Substantive coaching changes are part of the annual college football offseason cycle. With the early signing period becoming pivotal, athletic directors have pushed forward their timelines, not just when it comes to hiring coaches but firing them as well. Despite that, it took 11 weeks into the 2023 season for an FBS coach to be fired for their on-field performance, the latest that has happened in recent memory.
Michigan State acted quickly to find its successor to Mel Tucker by hiring Jonathan Smith away from Oregon State after Smith’s success at his alma mater. Smith is taking over a Spartans program that needs a massive overhaul after a disappointing 4-8 season.
Disaster struck for Jimbo Fisher (Texas A&M), Zach Arnett (Mississippi State) and Andy Avalos (Boise State), who were all fired after their Week 11 games despite Fisher and Avalos winning their last contests in dominant fashion. In other words, their fates were decided before kickoff. Week 12 saw Syracuse hand Dino Babers his pink slip following a loss to Georgia Tech.
Again, this process is just getting started. Here’s a look at the coaching carousel as it continues to spin. Grades will eventually be added once coaches begin to fill these vacancies.
