The next Wave of College Football Head Coaches: Identifying Potential Risers
The carousel of college football coaching changes is a constant force, and anticipating the next wave of prominent head coaches is a key part of following the sport. Several rising stars and experienced veterans are positioning themselves for potential Power Four opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of coaches to watch, analyzing their strengths, trajectories, and likely landing spots.
James Franklin: A Championship Pursuit Defines the Future
Penn State’s James Franklin is at a critical juncture. A successful 2025 season – one that culminates in serious championship contention – could solidify his long-term future in happy Valley. Though, after 12 years, the allure of a “restart” and a fresh challenge could prove strong, especially given his established infrastructure and support at Penn State. Franklin’s ties to Florida,where he maintains a home,also suggest a potential interest in programs within the Sunshine State.
Shane Beamer & Alex Golesh: Rising Stars with broad Appeal
South Florida’s Alex Golesh is rapidly gaining attention as a top candidate for Power Four openings. He’s a relentless recruiter with diverse experiance across multiple major conferences – the SEC (Tennessee), Big Ten (Illinois), and Big 12 (Iowa State).
Specifically, Golesh’s experience in Florida, both as a UCF offensive coordinator and now as a head coach, makes him particularly attractive to programs in that talent-rich state. The SEC, with its expanding landscape and competitive demands, could present numerous opportunities for a coach of his caliber.
Similarly, South Carolina’s Shane Beamer has demonstrated a knack for building winning programs and connecting with recruits. His success in a challenging conference speaks volumes about his coaching ability.
Jon Sumrall: The SEC’s Next Rising Star?
Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is currently considered the top candidate emerging from a non-Power Four programme. Many anticipate he’ll be leading an SEC team by 2026, or soon after.
As an Alabama native and former player at Kentucky, Sumrall possesses deep roots in the SEC footprint.
He also has coaching experience at both Kentucky and Ole Miss, further solidifying his understanding of the conference.
While a return to Kentucky is a possibility when the Mark Stoops era concludes, Sumrall may seek opportunities where a College Football Playoff appearance feels more attainable.
Lance Leipold: A Big Ten Return on the Horizon?
Kansas‘ Lance Leipold presents a fascinating case. He could very well finish his career at Kansas, where recent investment in the program – including a renovated stadium – demonstrates a commitment to success. Alternatively, he might pursue one final, high-profile move.
A return to the Big Ten seems most likely, particularly if a program like Wisconsin becomes available.
Leipold’s Wisconsin ties – he’s a native of the state and served as a graduate assistant under Barry Alvarez – make this a natural fit.
Dan Mullen: A Proven Leader Re-Emerging
Keep a close eye on UNLV and Dan Mullen. He’s off to a remarkable 3-0 start, highlighted by a statement win over UCLA. Mullen brings a wealth of Power Five experience, boasting a career record of 103-61 accumulated during his tenures at Mississippi State and Florida.
At 53,he’s still relatively young and appears revitalized after a three-year hiatus from coaching.
Schools prioritizing Power Four experience could find Mullen to be an attractive and readily available option.
Looking Ahead: The coaching landscape is dynamic. You can expect continued movement and new names to emerge as the season progresses. These coaches, though, represent a strong core of potential candidates poised to lead major college football programs in the coming years. Staying informed about their progress and potential opportunities will be crucial for understanding the future of the sport.
