2024 Coaching Carousel Grades: A Deep Dive into the New Hires

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Coaching Changes in College Football

The 2024 college football coaching carousel has been a whirlwind of activity, with several high-profile hires and surprising moves. In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll delve into the details of each coaching change and assess the grades for each new hire.

Ken Niumatalolo (UCLA Tight Ends Coach)

After a successful 16-year tenure at Navy, Ken Niumatalolo steps into a new role as the UCLA tight ends coach. While he was known for running the triple option at Navy, Niumatalolo has hinted at evolving his scheme to fit the modern era of college football. However, it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be in implementing a new system.

Grade: C+

Pete Lembo (South Carolina Special Teams Coordinator)

Pete Lembo joins South Carolina as their special teams coordinator, bringing with him a wealth of experience at the FCS and FBS levels. As a key cog in South Carolina’s consistent special teams unit, Lembo has earned a reputation for sound play and high national rankings in relevant categories. However, concerns arise from his inability to win a bowl game or elevate Ball State to conference-level competition during his tenure as head coach.

Grade: C+

Major Applewhite (Promoted from Offensive Coordinator to Head Coach at South Alabama)

Major Applewhite, after serving as South Alabama’s offensive coordinator, takes over as head coach following Kane Wommack’s departure. With a 15-11 record in two full seasons at Houston, Applewhite has shown promise as a head coach. His familiarity with the South Alabama program should help maintain its recent success.

Grade: B

Brent Brennan (San Jose State to Arizona)

Brent Brennan leaves San Jose State after seven seasons, where he recorded a 34-48 record, including a 7-1 record and a No. 24 final ranking in 2020. With three bowl game appearances in the last four seasons, Brennan has demonstrated his ability to lead a program to success. However, replacing Jedd Fisch at Arizona, who led the Wildcats to a 10-win season, will be a challenging task.

Grade: C+

Jedd Fisch (Arizona to Washington)

Jedd Fisch’s move from Arizona to Washington is a solid hire, especially considering the circumstances. In just three years, Fisch transformed Arizona into a 10-win team, showcasing his coaching prowess. While Washington fans may need to temper their expectations as the Huskies transition to the Big Ten, Fisch’s experience and track record suggest long-term success.

Grade: B+

Kalen DeBoer (Washington to Alabama)

Kalen DeBoer’s departure from Washington to Alabama marks a significant hire for the Crimson Tide. DeBoer has earned a reputation as a quarterback guru, developing successful passers at every stop in his career, including three NAIA national titles at Sioux Falls. Despite the challenges of adjusting to the SEC, DeBoer’s track record suggests he’s capable of handling the high-pressure situation at Alabama.

Grade: A

Mike Elko (Duke to Texas A&M)

Mike Elko’s familiarity with Texas A&M, having served as Jimbo Fisher’s defensive coordinator from 2018-21, gives him an advantage in understanding the program’s expectations. His 16-9 record at Duke demonstrates his ability to develop competitive players. However, his limited head coaching experience and the need to create unity within a complex program raise some concerns.

Grade: B+

Jonathan Smith (Oregon State to Michigan State)

Jonathan Smith’s move from Oregon State to Michigan State is a perfect fit. As a former Oregon State quarterback, Smith rebuilt the Beavers’ program into a consistent team despite recruiting challenges. Michigan State, entering the new-look Big Ten, will benefit from Smith’s proven ability to develop talent.

Grade: A+

Jeff Lebby (Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator to Ole Miss)

Jeff Lebby’s success as an offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, UCF, and Oklahoma is undeniable. However, replicating that success in the new-look SEC, which includes powerhouses like Texas and Oklahoma, will be a formidable challenge for a first-year head coach at a program like Ole Miss, which often faces an uphill battle.

Grade: C

David Braun (Northwestern Interim Head Coach to Full-Time Head Coach)

David Braun’s elevation from interim head coach to full-time head coach at Northwestern is a well-deserved recognition of his accomplishments. After taking over as interim coach at the beginning of the season, Braun surpassed expectations, guiding the Wildcats to the brink of bowl eligibility. While some may have preferred a more high-profile hire, Braun’s performance during his interim tenure speaks volumes.

Grade: B

Fran Brown (Georgia Defensive Backs Coach to Syracuse)

Fran Brown’s transition from position coach to head coach at Syracuse is a major leap. Succeeding in the expanded ACC will be a tall order, especially early on. However, Brown’s reputation as the top recruiter in the nation, according to 247Sports, could help replenish Syracuse’s roster through high school recruiting and the transfer portal.

Grade: B-

Trent Bray (Oregon State Defensive Coordinator to Oregon State Head Coach)

Trent Bray’s appointment as Oregon State’s head coach is an intriguing move. Having never coached an FBS game, Bray’s primary experience comes from serving as Nebraska’s interim coach for one week during the transition from Mike Riley to Scott Frost. While his continuity with the Beavers’ staff may ease the transition out of the Pac-12, the uncharted waters of a program without a home make this hire somewhat unpredictable.

