Coaching Carousel Frenzy: Grading Every Major College Football Head Coach Hire

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It was a whirlwind day in college football, with the coaching carousel spinning faster than ever. Multiple Power Four programs locked in new head coaches, reshaping the landscape and sending shockwaves through fan bases. From Lane Kiffin’s headline-grabbing move to LSU, to Jon Sumrall landing at Florida, Pete Golding taking over at Ole Miss, and more, each hire brings fresh hope—and plenty of questions. Here’s how experts are grading every major move.

Lane Kiffin to LSU: Big Risk, Big Reward

Grade: B+ (Damen Harris), A (Brad Crawford), B (Richard Johnson)

The biggest splash came as Lane Kiffin officially took the reins at LSU, ending weeks of speculation. Kiffin’s reputation as an offensive mastermind made him an attractive option for the Tigers, who’ve struggled with quarterback play and a stagnant running game. “LSU needed to inject life into their offense, and Lane Kiffin is the guy to do it,” said Harris, who graded the hire a B+.

But Kiffin’s baggage—his history of dramatic exits and program theatrics—keeps some experts cautious. “There’s always a price with Lane, and I’m not talking about money,” Harris added. “If this ends in a breakup, will LSU be left picking up the pieces?”

Crawford, on the other hand, gave the move an A, citing LSU’s aggressive investment. “They fired Brian Kelly, owe him $54 million, and are committing $90 million to Kiffin and his staff. He’s already produced four 11-win seasons and just led LSU to its first playoff appearance. With better resources and talent, expectations are sky-high.”

Johnson echoed the concerns about recruiting strategy, noting Kiffin’s portal prowess but questioning his ability to dominate high school recruiting in the SEC. “Can he defend home turf and recruit the best in Louisiana? That remains to be seen.”

Pete Golding to Ole Miss: A Vibe Shift

Grade: A (Johnson), B+ (Crawford, short-term), Incomplete (Crawford, long-term), B- (Harris)

After Kiffin’s departure, Ole Miss wasted no time hiring Pete Golding as their new head coach. Johnson called it “an A for the vibes,” pointing to Golding’s genuine desire for the job after a toxic month in Oxford. “Miss needs someone who wants to be there, and Golding fits that bill.”

Crawford gave the hire a B+ in the short term, praising the Rebels’ quick decision to stabilize the program before the playoff committee could penalize them. “Long-term, it’s incomplete. Golding has never led a program, so it’s crucial he builds a strong staff around him, especially on offense.”

Harris agreed, noting Golding’s defensive background and the need for offensive innovation. “He’s a defensive mind, but Ole Miss thrived under Kiffin’s offense. Golding must surround himself with smart assistants who can keep the offense explosive.”

Jon Sumrall to Florida: A “Satisfactory” Gamble

Grade: C++ (Crawford), F (Fan Reaction), A (Johnson), D (Harris)

Florida moved quickly to hire Jon Sumrall after missing out on their top targets. Crawford called the hire “satisfactory,” grading it a C++. “Sumrall wasn’t Florida’s first or second choice, and the Gators went the G5 route again, just like with Billy Napier. The fans wanted Lane Kiffin, so anyone else was going to get an F from them.”

Sumrall’s challenge will be assembling an offensive staff that can deliver the firepower Florida fans crave. “He’s promised to hire an offensive mind, but we didn’t see much of that at Tulane,” Crawford noted.

Johnson was more optimistic, grading the hire an A. “It’s a new beginning for Florida, with a setup similar to Oklahoma or Stanford—a head coach with an empowered GM. Sumrall can focus on coaching, not contracts and NIL negotiations.”

Harris, however, gave it a D, citing the lack of enthusiasm from staff, fans, and players. “He’s never coached in the SEC or with this level of talent. If he doesn’t win the locker room quickly, players could hit the portal and the staff could lose faith.”

Alex Golesh to Auburn: Offense First

Grade: A (Harris, Crawford), A (Johnson)

Auburn’s hire of Alex Golesh was met with unanimous praise. Harris gave it an A, highlighting Golesh’s quarterback development at USF. “Auburn has been a good QB away from competing for championships. Golesh can mold a guy and turn Auburn into an offensive powerhouse.”

Johnson agreed, noting the high energy and scoring potential Golesh brings. “This is my favorite SEC hire this cycle. Auburn lost five games by a touchdown or less with zero offense. Golesh’s explosive playbook will change that.”

Crawford added that Golesh’s experience under Josh Heupel and his ability to recruit both high school and portal talent make him a perfect fit. “He’ll bring his best Bulls players, and Auburn will finally have an offense worth watching.”

Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas: A Tough Sell

Grade: C (Johnson), D (Harris), C (Crawford)

Arkansas fans were less than thrilled with the hire of Ryan Silverfield from Memphis. Johnson gave it a C, citing Silverfield’s inability to win consistently with top G5 resources. “Arkansas fans protested outside the stadium—they wanted Alex Golesh. Silverfield’s teams clunk in November year after year.”

Crawford noted that the Razorbacks always play one of the SEC’s toughest schedules, and Silverfield’s success will depend on his defensive hires. “He can score points, but can he keep Arkansas above .500?”

Harris gave the hire a D, citing lack of excitement and Silverfield’s struggles in the G5. “It’s an upgrade from Sam Pittman, but the lack of enthusiasm and tough SEC schedule make this a risky move.”

Pat Fitzgerald to Michigan State: A Safe Bet?

Grade: C (Harris, Crawford), B (Johnson)

Michigan State rounded out the day by hiring Pat Fitzgerald, the former Northwestern head coach. Harris and Crawford gave the move a C, noting Fitzgerald’s experience but questioning his recent record. “He’s won a lot of games at Northwestern, but struggled in the NIL era without resources,” Crawford said.

Johnson was more positive, grading it a B. “Fitzgerald is an upgrade over Jonathan Smith, with over 100 Big Ten wins. Michigan State will get a philosophical shift—more run game, strong offensive line, closer to Mark Dantonio’s style.”

Final Thoughts: A New Era Dawns

It’s been a historic day for college football, with the SEC and Big Ten shuffling their coaching decks. Every hire brings hope, skepticism, and endless debate. Will Lane Kiffin light up LSU’s offense? Can Pete Golding build a winner at Ole Miss? Is Jon Sumrall ready for the pressure cooker in Gainesville? Will Alex Golesh transform Auburn? Can Ryan Silverfield survive Arkansas’ brutal schedule? And will Pat Fitzgerald restore Michigan State’s winning ways?

One thing is certain: fans, players, and analysts will be watching every move, grading every game, and waiting to see who emerges as the next great leader in college football.

Stay tuned for more updates as these coaches settle in, build their staffs, and chase glory in the ever-competitive world of college football.