By Mike Huesmann
We knew for weeks that Dino Babers was on the hot seat and that was lit a fire this morning with the news that he’d been relieved of his duties. This should not come as a surprise to anyone considering the late-season woes for his teams in recent years.
Dino has went 1-6 in his last seven games, which is also the record of his last seven games in 2022 after a 6-0 start. In eight seasons at Syracuse, he only had two with a winning record, which shouldn’t cut it at any P5 school. Here are 5 candidates for the Syracuse job.
Sean Lewis
Colorado, Offensive Coordinator
Former Kent State head coach and Syracuse offensive coordinator, Lewis brings familiarity. The Flashes were below average last year but he remains a guy who gets mentioned for this job, especially with what we saw from the Colorado passing attack so far this year.
His experience as a head coach, as well as Syracuse, combined with the offensive outburst of his team has made him a guy who could be on the radar for a P5 program, like Syracuse, who needs a new boss.
https://twitter.com/BuffsonAthlon/status/1700583664067940662
Tony White
Nebraska, Defensive Coordinator
After stints at San Diego St. and Arizona St., White led one of the best defensive backfields in the country from 2020-2022 for the Orange. Most of those guys are either in the NFL or transferred to more prestigious schools.
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Matt Rhule made a great hire to get the UCLA alumni on his staff at Nebraska for this season. White has a history in many parts of the country, is young, energetic, and everything recruits want to see. He did a heck of a job as DC at Syracuse, I wouldn’t be shocked if he comes back as head coach.
https://twitter.com/NebraskaRivals/status/1724506557344600313
Curt Cignetti
James Madison, Head Coach
It is a real shame that an antiquated and outmoded rule will keep JMU from the bowl game they deserve this year. At 10-1, the Dukes have exceeded all expectations. Sadly, they cannot even play in the Sun Belt title game due to the FCS to FBS transition rule.
Cignetti is in season five at JMU and year two in the FBS. They were a respectable 8-3 last season but no one expected them to have the season like they are. Much of this comes down to the former Nick Saban assistant in charge.
https://twitter.com/jarvisharen/status/1725885604632686788
Jeff Monken
Army, Head Coach
Monken has shown he can coach and win with less talent, that will likely be the case in Syracuse initially. The former Navy and Georgia Southern assistant also spent 4 years as the Eagles head coach before going to West Point.
Since arriving at Army in 2014 he has gone 67-55 while showing us recently that he is capable of shifting offensive philosophies and isn’t just a triple option guy. Monken could be a guy in the mix here.
https://twitter.com/CoachJeffMonken/status/1726092741518442904
Sherrone Moore
Michigan, Offensive Coordinator
Moore has proved a dutiful coach for Harbaugh and his name has been brought up for numerous head coaching possibilities. The former Central Michigan and Louisville assistant became the sole OC here this season and the Wolverines haven’t skipped a beat.
Moore has also deputized as the man in charge recently while Harbaugh serves his suspension. He will almost certainly be a head coach next Fall.
https://twitter.com/BigTenNetwork/status/1726108970786459923
