Navigating the College Football Coaching Carousel: Ranking the Power 4 Jobs

The 2025 Coaching Carousel Heats Up

As college football enters the 2025-26 coaching cycle, we find ourselves in the midst of a whirlwind. The previous season set the stage for a tumultuous year, and with multiple firings across all four Power conferences, the landscape of college football coaching is shifting.

Key moves were made early in the season that signaled the fragility of coaching jobs. We saw Penn State part ways with James Franklin, a decision that came as a surprise given his history with the program, while Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy was also let go after a storied career. This year has made it clear: No coach is safe.

“Almost no coach is safe.”

Currently, nine Power 4 schools are in search of new head coaches: UCLA, Penn State, Cal, and Michigan State are among them, with Virginia Tech quickly filling their vacancy by hiring James Franklin. This flurry of activity is compounded by potential openings as current head coaches eye better prospects elsewhere, making this carousel more dynamic than ever.

Ranking the Open Positions

When evaluating these open jobs, we must consider several crucial factors that determine their attractiveness:

• Recent and Historical Performance: How well has the program fared, particularly in recent years?
• Access to the College Football Playoff (CFP): What pathway does a potential hire have to reach the playoffs?
• Roster Building and Access to Talent: How well can the new head coach attract and develop talent?
• University Leadership: How stable is the university's administration that will be handling the hiring?
• Financial Resources: Is there a commitment to investing in the program?

Through my lens as a reporter, I aim to provide a clear picture of which jobs might offer the best chance for future success. While the SEC and Big Ten are highly funded, it's not merely about the conference—it's about the potential for success within the context of the league.

Top Power 4 Jobs

1. Penn State Nittany Lions

Opened: October 12, 2025, with the firing of James Franklin.

On-field performance: Under Franklin, PSU had a record of 44-17 since 2021 and reached the College Football Playoff in 2024. Historically, they've been strong competitors, with a notable Big Ten title win in 2016.

Access to CFP: As a member of the Big Ten, Penn State possesses a good chance to reach the playoffs, requiring consistent performances that can often be achieved even without a conference title.

Roster Building: With access to key recruiting areas, Penn State has the opportunity to attract top-tier talent. Their recent moves in the transfer portal indicate a robust commitment to competing at the highest level.

“Despite a lengthy championship drought, Penn State remains a top destination for coaching talent.”

University Leadership: Pat Kraft's stability as athletic director and strong administrative support positions Penn State as a formidable opportunity for coaches.

2. Michigan State Spartans

Opened: October 29, 2025, following the firing of Jonathan Smith.

On-field performance: Although their recent record has been shaky (17-27 since 2021), the Spartans boast a strong historical performance, particularly during the Dantonio era.

Access to CFP: Michigan State has previously reached the playoffs, though current challenges make this a more complicated path.

3. UCLA Bruins

Opened: September 14, 2025, with the firing of DeShaun Foster.

On-field performance: A long history of underachievement has left UCLA in a challenging spot, lacking a conference title since 1998.

Access to CFP: While the Big Ten offers potential playoff slots, UCLA will struggle to compete with its high-profile conference rivals.

4. Kentucky Wildcats

Opened: October 29, 2025, after Mark Stoops' firing.

On-field performance: Stoops elevated the program significantly, but recent declines impact current prospects.

5. California Golden Bears

Opened: October 29, 2025, with the firing of Justin Wilcox.

On-field performance: Cal has struggled in recent seasons and faces significant challenges.

Conclusion

The next few months will be critical as schools invest in their coaching candidates. The commitment displayed by universities during these transitions speaks volumes about their ambitions. Which of these jobs will attract top talent? Only time will tell, but it's clear the coaching carousel is off to an electrifying start.