality Control (27): It wasn’t long ago that McQueen was a backup quarterback for Texas A&M while providing some of the most entertaining press conferences possible. In the time since, he’s worked under three of the best offensive coaches in college football. He started as a quality control coach for Kevin Sumlin in College Station. Afterward, he worked for Chip Kelly as a graduate assistant at UCLA. Now, he’s moved on to Oklahoma as an offensive analyst, where he’ll work closely with Lincoln Riley. These guys keep hiring McQueen for a reason. He’s going to be a fast riser in this industry. 

Matt Miller, Boise State, Passing Game Coordinator (29): Boise State’s all-time receptions leader, Miller rejoined the program this offseason as passing game coordinator. His jump to the FBS followed a four-year stint at Montana State, where he spent most of the last two years as offensive coordinator. The Bobcats’ offense was among the best in the FCS last season, ranking 25th nationally in total offense during a campaign in which they reached the playoff semifinals. The former three-star prospect also served a stint as Montana State’s recruiting coordinator.

Grant Newsome, Michigan, Graduate Assistant (23): A leg injury ended Newsome’s Michigan career prematurely, but the former four-star recruit has still managed to make a considerable impact in Ann Arbor. Newsome spent the last few seasons as a student assistant for the Wolverines, and he earned a promotion to GA this offseason. During his spare time as a student, he interned with U.S. representative Debbie Dingell. Bright, prepared and detailed, those around the Michigan program have raved about Newsome: “He’s got it. … There is something I think is really unique and special.” 

Tommy Rees, Notre Dame, Offensive Coordinator (28): Brian Kelly tabbed Rees as his QB coach three years ago. In the time since, Ian Book has emerged as one of the most productive passers in Notre Dame history. In fact, Book is only 1,485 passing yards away from passing Rees for third on the Irish’s all-time career yardage list. Rees, who also had a stint with Northwestern (2015) and the San Diego Chargers (2016), was elevated to offensive coordinator this offseason. He’s one of the fastest-rising coaches in college football. 

Ra'Shaad Samples, SMU, Running Back Coach/Recruiting Coordinator (25): Samples saw his on-field career end early due to injuries, but he’s thrived in the time since as a coach. The former four-star recruit joined Houston’s staff in an off-field role in 2016 and 2017 working with running backs, receivers and QBs. Texas hired him in 2018 as an assistant wide receivers coach, where he drew rave reviews as a recruiter. Last year, SMU brought him back home to the DFW area where he’s since emerged as one of the American’s top overall recruiters. The son of Dallas-area coaching legend, Reginald Samples, Ra’Shaad earned a promotion this offseason to running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Samples currently sits second in the AAC recruiter rankings. 

Roman Sapolu, Fresno State, O-line Coach/Run Game Coordinator (28): One of the best young offensive line coaches in college football, Sapolu earned a dual promotion this offseason to offensive line coach (he previously assisted new OC Ryan Grubb with the unit) and run game coordinator. The Bulldogs ranked 34th nationally last season in rushing yards per play, while finishing in the top 50 nationally in pass protection. Sapolu, a former Oregon State player, came to Fresno State from Idaho State, where he led an o-line that had two all-conference performers and paced an offense that tailed 5,403 yards.

Nathan Scheelhaase, Iowa State, Wide Receivers (29): No promotion here, but we wanted to highlight Scheelhaase a final time before he falls out of the 30-and-under age bracket. Scheelhasse has consistently emerged as an impact recruiter, landing All-American Bowl players like Breece Hall and Daniel Jackson. During his first year as wide receivers coach, Scheelhaase helped mentor All-Big 12 selection Deshaunte Jones. The year prior, he coached All-American running back David Montgomery. A former four-year starting QB at Illinois, don’t be surprised if you start to hear Scheelhaase emerge as a coordinator candidate in the coming years.

For more on Scheelhaase, read Steve Wiltfong's feature article. 

Doug Shearer, Miami (Ohio), Special Teams Coordinator (29): It’s hard to do much better on special teams than what Miami (Ohio) produced last season. Kicker Sam Sloman, punter Kyle Kramer and returner Maurice Thomas were all all-conference performers in a campaign in which the Redhawks captured the MAC championship. Shearer joined Miami (Ohio) in 2019 after a five-year stint at NC State. He spent four of those years as a QC working specifically with special teams. Shearer has quickly established himself as one of the top special teams coaches in the country.

Ryan Smith, Virginia Tech, Cornerbacks Coach (29): Smith joins the Virginia Tech staff after a successful one-year stint at James Madison. A safeties coach with the Dukes, Smith coached a pair of All-American selections (Adam Smith, D’Angelo Adams). The two years prior, he was the secondary coach at Elon where he coached a pair of all-conference DBs (Greg Liggs, Tyler Campbell). After starting in Blacksburg, Smith helped land four-star CB DJ Harvey, the top-rated player in the Hokies’ 2021 class. Smith takes over a deep position room even with Caleb Farley opting out of the season.

