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Five Coaches to Watch in This Offseason’s Carousel: Jon Sumrall, Rich Rodriguez, and More

Five coaches poised for P4 jobs this offseason. Who’s next to make the leap?

Avatar photoMike Huesmann
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By: Mike Huesmann

Every offseason, there’s movement. I believe this year we will see significantly fewer job changes at the P4 level than usual. That said, some turnover is inevitable. Here are five G5 head coaches to watch in case openings arise. 

Jon Sumrall

Tulane, Head Coach

Last year, this was my favorite offseason hire. Jon Sumrall should be coaching a P4 program by now. Hiring him was a major coup for the Green Wave after losing Willie Fritz. Sumrall was 23-4 in two years at Troy. He moved to a school with more resources and recruiting talent around it and is currently 7-2. This role looks like a steppingstone for him. If there is an opening at Kentucky, his alma mater, I’d be shocked if he isn’t the guy.

Jake Dickert

Washington State, Head Coach

Jake Dickert is 7-1 in year four with Washington State. He and John Mateer are lighting it up and winning games. They have a solid chance to finish the regular season 11-1. If that happens, he could be on the radar of P4 teams with openings. His teams have played well over his tenure, though his 22-17 record isn’t attention grabbing. The stability of a P4 conference could be appealing to him, and his energetic attitude, defensive prowess, and ability to build success against the odds could make him attractive to schools.

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Eric Morris

North Texas, Head Coach

A Jake Dickert disciple, Eric Morris was his OC at Washington State before taking the head job at North Texas. He was instrumental in getting Cam Ward to the Cougars, having been his first head coach at Incarnate Word. The Mean Green are currently 5-3, an impressive record for them as they look to secure a bowl game. A former player under Mike Leach at Texas Tech, Morris could be a top choice for any program wanting an air raid system and a young, dynamic head coach.

Alex Golesh

South Florida, Head Coach

One of the most impressive two-year turnarounds in recent memory. The former Tennessee OC led the Bulls to a bowl game in year one, following the rough Jeff Scott era. A P4 job will come soon. That being said, his name is not as hot as it was last year. The Bulls have disappointed at 4-4 this year. If someone is willing to overlook the down season, they could get Alex Golesh at a bargain. But with so little head coaching experience, I’m not sure if it will happen this offseason.

Rich Rodriguez

Jacksonville State, Head Coach

The highest-profile name on this list. The question for Rich Rodriguez is, does he want to be a P4 head coach again? If he does, this might be the year it has to happen. He led Jacksonville State from FCS to FBS with a very impressive 9-4 record in year one in C-USA. They’re currently 5-3, but undefeated in the conference. If they get 8-9 wins, we might hear Rodriguez get mentioned for a P4 job. Would West Virginia want him back if Neal Brown gets a pink slip? 

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