22 Rising College Football Coaches Primed for Major Head Coaching Opportunities in 2025-26

The Changing Landscape of College Football Coaching Hires

The pathway for elite college football coordinators to land head coaching positions has become more challenging in recent years. The 2024 hiring cycle saw only five Power 4 coordinators (not already within their programs) land head coaching jobs, with none at Power 4 programs. This trend suggests athletic departments are increasingly looking for proven head coaches or NFL-experienced candidates rather than up-and-coming assistants.

Why Top Assistants Are Staying Put

1. Escalating Coordinator Salaries: Many elite assistants are choosing to remain in their current roles due to competitive compensation packages
2. Limited Job Openings: The 2024 cycle featured surprisingly few major program vacancies
3. Program Stability: Coordinators on successful teams often prefer to wait for ideal opportunities

Of the five 2024 Broyles Award finalists (honoring the nation's top assistant), only winner Al Golden (Notre Dame DC) left for an NFL position. The other four finalists all returned to their college programs.

Coaches to Watch in the 2025-26 Cycle

Power 4 Launchpad Candidates

• Glenn Schumann (Georgia DC):

  • 35 years old with six national championships at Alabama/Georgia
  • Entering second season as Georgia's primary defensive coordinator
  • Key question: Can he succeed at programs with fewer resources?

• Andy Kotelnicki (Penn State OC):

  • Creative playcaller who helped Penn State reach the 2024 CFP semifinals
  • Will continue developing NFL prospect QB Drew Allar

• Will Stein (Oregon OC):

  • Led Oregon's offense to FBS-best 39.5 PPG since 2023
  • Has successfully developed multiple veteran QBs (Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel)

Impactful First-Year Coordinators

• Ben Arbuckle (Oklahoma OC):

  • At 29, he's one of the youngest Power 4 coordinators
  • Brings exciting offensive scheme from Washington State

• Tony White (Florida State DC):

  • Left stable Nebraska position for higher-profile FSU opportunity
  • Could be first in line if Seminoles defense rebounds

Under-the-Radar Names

• Donte Williams (Georgia DBs coach):

  • Elite recruiter with interim HC experience at USC
  • Generating Mountain West interest

• Buster Faulkner (Georgia Tech OC):

  • Innovative offensive mind who coached Stetson Bennett
  • Drawing Group of 5 interest

Final Analysis

The 2025-26 coaching carousel could see significant movement if more Power 4 jobs open. Coordinators from elite programs like Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon appear particularly well-positioned, along with innovative offensive minds at emerging programs. The continued emphasis on recruiting and developing quarterbacks makes offensive coordinators especially attractive candidates.