Two of college football’s most recognizable programs are searching for head coaches. Who’s in the running?
James Franklin, Penn St. head coach, Coaching Record, three teams (65-30). Near the top of the list for both programs, Franklin provides the track record college programs strive for. After bringing Vanderbilt from an SEC cellar-dweller to a respected competitor, Franklin moved to State College, PA, where he inherited a team reeling from scandal. Known as a master recruiter, Franklin is the type of coach who can bring a school a national title. He’d have support at LSU or USC to do just that.
Photo courtesy, On Varsity!
Luke Fickell, Cincinnati head coach, Coaching Record, two teams (48-21). Fickell has shown his worth in Cincinnati. The Bearcats look to be headed to the College Football Playoff, and this year’s success follows a strong 2020 campaign (9-1). Fickell was hired by Trojans’ current AD Mike Bohm, and that gives him the inside track in Los Angeles. Fickell has also been linked to LSU, too. Fickell is, by far, the most promising of the Group of 5 coaches. Look for his name to pop up in just about every major search.
Bill O’Brien, Alabama Offensive Coordinator, Coaching Record, NCAA (15-9) and NFL (54-52). O’Brien has plenty of experience in various programs, college, and pro, including serving as GM during his stay with the Houston Texans. O’Brien runs a pro-style offense and his pro experience will attract players who have NFL aspirations. Look for O’Brien’s name to be in the mix for both jobs.
Photo courtesy, AL.com
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Head Coach, Coaching Record, four teams (72-40). I don’t see Kiffin as a candidate for the SC job (he’s an SEC guy through and through), but I could definitely see him changing address from Oxford to Baton Rouge. Kiffin has turned around a struggling Mississippi program (6-1 this year, 3-1 in the SEC West behind ‘Bama). Given his track record as a master recruiter and an offensive guru, a Kiffin is a natural for the LSU job.
Dave Arranda, Baylor Head Coach, Coaching Record, one team (8-8). Arranda headed up the defense on the 2019 LSU national title team. He then took the head job at Baylor and has looked good, leading the Bears to consecutive winning seasons. Could the defensive specialist make a return to LSU or even a splash at USC? If either team is looking to emphasize defensive, Arranda would be a good pick.
