2024-25 College football coaching change tracker: Who’s out, who’s in?
The coaching carousel is off and running in college football, and it shouldn't be a surprise that we are starting to see more and more decisions being made on the future of current coaches around the country.
With an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, teams across the country have higher expectations than ever before, leaving many coaches with no chance of reaching those high marks. If that weren't enough, the Transfer Portal and NIL have created a volatile environment where the makeup of a program can shift significantly in just a single offseason.
Here's a look at the latest on the coaching carousel happening around the world of college football.
Utah
Resigned: Offensive coordinator, Andy Ludwig
Utah head coach Kyle Wittingham confirmed that Andy Ludwig would be resigning as the offensive coordinator, effectively immediately. This took place following Week 8 of the college football season. At this time, Utah hasn't announced his replacement or interim, but all signs point to Senior Offensive Analyst and Quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian being promoted.
Oklahoma
Fired: Offensive coordinator, Seth Littrell
Hired: Ben Arbuckle, former Washington State offensive coordinator
Brent Venables was feeling the heat following a dismal 35-9 loss to South Carolina at home. The decision to fire Seth Littrell was made, and Joe Jon Finley will take over on an interim basis for the rest of the 2024 season.
Southern Miss
Fired: Head coach, Will Hall
Interim: Reed Stringer (current Assistant Head Coach/General Manager)
After going 1-6 in 2024, Will Hall was fired by Southern Miss. He had been with the program since 2020 and finishes his tenure there with a 14-30 overall record.
East Carolina
Fired: Head coach, Mike Houston
Interim: Blake Harrell (current Defensive Coordinator)
East Carolina was the first FBS program to announce a head coaching change. The Pirates fired Mike Houston and elevated current Defensive Coordinator Blake Harrell to the interim position.
Coastal Carolina
Fired: Offensive coordinator, Travis Trickett
In the interim, Head Coach Tim Beck will take over play-calling and coordinator duties.
Rice
Fired: Head coach, Mike Bloomgren
Hired: Scott Abell
Rice has fired head coach Mike Bloomgren, who has been with the program since 2018. Associate head coach Pete Alamar will take over as the interim for the remainder of the season.
UCF
Fired: Defensive coordinator, Ted Roof
Interim: Addison Williams
UCF has parted ways with Tedd Roof, and Gus Malzahn announced that co-defensive coordinator Addison Williams will take over those duties for the rest of the season.
West Virginia
Fired: Defensive coordinator, Jordan Lesley
Interim: Jeff Koonz
Inside linebackers coach Jeff Koonz, who has been with the program since 2020, will serve as the interim defensive coordinator. Jordan Lesley was a Browles Award candidate in 2021, but currently has led one of the worst defenses in the Big 12.
Georgia Tech
Parting Ways: Associate head coach for special teams, Ricky Brumfield
Senior advisor to the head coach Tim Salem will assume the role of coordinating the special teams moving forward.
Kennesaw State
Fired: Head coach Brian Bohannon
Interim: Chandler Burks
Chandler Burks, co-offensive coordinator, will take over as the interim head coach.
Florida State
Fired: Offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and WRs coach Ron Dugans
Hired: Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, Tony White as defensive coordinator
In an effort to save his job, Mike Norvell has fired both of his coordinators and his WRs coach.
Indiana
Extended: Head coach, Curt Cignetti
Cignetti has been signed to a new eight-year contract worth $8 million, as well as a $1 million annual retention bonus.
Ball State
Fired: Head coach, Mike Neu
Interim: Colin Johnson
Mike Neu has been fired after nine seasons.
Temple
Fired: Head coach, Stan Drayton
Interim: Everett Withers, defensive coordinator
The Owls have fired Stan Drayton after three seasons. He finished his time with Temple with a 9-25 record.
Wisconsin
Fired: Offensive coordinator Phil Longo
Longo was fired after two years under Luke Fickell.
FAU
Fired: Head coach Tom Herman
Hired: Zach Kittley, former Texas Tech offensive coordinator
Tom Herman has been fired by FAU, which comes after reports he was seeking a coordinator position at a Power-4 school.
UMass
Fired: Head coach Don Brown
Interim: Offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery
UMass has fired Don Brown after three seasons.
Charlotte
Fired: Head coach Biff Poggi
Charlotte has fired its head coach Biff Poggi after a disappointing second season.
Central Michigan
Retiring: Head coach Jim McElwain
After six seasons with Central Michigan, Jim McElwain will be retiring. He recently became a subject of NCAA investigation following alleged ties to Connor Stallions.
Tulsa
Fired: Head coach Kevin Wilson
With an abysmal 3-8 overall record in 2024, Tulsa has fired head coach Kevin Wilson.
UCF
Resigned: Head coach Gus Malzahn
Gus Malzahn is resigning at UCF and he has been hired as the offensive coordinator at Florida State.
Purdue
Fired: Head coach Ryan Walters
After two season, Ryan Walters has been fired as the head coach of the Boilermakers.
West Virginia
Fired: Head coach Neal Brown
West Virginia has fired Neal Brown after a 6-6 record in 2024.
Florida International
Fired: Head coach Mike MacIntyre
After another 4-8 season, Mike MacIntyre has been fired by Florida International.
App State
Fired: Head coach Shawn Clark
After a disappointing season, App State has chosen to move on from Shawn Clark.
Nebraska
Removed from Role: Offensive Coordinator Marcus Satterfield
Hired: Dana Holgorsen, Offensive Coordinator
In addition to hiring Dana Holgorsen as its offensive coordinator, Nebraska will have to replace defensive coordinator Tony White, who has accepted the position at Florida State.
Saturday Blitz will continue to keep track on the coaching carousel across the landscape of college football moving forward.