At the midway point of the college football season, the coaching carousel usually spins rapidly. However, this year it’s moving slower due to a few reasons: the high turnover rate in the past two seasons and the inaugural year of the 12-team College Football Playoff, which is prolonging some search options.
As we approach the Group of 5 level, things are expected to pick up soon. Here’s our midseason evaluation of the FBS coaching landscape based on discussions with industry sources.
AAC
Mike Houston, East Carolina: 3-3 record this season
Prior to his tenure at ECU, Houston achieved a 37-6 record at James Madison and won an FCS national title. While he led the Pirates to two bowl games in his initial four seasons, last year’s 2-10 record was disappointing. ECU recently suffered a 31-point loss to Charlotte, a rival program, and lost their standout player Shavon Revel to a season-ending knee injury. With challenging matchups against Top 25 teams like Army and Navy ahead, as well as tough games against North Texas, Tulsa, FAU, and Temple, Houston needs some crucial wins to potentially secure his position. Temperature check: Warm.
Mike Bloomgren, Rice: 2-4
Bloomgren, a former Stanford assistant coach, navigated the Owls to a bowl game in his fifth year, with last season’s 6-7 record being one of his best. Despite a shaky 1-4 start this season, a recent close victory against UTSA showed progress. However, becoming bowl eligible seems unlikely, especially with only UAB seemingly being a favorable matchup. Temperature check: A little warm.
Stan Drayton, Temple: 1-5
Drayton has faced challenges since taking over a struggling Temple program with a 2-16 AAC record. The team’s upcoming match against Tulsa this weekend presents an opportunity to gain momentum. Temperature check: Getting warmer.
Trent Dilfer, UAB: 1-5
Dilfer, a former NFL quarterback turned coach, is facing difficulties after a tough season last year and a struggling performance this year. With multiple high-profile match-ups on the horizon, Dilfer needs to show progress to silence critics questioning his high-profile hire. Temperature check: Getting hot.
Dilfer was a splashy, leap-of-faith hire for UAB, but the Blazers have struggled so far under his tenure. Photo: Wesley Hitt / Getty
ACC
Mack Brown, North Carolina: 3-4
In his second stint with the Tar Heels, Brown has experienced moderate success. However, this season’s performance indicates a decline, with a current losing streak of four games. While reaching six wins is feasible, there’s increasing talk about a potential change at the coaching helm. Temperature check: Getting a lot warmer.
Big 12
Dave Aranda, Baylor: 2-4
Aranda’s tenure in Baylor has been a rollercoaster ride, with recent struggles hindering the team’s performance. Despite adjustments and early signs of improvement, the team is facing challenges. Temperature check: Hot.
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Big Ten
Mike Locksley, Maryland: 3-3
After a strong start, Locksley’s team has faced setbacks, raising concerns about their future performance. While recent achievements have bought him some time, challenges lie ahead. Temperature check: Lukewarm.
Ryan Walters, Purdue: 1-5
Walters’ debut season at Purdue has been underwhelming, with the team struggling to secure wins. Despite glimpses of potential, significant progress is needed to secure his position. Temperature check: Getting a little warm.
Conference USA
Sonny Cumbie, Louisiana Tech: 2-4
Cumbie’s early results at Louisiana Tech have been mixed, with challenges hindering the team’s progress. Building momentum will be crucial in the upcoming matches. Temperature check: Getting hotter.
I think Cumbie can buy himself another year with five wins. Photo: Jaylynn Nash / Imagn Images
MAC
Mike Neu, Ball State: 2-4
A former star quarterback, Neu has faced challenges in leading Ball State to victories this season. Amidst shaky performances, there are hopes for improvement in the upcoming matches. Temperature check: Warm.
Joe Moorhead, Akron: 1-6
Moorhead, known for his offensive prowess, has struggled to secure wins at Akron this season. Building momentum will be vital for the team’s success moving forward. Temperature check: Pretty warm.
Scot Loeffler, Bowling Green: 2-4
Loeffler’s team at Bowling Green has faced challenges this season, with close losses impacting their performance. Despite setbacks, the team shows potential for improvement in upcoming matches. Temperature check: Sort of warm.
Kenni Burns, Kent State: 0-6
Burns, in his early tenure at Kent State, is struggling to secure wins this season. With tough matchups ahead, the team needs to show progress to ensure their success. Temperature check: Getting warm.
Mountain West
Tim Skipper, Fresno State: 3-3
As a former Bulldogs middle linebacker, Skipper faces challenges in leading Fresno State to success this season. The team’s future performance will be crucial in determining Skipper’s tenure. Temperature check: Warm.
Nate Dreiling, Utah State: 1-5
Utah State, led by interim coach Dreiling, is working towards securing their first FBS win this season. Challenges lie ahead, with significant progress needed for future success. Temperature check: They’ll be starting over this winter.
SEC
Sam Pittman, Arkansas: 4-2
Following a challenging season last year, Pittman has shown promise in leading Arkansas to victories this season. While facing tough opponents ahead, there’s optimism for continued success under Pittman’s guidance. Temperature check: Hot but cooling off a bit.
Billy Napier, Florida: 3-3
Napier’s tenure at Florida has been a mix of challenges and successes, with the team striving for improvement in upcoming matches. Despite hurdles, there’s hope for a strong second half of the season under Napier’s guidance. Temperature check: Toasty.
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Billy Napier beware: Florida has not historically been patient in rebuilds
Sun Belt
Shawn Clark, Appalachian State: 2-4
As Appalachian State’s head coach, Clark has faced challenges this season, with upcoming matches crucial for the team’s success. Improvement and progress will be vital moving forward. Temperature check: Getting warm.
Butch Jones, Arkansas State: 3-3
Under Jones’ guidance, Arkansas State aims to secure bowl eligibility this season. With favorable matchups ahead, there’s optimism for continued success under Jones’ leadership. Temperature check: A little warm.
Will Hall, Southern Miss: 1-5
Hall, leading Southern Miss, is facing challenges this season, with significant progress needed for future success. Tough matchups ahead will test the team’s resilience and determination. Temperature check: Very hot.
(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photos: Adam Davis, James Gilbert, Grant Halverson / Getty)