matt-rhule.jpg
USATSI

Coaching changes are part of college football, and with the early signing period a pivotal part of a recruiting class, athletic directors are getting their ducks in a row to make sure that their programs don't miss a beat despite changing leadership. Those are big reasons why 2022-23 coaching carousel is off to a fast start.

The most recent waves were made at Colorado, where the Buffaloes hired Deion Sanders away from Jackson State after it fired Karl Dorrell during the season. Sanders spent two seasons rebuilding Jackson State into an FCS power before making the jump to the Power Five. Louisville is also bringing former Cardinals great Jeff Brohm home after Scott Satterfield left for the Cincinnati job. 

Auburn made a huge splash on Nov. 28 when it announced that Liberty's Hugh Freeze will return to the SEC to take over the Tigers. Wisconsin made big news when it let go of Paul Chryst, and made an even bigger splash when it hired Cincinnati's Luke Fickell as his replacement. Freeze was 39-25 (including vacated wins) in five seasons at Ole MissNebraska made a big hire on Nov. 26 when it tapped former Baylor and Temple head coach Matt Rhule to take over for Scott Frost. Rhule orchestrated impressive turnarounds with the Bears and Owls, and will be charged with the same task in Lincoln. Stanford coach David Shaw resigned after 12 seasons, leaving as the winningest coach in program history. Bryan Harsin was finally let go at Auburn with four games left in Year 2, right as the athletic department underwent a change in leadership. 

The Group of Five has seen significant coaching turnover as well, with Liberty's Jamey Chadwell and FAU's Tom Herman among the most recent hires. 

Here's a look at the updated coaching changes and grades for each vacancy that has been filled. 

College football coaching carousel

Notable retentions, extensions