Grade: B-

Curt Cignetti (James Madison to Indiana)

Curt Cignetti’s success at James Madison, leading the team to 10 straight wins to open the season and three double-digit win seasons, has earned him the opportunity to lead Indiana. His ability to develop talent and rebuild programs makes him a suitable choice for the Hoosiers, who are looking to rebuild in the new-look Big Ten.

Grade: A

Manny Diaz (Penn State Defensive Coordinator to Miami)

Manny Diaz returns to the ACC, where he previously coached at Miami, posting a 21-15 record. His defensive expertise and proven track record as a recruiter make him a solid hire for the Hurricanes. However, he still has something to prove as a head coach.

Grade: B-

Sean Lewis (Colorado Offensive Coordinator to San Diego State)

Sean Lewis’s one-year tenure as Colorado’s offensive coordinator was hampered by the Buffaloes’ inability to block. However, his success at Kent State, where he led the team to a division championship, and his reputation as an offensive innovator make him an exciting hire for San Diego State.

Grade: A-

Willie Fritz (Tulane to Houston)

Willie Fritz’s move from Tulane to Houston is an ideal fit. Fritz’s proven ability to turn around programs, as he did at Georgia Southern and Tulane, makes him the perfect choice for Houston, which needs a coach capable of succeeding in a tough conference.

Grade: A+

Spencer Danielson (Boise State Interim Head Coach to Full-Time Head Coach)

Spencer Danielson’s 3-0 record as Boise State’s interim head coach, culminating in a Mountain West Championship Game victory, earned him the permanent head coaching job. His familiarity with the program and his success during his interim tenure suggest he is capable of leading the Broncos to continued success.

Grade: B+

Scotty Walden (Austin Peay to Louisiana Tech)

Scotty Walden’s impressive 26-14 record in four seasons at Austin Peay, including a 9-3 record and FCS playoff berth in 2023, has earned him the Louisiana Tech head coaching job. His ties to the state of Texas and his success at Austin Peay make him a promising hire for the Bulldogs.

Grade: A-

Bryant Vincent (New Mexico Offensive Coordinator to Louisiana-Monroe)

Bryant Vincent’s 7-6 record as UAB’s interim head coach in 2022 and his success as New Mexico’s offensive coordinator make him a suitable choice for Louisiana-Monroe. His ties to the Southeastern footprint will aid in rebuilding the roster.

Grade: B-

Derek Mason (Former Vanderbilt Coach to Middle Tennessee State)

Derek Mason’s return to the coaching ranks after a one-year hiatus is a positive move for Middle Tennessee State. His experience as Vanderbilt’s head coach and his defensive expertise make him a good fit for the Blue Raiders.

Grade: A

Bronco Mendenhall (Former BYU and Virginia Coach to New Mexico State)

Bronco Mendenhall’s impressive 135-81 record as a head coach, including Top 25 rankings and success in the “Four Corners” region, make him an excellent hire for New Mexico State. His ability to get the most out of his players and his disciplined approach will be valuable assets for the Aggies.

Grade: A+

Jay Sawvell (Wyoming Defensive Coordinator to Wyoming Head Coach)

Jay Sawvell’s promotion from defensive coordinator to head coach at Wyoming is a natural progression. His experience on Craig Bohl’s staff and his familiarity with the program make him a suitable choice to continue the success the Cowboys have enjoyed under Bohl.

Grade: C+

Bob Chesney (Holy Cross to James Madison)

Bob Chesney’s four straight Patriot League titles and playoff appearances at Holy Cross demonstrate his ability to build a successful program. His transition to James Madison, a program that thrived under Curt Cignetti, suggests a smooth transition and continued success for the Dukes.

Grade: A+

Jon Sumrall (Troy to Tulane)

Jon Sumrall’s 23-4 record in two seasons at Troy, including back-to-back Sun Belt championships, makes him an exciting hire for Tulane. His defensive background and his familiarity with Tulane, where he served as co-defensive coordinator from 2012-14, add to his suitability for the job.

Grade: A

Gerad Parker (Notre Dame Offensive Coordinator to Troy)

Gerad Parker’s work with Neal Brown and Jon Sumrall at Troy, combined with his experience as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, makes him a natural fit for the Trojans. His lack of head coaching experience is a minor concern, but his familiarity with the program and his offensive expertise suggest a successful tenure at Troy.

Grade: B+

Jeff Choate (Texas Co-Defensive Coordinator to Montana State)

Jeff Choate’s success at Montana State, leading the team to back-to-back FCS playoff appearances, and his experience as Texas’ co-defensive coordinator make him an ideal choice for Montana State. His ties to the region and his familiarity with the program will be valuable assets in his return to the Bobcats.

Grade: A