Jordan Thomas, San Diego State, Defensive Line Coach (29): Brady Hoke built his reputation on coaching defensive linemen, and Thomas is the coach he tapped to replace him in that role for San Diego State. A former three-year starter for the Aztec, Thomas worked under Hoke last season as a GA. The Aztec defense finished the year second in the FBS in scoring defense and in rushing yards allowed per game. Thomas previously worked with the Aztec linebackers in 2018 and had prior coaching stints at Texas A&M – Kingsville and Mission Hills High School (CA).

Chidera Uzo-Diribe, Kansas, Linebackers Coach (28): Uzo-Diribe impressed Les Miles enough in one season as a quality control coach that Miles elevated him to a full-time assistant this offseason. That move is already paying dividends as Uzo-Diribe has emerged as an impact recruiter, landing players from California, Texas and Georgia, including two of the eight-highest ranked recruits in the Jayhawks’ 2021 class. Uzo-Diribe started his career at Colorado, where he lettered for four years and then served as a GA from 2016-18. Said a source on Uzo-Diribe: “He has a really high ceiling in this profession.”

Marquise Watson, Graduate Assistant, Ole Miss (25): Watson finished as Bryant’s all-time leading tackler when he graduated in 2017. Two years later, he’d ascended as the program’s d-line coach and run game coordinator. That’s after serving a sting as Amherst College’s running backs coach and as a GA at Rutgers. Now, Watson is at Ole Miss working under his former high school head coach Chris Partridge. He’s responsible for coaching the Rebels’ Buck linebackers. Said an Ole Miss source: “He’s a really good young coach, and I’m excited about his career. He will be one of the next great Power Five coaches.”  

Tre Watson, UNLV, Cornerbacks (29): Watson spent the last two years as a graduate assistant at Oregon, where he worked with the defensive backs, many of which are likely to be drafted come 2021. Sources around that program say Watson made a huge impact in that room. Watson played the final season of his playing career at Washington, earning a scholarship as a walk-on after transferring from Central Washington. Watson moved to UNLV with former Ducks defensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo.

Charlie Weis Jr. ., South Florida, Offensive Coordinator (27): The youngest coordinator in college football two years ago, Weis has quickly established himself as an offensive up-and-comer. His Florida Atlantic attack finished 14th nationally in points per game a season ago with Weis working alongside Lane Kiffin. Now, Weis has made the jump to the AAC where he’ll link up with new head coach Jeff Scott as South Florida’s offensive coordinator.

 

Edited September 17, 2020 by LTtxfan

[LTtxfan 50000]

Couple that made Top 30 list above have ties to Herman:

• Kenny Guiton, Colorado State, Wide Receivers Coach (29): Guiton has already moved across the coaching map despite being only 29 years of age. He spent two seasons at Houston (2017-18), where he coached all-AAC wide receivers Marquez Stevenson and Steven Dunbar. Last year, he had a pair of All-Conference USA honorable mention honorees (Adrian Hardy, Malik Stanley) as the wide receiver coach for a Louisiana Tech team that finished with 10 wins for the first time in decades. Now, the former Ohio State quarterback has joined Steve Addazio at Colorado State.
• Ra'Shaad Samples, SMU, Running Back Coach/Recruiting Coordinator (25): Samples saw his on-field career end early due to injuries, but he’s thrived in the time since as a coach. The former four-star recruit joined Houston’s staff in an off-field role in 2016 and 2017 working with running backs, receivers and QBs. Texas hired him in 2018 as an assistant wide receivers coach, where he drew rave reviews as a recruiter. Last year, SMU brought him back home to the DFW area where he’s since emerged as one of the American’s top overall recruiters. The son of Dallas-area coaching legend, Reginald Samples, Ra’Shaad earned a promotion this offseason to running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Samples currently sits second in the AAC recruiter rankings. 

[LTtxfan 50000]

1 hour ago, LTtxfan said:

Couple of assistants that made Top 30 list have ties to Herman:

• Ra'Shaad Samples, SMU, Running Back Coach/Recruiting Coordinator (25): Samples saw his on-field career end early due to injuries, but he’s thrived in the time since as a coach. The former four-star recruit joined Houston’s staff in an off-field role in 2016 and 2017 working with running backs, receivers and QBs. Texas hired him in 2018 as an assistant wide receivers coach, where he drew rave reviews as a recruiter. Last year, SMU brought him back home to the DFW area where he’s since emerged as one of the American’s top overall recruiters. The son of Dallas-area coaching legend, Reginald Samples, Ra’Shaad earned a promotion this offseason to running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Samples currently sits second in the AAC recruiter rankings. 
• Kenny Guiton, Colorado State, Wide Receivers Coach (29): Guiton has already moved across the coaching map despite being only 29 years of age. He spent two seasons at Houston (2017-18), where he coached all-AAC wide receivers Marquez Stevenson and Steven Dunbar. Last year, he had a pair of All-Conference USA honorable mention honorees (Adrian Hardy, Malik Stanley) as the wide receiver coach for a Louisiana Tech team that finished with 10 wins for the first time in decades. Now, the former Ohio State quarterback has joined Steve Addazio at Colorado State.

 

 

Edited September 17, 2020 by LTtxfan