Coaching Carousel Shuffle Before College Playoff Impact in 2024
- Coaching changes in college football are affected by the College Football Playoff and the transfer portal.
- Last season, only a few Power 4 schools made significant coaching changes before postseason play ended.
- There is a growing trend for head coaches to avoid engaging with other schools until after their team's playoff commitments are resolved.
In the evolving landscape of college football, the dynamics of the coaching carousel have shifted significantly due to new rules surrounding the College Football Playoff (CFP) and the transfer portal. With the increasing number of coaching changes occurring later in the season, such as the minimal adjustments made by Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Syracuse last season, schools are cautious about firing coaches, particularly when postseason play is involved. Observations indicate that head coaches refrain from engaging in discussions with prospective schools until after regular season games and conference championships conclude. Agents believe this trend may hinder the ability of Power 4 programs to secure coaches if they are still in playoff contention, as it becomes challenging to gauge a coach's interest in relocating while their team is still competing. The transfer portal adds another layer of complexity; schools are mindful of maintaining player stability to avoid costly exits following coaching changes. Such patterns suggest a need for college football to reevaluate the scheduling of key events to cater to the transitional needs of coaching staff and player commitments. The implications of these changes may impact the future landscape of college football, leading to more strategic hiring processes and a reassessment of the timeline for coaching changes, particularly for teams aiming for playoff success.