The college football coaching carousel finally kicked into high gear in late October, and Maryland was the team that officially started the firing season on October 21st. After a crazy 2025 where FBS saw 32 new head coaches, including 17 in the power conferences, it felt like things might cool down. Nope. It’s already getting wild with some big names out and even bigger names floating as candidates.
Baylor’s 40-40 Record Shows It Was Time
Dave Aranda is out at Baylor after seven seasons. He did snag a Big 12 title back in 2021, which was cool, but otherwise, it was just… middling. He finished his tenure with an even 40-40 record overall, and worse, he was below .500 in the Big 12 at 26-32. You know what that means: a program stuck in neutral is a program that needs a change. Don’t be shocked if Baylor tries to snag an offensive coach, especially one who’s got deep ties to the Texas high school recruiting scene. Names like UTSA’s Jeff Traylor, Texas State’s GJ Kinne, and USC’s Lincoln Riley are already being talked about in Waco. They need someone to light a fire there.
Maryland’s Tough Spot, But Better Resources
Maryland made the first move, dropping Mike Locksley halfway through his eighth season. His overall record was 39-54, and honestly, back-to-back 4-8 seasons heading into this decisive 2026 campaign just wasn’t cutting it. This job is notoriously tough in the Big Ten, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The Terps actually have better NIL resources than they did just a year ago, which is a big deal in today’s college football landscape. A wide range of candidates is on their radar, with Wake Forest’s Jake Dickert, who’s a popular name elsewhere, and Maryland native Charles Huff from Memphis immediately coming to mind. They’ve gotta nail this hire to make a jump in that brutal conference.
Philip Rivers to NC State?! This Is Getting Real
Dave Doeren is out at NC State after 14 years. This one felt like it was coming after a disappointing 31-28 loss at Stanford that tanked the Wolfpack to 1-3 in the ACC. Doeren always seemed to land in that 7-9 win range, but those heartbreaking losses always derailed what could have been truly special seasons. A dip in success over the last three years just made the need for change too clear. The name with the most buzz, though? Legendary NC State quarterback Philip Rivers. Yes, THAT Philip Rivers. He’s been coaching high school football in Alabama for five years and even interviewed for the Buffalo Bills’ job in January. His son, Gunner, is committed to NC State. Talk about a story! Beyond Rivers, Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, UNLV’s Dan Mullen, and Memphis’ Charles Huff are also being considered. This hire could change everything for the Wolfpack, especially with a potential Rivers return.
What a start to the coaching carousel! We’re only in late October, and things are already heating up. The big question now is who these programs land, and what kind of impact these new coaches will have on the 2027 season and beyond. Keep your eyes peeled, because these decisions are gonna shape college football for years.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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