There were 31 FBS head-coaching changes in 2023, resulting in a significant turnover rate of 23.1%. This wave of changes extended into February, leaving fans and players alike wondering what the future would hold for their programs. As we look ahead to the 2024 college football season, it appears that the coaching carousel may slow down. So far, there has been only one Power 4 coach fired in 2024, but the winds of change are beginning to stir.
Recent Coaching Changes in 2024
The carousel has already started to turn with two notable in-season coaching changes. Southern Mississippi’s Will Hall and East Carolina’s Mike Houston were both fired after Week 8, marking the first significant shifts of this cycle. Hall was dismissed following a disappointing 44-28 loss to Arkansas State, leaving the Golden Eagles with a dismal 1-6 record. Meanwhile, Houston’s tenure came to an end after the Pirates fell 45-28 to Army, leaving East Carolina at 3-4.
But that’s not all. Kennesaw State’s Brian Bohannon also parted ways with the program on November 11, further adding to the list of coaching changes as the season progresses.
Will Hall, Southern Mississippi
Fired (Oct. 20): Hall’s journey with the Golden Eagles ended after a lackluster season. With a record of 14-30, Hall struggled to find success, especially after leading the team to a 7-6 finish and a bowl victory in 2022. Unfortunately, the momentum did not carry into 2023, as the team faltered with a 3-9 record. Reed Stringer has stepped in as the interim head coach, tasked with reviving the program’s fortunes.
Mike Houston, East Carolina
Fired (Oct. 20): Houston’s departure from East Carolina came after a tumultuous stretch. With a record of 27-38 over his tenure, Houston had previously enjoyed success at James Madison, where he went 37-6. However, the Pirates’ performance in 2024 left much to be desired, prompting athletic director Jon Gilbert to declare that “a change is needed to move the program forward.” Blake Harrell has taken on the interim role, aiming to steer the team back on track.
Coaching Changes Overview for 2024
As we analyze the coaching changes for 2024, we see a mix of resignations and firings, each with its own story. The trend suggests that while the turnover may be less dramatic than in previous years, the stakes remain high for programs looking to improve.
Jeff Tedford, Fresno State
Resigned (July 15): Tedford’s resignation due to health concerns marked a significant moment for Fresno State. In his second stint with the program, he compiled a respectable 19-8 record over two seasons. His career record stands at 127-97 across 16 seasons with Cal and Fresno State. Tim Skipper has taken over as interim coach, stepping into big shoes as the program looks to maintain its competitive edge.
Blake Anderson, Utah State
Fired (July 20): Anderson’s dismissal was particularly controversial. Reports indicated that he was let go for contacting a potential domestic violence victim after an Aggies player was arrested. With a record of 23-17 in three seasons, including an impressive 11-2 finish in 2021, Anderson’s exit leaves Utah State searching for stability. Nate Dreiling will serve as the interim coach as the program navigates this transition.
Mike Bloomgren, Rice
Fired (Oct. 27): Bloomgren’s tenure at Rice came to an end after five consecutive losing seasons, culminating in a 2-6 record this year. Despite leading the Owls to bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023, his overall record of 24-52 was not enough to secure his position. Pete Alamar has stepped in as the interim coach, hoping to revitalize the program.
Brian Bohannon, Kennesaw State
Fired/resigned (Nov. 11): Bohannon’s departure was marked by ambiguity, as he claimed to have resigned, while the program announced he was fired. With a dismal 1-8 record in 2024, Bohannon’s exit comes after a successful stint where he led the Owls to a 72-38 record and oversaw their transition to the FBS. The future of Kennesaw State’s football program now rests in new hands.
FBS Coaching Changes by School in 2024
As we look at the coaching changes across various schools, it’s clear that many programs are in a state of flux. Here’s a quick overview:
| SCHOOL | OUT | IN |
| Fresno State | Jeff Tedford | – |
| Utah State | Blake Anderson | – |
| Southern Miss | Will Hall | – |
| East Carolina | Mike Houston | – |
| Rice | Mike Bloomgren | – |
| Kennesaw State | Brian Bohannon | – |
As we move forward, the college football landscape will continue to evolve. With each coaching change, programs hope to find the right fit to lead them to success. The excitement of the season is palpable, and fans are eager to see how these transitions will shape the future of their beloved teams. Who will rise to the occasion, and which programs will find their footing? Only time will tell!
