2008 College Football Coaching Changes

New Head Coaches Being Named

Dec 4, 2008 Kyle Schurman

Coaching changes among college football teams have become almost as common as bowl games during the past few seasons, and this season is no exception.

Here is a list of teams that will have new college football coaches in 2009.

NEW COACHES HIRED

  • Clemson. Dabo Swinney had the interim label removed from his title Dec. 1, becoming Clemson's coach for 2009 after leading the Tigers to a 4-2 finish and a Gator Bowl berth. Tommy Bowden resigned Oct. 13 after Clemson stumbled to a 3-3 start after being ranked in the preseason Top 10.
  • Kansas State. KSU went back to the past to replace fired Ron Prince, as long-time coach Bill Snyder will return to head the Wildcat program. Snyder retired after two bowl-less seasons in 2005, and Prince was hired. Now Snyder will replace Prince (17-20 at KSU).
  • Mississippi State. MSU hired Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen Dec. 11 to replace Sylvester Croom, who resigned from MSU Nov. 29 after going 21-38 in five seasons with the Bulldogs. Croom won only 10 SEC games in five seasons, although he took MSU to a bowl game last season.
  • New Mexico. On Dec. 8, New Mexico announced the hiring of Mike Locklsey, the former offensive coordinator at Illinois. Former coach Rocky Long stepped down at New Mexico Nov. 17. He won 65 games at UNM, the most in school history, and the Lobos won a bowl game in 2007 under Long.
  • Purdue. Long-time Boilermaker coach Joe Tiller announced his retirement before the season. Danny Hope will be the new Purdue coach in 2009.
  • Syracuse. It was widely reported on Dec. 11 that Syracuse has hired alum Doug Marrone as its head coach. Marrone comes to the Orange from the New Orleans Saints, where he was an assistant offensive coach. Greg Robinson was 10-36 at Syracuse over four years, and he was fired Nov. 16.
  • Tennessee. After firing long-time coach Phil Fulmer Nov. 3, the Volunteers announced the hiring of former Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin Dec. 1. Kiffin was a USC assistant coach before taking the Raiders' job. Fulmer spend 17 years as Tennessee head coach, including winning a national championship and two SEC titles.
  • Toledo. Toledo chose Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Tim Beckman as its new coach Dec. 4. Tom Amstutz had announced Nov. 3 he would step down after the season to take another position at the school following eight years as Rocket head coach.
  • Utah State. Utah State announced its hiring of Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen on Dec. 4. Andersen will take over one of D-1's least successful programs. On Nov. 17 Utah State fired Brent Guy, who was 9-38 in four seasons with the Aggies.
  • Washington. Washington hired USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian on Dec. 6 as its next head coach. The Huskies fired Tyrone Willingham Oct. 28 after four disappointing seasons. Willingham won only 11 games at Washington, including a dismal 0-12 this season.
  • Wyoming. The Cowboys wasted little time filling their vacancy after firing Joe Glenn Nov. 23. Dave Christensen, offensive coordinator of Missouri's powerful offense, was named Wyoming's new coach Dec. 1. Glenn was 30-41 in six years at Wyoming.

OPEN JOBS

  • Auburn. The Tigers' Tommy Tuberville resigned -- whether it was a forced resignation is up for debate -- Dec. 3 after 10 seasons, including an undefeated season and SEC championship in 2004. The Tigers did not win the national championship, finishing #2 to USC that season. Auburn was 5-7 this season.
  • Bowling Green. Gregg Brandon was fired Nov. 29 after six seasons with the Falcons (44-30). Bowling Green won its final game this season to reach bowl eligibility at 6-6, but the Falcons are not expected to receive a bowl bid.
  • Eastern Michigan. Jeff Genyk was fired Nov. 24 after five seasons with the Eagles, where he posted a 15-42 record. At least four MAC teams will have new coaches next season.
  • Miami (Ohio). The Redhawks fired Shane Montgomery (17-31 at Miami) Nov. 29 after a disappointing 2-10 season in which Miami was considered a preseason challenger for the MAC title.
  • New Mexico State. Both D-1 in-state schools will be seeking new coaches after Hal Mumme was fired Dec. 1 at NMSU following a rocky four seasons. Mumme finished 11-38 with the Aggies.
  • San Diego State. SDSU fired Chuck Long Nov. 23 after three disappointing seasons. Long was 9-27 with the Aztecs.

The copyright of the article 2008 College Football Coaching Changes in Football is owned by Kyle Schurman. Permission to republish 2008 College Football Coaching Changes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.