Jim Harbaugh’s jump from Michigan to the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers has restarted the coaching carousel
• 14 min read
College football’s coaching carousel typically surges again in the offseason, and Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers has created yet another vacancy. One of the most coveted jobs in the game could kick off another domino effect throughout college football, but Wolverines offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore may also be in line to succeed Harbaugh after guiding the team through a difficult three-game stretch to end the 2023 regular season as the team’s acting coach.
The start of 2024 has already seen plenty of upheaval in the coaching ranks. Nick Saban’s retirement from Alabama created a ripple effect from the power conferences on down. The iconic coach orchestrated a 17-year run that, by all accounts, represented a dynasty with six national championships and nine SEC titles. He is, without much hesitation, the greatest college football coach ever, and his departure had a profound impact on the coaching landscape.
Washington’s Kalen DeBoer was hired to replace Saban, and though not a natural geographical fit, DeBoer is the type of proven winner and leader the Crimson Tide still desire. Arizona’s Jedd Fisch was then named Washington’s new coach with Brent Brennan subsequently taking over the Wildcats program from San Jose State. Former longtime Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo was then hired by the Spartans.
Here’s a look at the coaching carousel and grades for every filled vacancy.
