The world of college football coaching is akin to a high-octane roller coaster, and 2021 delivered a masterclass in unexpected twists and turns. When Lincoln Riley and Brian Kelly took the bold step of stepping away from Oklahoma and Notre Dame respectively—two programs where coaches don’t just walk away—fans and analysts alike were left agog. Their daring moves saw Riley dive into the sunny swathes of USC, while Kelly headed south to join the LSU ranks. These moves, like dominoes, set off a ripple effect with fresh faces and familiar dynamics spreading across Oregon, Florida, Miami, Washington, TCU, and Virginia Tech.
Fast forward a few years, and the stage is set for a potentially seismic shift in 2025. Once again, Riley and Kelly find themselves at the center of attention, albeit under different circumstances. Their tenures at their current programs have fallen short of the high-octane expectations that greeted their arrival. They’re not alone in feeling the heat, though; Brent Venables at Oklahoma is feeling the blaze with a record of 22-17—not what the Sooners faithful had in mind after Riley’s legendary five-year run.
The recent coaching carousel may have been quiet, with its highlight being Bill Belichick’s surprise landing at a mid-tier ACC program, yet the anticipation for the next one is palpable. The impending carousel promises fireworks, and not all seats are equally hot, thanks to complex contracts, hefty buyouts, and high-stakes decisions by both administrators and deep-pocketed donors.
As we brace for the 2025 coaching cycle, it’s time to buckle up and keep an eye on the movers and shakers of the coaching world. There’s no doubt it will be another chapter in college football that leaves fans gasping and analysts eagerly dissecting each move. Here’s a breakdown of the key figures to watch, arranged in tiers, as we await what could be the most unpredictable ride yet.
