With the head coach carousel already picking up steam, let’s take a look at the last seven days of college football and how it impacts the fantasy college football world.
Coach Firings
Bret Bielema Fired After Game Against Missouri
The Take: Bret Bielema was told as he was leaving the field after last Friday’s loss to the surging Missouri Tigers. Considering Gus Malzahn is on his way to the SEC Championship and possibly the College Football Playoff, one can assume he’s probably not going to bolt to Arkansas. Names such as Brent Venables (Clemson) and Mike Norvell (Memphis) have been tossed around, as well, but Memphis is looking to extend Norvell this week and Venables turned down bigger jobs the past couple of seasons, so neither option seems likely. Personally, I’d like to see if Bobby Petrino would be willing to head back down and coach the Razorbacks but it’s probably not happening.
Kevin Sumlin Relieved of Duties After LSU Game
The Take: As most people expected after Week 1’s blockbuster loss to UCLA, Kevin Sumlin has been fired from Texas A&M. Sumlin will get another job for the 2018 season, as he’s one of the better options on the market despite his late-season struggles with the Aggies. Rumors have been suggesting that Jimbo Fisher has accepted the coaching job with Texas A&M, but those rumors have yet to have been confirmed. If that becomes official, expect Texas A&M to focus more on a pro-style system next season, focusing on Trayveon Williams.
Mike Riley Out at Nebraska
The Take: Mike Riley leaves Nebraska with a .500 record. His sub-par performance led to him being fired a year earlier than I had expected, but Nebraska still has good options available to take over. The most notable candidate is UCF head coach and Nebraska Alumni Scott Frost. Frost is the only coach in history to go 0-12 then 12-0 in a two-season period and is a prime candidate to turn the program around. Expect Nebraska to target Frost early on. Look for them to potentially go after Big 10-tested coach Bret Bielema, as well.
Butch Jones Removed as Head Coach at Tennessee
The Take: This one has definitely been an interesting job to monitor. Butch Jones was fired early on in the season in order for the Vols to get a shot at the Chip Kelly sweepstakes. Tennessee’s first prospect was Greg Schiano, who had a contract ready to sign with Tennessee until fan backlash over social media and the State of Tennessee government spoke out against the hire. John Currie also reached out to David Cutcliffe at Duke about taking the job, but he declined. Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys was also mentioned, but he declined, as well. Who would’ve thought he was a candidate? Mike Gundy has also been offered a monster contract. I’d be interested to see Gundy and Odom’s offenses go at it.
Ty Detmer Fired From BYU
The Take: BYU’s offense was terrible this season. The loss of Taysom Hill and Jamaal Williams really made a difference this season, as the Cougars finished 119th in the NCAA in total offense. BYU probably won’t bring in a big name, but the Cougars have produced several fantasy booms in the past several seasons.
David Bailiff Removed as Coach From Rice
The Take: Rice hasn’t had too many big-time fantasy players under the Bailiff reign, but if the right guy comes in, Nashon Ellerbe could be an interesting prospect. UCF’s Offensive Coordinator Troy Walters has been named as a candidate, and it makes sense that he would leave UCF with Scott Frost possibly out the door.
New Hires
UCLA Wins the Chip Kelly Sweepstakes
The Take: Chip Kelly has been a big coaching prospect in the NCAA since leaving the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. UCLA’s running game has been terrible the past several seasons, and Chip Kelly’s offenses at Oregon were notorious for running the ball, making Soso Jomabo an intriguing prospect next season. Expect a big turnaround for the Bruins with the blockbuster hire of the offseason.
Dan Mullen Hired at Florida
The Take: Jim McElwain was fired earlier this season, and Dan Mullen’s name was immediately thrown around as a candidate to replace him. Mullen accepted their six-year, $6 million contract offer to become the next coach for the Gators. Mullen has a proven track record of developing mobile quarterbacks, which has proven to be a success in the SEC, with Dak Prescott and Nick Fitzgerald both having moments of dominance against SEC Defenses. Florida wanted someone to fix their offense, and I believe that Mullen is the man to do just that.
Matt Luke Promoted from Interim Head Coach to Head Coach
The Take: Ole Miss deciding to stick with Matt Luke rather than go after a bigger name seems as though they are preparing for NCAA sanctions. Luke seems like the guy to fix the program internally as the Rebels try to regain credibility. A $12.6 million contract over four years isn’t bad for riding out possible sanctions. Expect Shea Patterson or Jordan Ta’Amu to transfer out during the offseason.
Other Openings
Mullen leaves for Gainsville
The Take: With Dan Mullen gone from Starksville, the Bulldogs are looking for their next head coach. Mississippi State has made it apparent that they are looking for a “ball coach,” and it seems like they have several candidates for the job. Brent Venables (Clemson) and Jeremy Pruitt (Alabama) are both on the shortlist, and Joe Moorhead (Penn State) was also brought in for the job. Moorhead’s name is probably going to pop up more often than not this season. Personally, I would target someone who is more spread-offense minded, as that style of offense has been more successful in the SEC than teams that pound the rock.
Florida State?
The Take: Rumors about Jimbo Fisher leaving Florida State for Texas A&M seem to get stronger and stronger every day, meaning that Florida State will be the most pristine job on the market.
Transfers/Draft Declarations
Marvin Saunders Transfers from Florida State
The Take: Saunders will finish his season at Florida State with 10 receptions and 182 yards. There aren’t any rumblings as to where he intends to transfer, but this does make way for Tre McKitty and Alexander Marshall to make a larger impact next season. The former four-star tight end is a graduate-transfer and will be able to attend anywhere that brings him in immediately.
Chris Warren III Transfers from Texas
The Take: I have been especially high on Warren ever since he went for 276 yards and four touchdowns against Texas Tech in 2015. After Donta Foreman graduated, many believed he would be the next man in line at running back for the Longhorns, but he couldn’t keep the job locked down before losing the season to injury. Wherever he transfers will receive a big-time playmaker at running back.
Mark Walton Declares for the Draft
The Take: Before going down with a right ankle injury, Mark Walton was averaging 7.6 yards per carry and was on pace for a huge season with 428 rushing yards in four games. Walton topped 1,000 yards in 2016 and is considered a top-10 running back in the 2018 class. Travis Homer will be the beneficiary of Walton leaving and avoiding the RBBC in 2018.