New York, December 02, 2025
The 2025 college football coaching carousel marks an unprecedented and historic period of change, highlighted by Bill Belichick’s move to North Carolina and early-season firings that reshaped multiple programs across the nation. These shifts are revolutionizing the landscape well before the traditional post-season transition.
Top-Tier Hires
Bill Belichick’s appointment as head coach at North Carolina stands as the most significant coaching hire of the season. As the second winningest NFL coach with six Super Bowl titles, Belichick’s transition to a Power Four college program instantly elevates North Carolina’s national profile and recruiting strength. This move is widely regarded as transformative for the Tar Heels.
Another major hire includes Dan Mullen at UNLV, who steps in with an established record from past head coaching tenures at Mississippi State and Florida and recent ESPN analyst experience. Mullen’s arrival signals UNLV’s intent to raise its competitive standing. Additionally, Jimmy Rogers at Washington State brings a recent impressive 27-3 record and back-to-back FCS national titles from South Dakota State, representing a strong leadership addition for the Cougars.
Mid-Tier Coaching Appointments
Mounting a steadier rebuild, Appalachian State hired Dowell Loggains from South Carolina, capitalizing on his NFL assistant coaching background and inside knowledge gleaned under coach Shane Beamer. Meanwhile, FAU entrusted Zach Kittley, who was named head coach on December 2, to steer the program out of its recent struggles, where the previous regime yielded a 6-16 overall record.
Jacksonville State selected Charles Kelly, returning to the institution where he once served early in his career. Kelly’s move from Auburn’s co-defensive coordinator role to head coach marks his first stint as a program’s top leader, promising a new chapter for Jax State at the FCS level.
Notable Hires and Emerging Promise
Bowling Green welcomed Eddie George, a former Ohio State Heisman winner and seasoned coach with a 24-22 record and playoff experience at Tennessee State. George’s name recognition and prior accolades bring credibility, although his ability to scale success at Bowling Green remains to be tested.
Oregon State appointed JaMarcus Shepard, recognized for his work within Alabama’s coaching infrastructure, to drive rebuilding efforts amid program transitions. Shepard’s hire reflects a strategic effort to harness elite coaching development experience.
An Unprecedented Early and Continuous Coaching Carousel
The 2025 cycle diverges sharply from tradition, with a wave of coaching firings commencing as early as three weeks into the season rather than post-bowl games. Notable early departures included DeShaun Foster from UCLA and Brent Pry at Virginia Tech, followed swiftly by Penn State’s James Franklin after Week 7. Mid-season upheaval further intensified with Lane Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss to LSU after Brian Kelly’s dismissal. The retirement of long-tenured coaches Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State and other transitions contribute to a frenetic hiring marketplace.
This pattern of early and sustained turnover has led to a simultaneous reshaping of multiple college football programs, making the 2025 coaching carousel one of the most active and impactful in recent history.
As these coaching transitions unfold, the trajectory of several programs, from Power Four conferences to emerging programs, will be closely monitored. The ripple effects of this historic period are expected to influence recruiting, competitive balance, and program identities well into future seasons.