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College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

Willie Simmons, Jerry Mack, and Others: Possible Head Coach Candidates for Charlotte

Could Willie Simmons, Jerry Mack, or others be the next head coach at Charlotte?

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By: Mike Huesmann

After just 22 games, the Charlotte 49ers have decided to part ways with Biff Poggi. This move is one I struggle to comprehend. It’s one of the toughest jobs in America to win at, resources are uninspiring, and he had less than two full seasons to turn it around. Are the administrators here dealing with realistic expectations for a program in this state? I do not believe so. One thing I do believe is that, after Biff, they probably hire someone on the younger side. I don’t think offense or defense will matter here, and past experience as a FBS head coach might not be a requirement either.

Willie Simmons

Duke, RB Coach

Not so long ago I said Willie Simmons would be an OC or possibly even HC at the FBS level. He was a fantastic hire for new head coach Manny Diaz. Simmons came to Duke from FCS Florida A&M where he was head coach for six years and never finished lower than second in the division. He’s a heck of an offensive coach and it feels like this could be a job he’s a candidate for.

Jerry Mack

Jacksonville Jaguars, RB Coach

As North Carolina Central head coach Jerry Mack won three conference titles in four seasons at the FCS level. He is a known recruiter and has coached many stellar offensive players at Memphis, South Alabama, Rice, and Tennessee before bolting for the NFL this year. He’s taken an odd career path from being a very young and successful FCS head coach to FBS and NFL assistant, but his time as an FBS head coach will come. He could be a candidate for other jobs.

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Kade Bell

Pittsburgh Panthers, Offensive Coordinator

Kade Bell is young, successful, and proficient in X’s and O’s. That could be the recipe for the 49ers. He has North Carolina connections having been offensive coordinator at Western Carolina where his dad, Kerwin, is head coach. Still only 31 years old, he has seen a meteoric rise going from D-II to P4 OC in only four years. If he’s ambitious and confident enough, this could be an exciting option.

Brennan Marion

UNLV, Offensive Coordinator

Brennan Marion has had offensive success everywhere he’s coached at. He’s been rumored to be a candidate for a few G5 openings. Since 2018, his stops have included William & Mary, Hawaii, Pittsburgh, Texas, and now UNLV. He is as innovative as they come and his team’s ability to run the ball out of the Go-Go offense is assured. This “winning by being different” aspect might be what Charlotte needs.

Trei Oliver

North Carolina Central, Head Coach

Trei Oliver took over at NC Central after the previously mentioned Jerry Mack left for the FBS. Oliver could have this trajectory, as well. He has won 9 and 10 games the last two years, including a playoff berth in 2023. Prior to this, Oliver was the defensive coordinator at Southern. He is coaching at his alma mater, which could be an inhibitor in leaving, but if they keep winning games, he could get mentioned for FBS jobs. 

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