By: Mike Huesmann
The inevitable happened and Curt Cignetti has left for a P5 job, leaving for Indiana. Finding a man to replace the coach who took them from FCS to an 11-1 season will not be easy and this hire is a vital one for program stability and continuity. Here are five options for the job from this year’s coaching carousel.
Alex Atkins
Offensive Coordinator, Florida State
Pulling double duty as O-coordinator and offensive line coach this year really showcased why Atkins has consistently been mentioned for head coaching positions. Under Norvell, his offense has prioritized running the ball and moving the chains. He rolls in backs and tight ends. He’s likely to be a P5 head coach in 2024.
This could be a solid first head job for the young, dynamic, hard recruiting Atkins. He will also be a candidate for Tulane.
https://twitter.com/Noles247/status/1729505172269740477
Bob Chesney
Head Coach, Holy Cross
Chesney led Holy Cross to four consecutive playoff appearances before this season. He holds a 44-21 record in Worchester and 111-46 overall which includes stops at Assumption and Salve Regina.
He had been mentioned as a Syracuse candidate as well. His name is one that is gaining steam for the step up to FBS. If it doesn’t happen this offseason, then it likely won’t be long.
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https://twitter.com/chrisvIQtory/status/1104444212290961413
Jerry Mack
RB Coach, Tennessee
The former North Carolina Central head coach won three conference titles in four at the FCS level. He is a known recruiter and has coached many stellar offensive players at Memphis, South Alabama, Rice, and now Tennessee. He’s taken an odd career path from being a very young and successful FCS head coach to FBS assistant, but his time as an FBS head coach will come.
https://twitter.com/evanvcrowell/status/1726978775215493297
Willie Simmons
Head Coach, Florida A&M
One of the top FCS offensive minds out there. Simmons is in his fifth season at FAMU and has only won fewer than 9 games in the first one. The former Middle Tennessee assistant coach could also be a candidate for that job in coming weeks.
He spent three years at Prairie View as the head coach before making the move to Tallahassee. He is a former Clemson player and assistant.
https://twitter.com/HCWillieSimmons/status/1731322343698391176
Joe Harasymiak
Defensive Coordinator, Rutgers
Another coach with FCS ties. Harasymiak was the head coach at Maine, leading them to a semifinal appearance in the playoffs before leaving for Minnesota in 2019. After spending three years with PJ Fleck, the last two as co-defensive coordinator, he moved to Rutgers and the DC job with Greg Schiano. His name has been mentioned for multiple G5 head coaching job.
https://twitter.com/JMUSportsNews/status/1731391097627115697
