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Kiffin, Brohm, and More: 5 Coaches Who Could Make Their Playoff Debut

With the expanded playoff, these coaches have a real shot at reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time.

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Oct 12
Oct 12

By Mike Huesmann

With an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, we will see coaches make the field who in years past probably never would’ve had a shot. Last year it was Rhett Lashlee and Spencer Danielson. Who will it be in 2025? 

Here I examine five coaches who will have a good shot to make the playoff for the first time. Coaches who made the old four-team CFP are excluded. We’ve also come to an interesting scenario where many of these coaches who’ve never made the playoff now have it as an expectation. Lane Kiffin of Ole Miss being one as James Franklin of Penn State was last year. Here, I will pick one from each Power Four conference and one from the Group of 5.

Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss

The aforementioned Kiffin is a guy who has done so well that we expect them to compete for playoff spots now, which might be both fair and cruel. The Rebels had that expectation last year and it didn’t work out, losing to two teams they shouldn’t have. His teams have made strides and gotten better each year. If Austin Simmons can play well in year one as a starter, they’ll have a shot. Time is coming due where Kiffin needs to get over the hump and take his team to the CFP to be considered among the elite echelon of coaches. Being a double-digit winner in three of the last four seasons in the new format is code for a CFP berth. I wouldn’t bet against him.

Other SEC Contenders: Shane Beamer (South Carolina), Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri)

Jeff Brohm, Louisville

In a league that is now the “haves” and “have nots” there aren’t many options here for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Clemson and SMU made the playoff last year, which leaves Louisville and Miami as the only logical options for this list. Brohm took Purdue to a Big Ten Conference title game in 2022, which looks way more impressive after the Ryan Walters debacle. Miller Moss has transferred in from USC and the receiving talent is there. If I have to bet between Brohm and Mario Cristobal of Miami, it’s an easy choice for me. Cristobal is good but he has yet to meet expectations in any season—nor win a bowl game.

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Other ACC Contenders: Mario Cristobal

Bret Bielema, Illinois

This was the toughest conference to pick. With four playoff teams last year, Day, Franklin, Lanning and Curt Cignetti were eliminated from contention for the Big Ten Conference. Are there any other Big Ten teams you trust to make the CFP? That’s a definite no from me. But Bielema has done wonders at Illinois, where few had won in recent years. He has a returning QB in Luke Altmeyer, won 10 games in 2024, and the schedule looks like they could get 10 regular season wins if things go well. I don’t think any “new” coach in the conference has a likely chance of being the new guy in the CFP.

Other Big Ten Contenders: Kirk Ferentz (Iowa), Sherrone Moore (Michigan)

Matt Campbell, Iowa State

Campbell is entering year 10 in Ames, Iowa and many thought he’d have moved on by now. Yet here we are, fresh off of a berth in the Big 12 Conference title game in 2024 and Rocco Becht returning as quarterback. Campbell only has one losing season after his initial season in charge. His teams have been consistent but will have work to do to get over the hump and win 10 games. Last year was his first season with double digit wins, finishing 11-4. The program he has built is a reason he gets my vote here in a conference where many solid coaches will have a shot.

Other Big 12 Contenders: Kalani Sitake (BYU), Chris Klieman (K-State)

Bob Chesney, James Madison

With one playoff spot reserved for a G5 team, someone has to get the nod here. Boise State will still be competitive even without Ashton Jeanty, but with Danielson not an option I give the nod over the rest to Chesney. JMU has been solid ever since moving up to the FBS. Last year,—his first in charge of the Dukes—Chesney led his team to a 9-4 overall record and won a bowl game. Quarterback Matt Sluka comes in from UNLV after being Chesney’s QB at Holy Cross previously. Beyond all the drama last year, he’ll challenge Alonza Barnett III for the job, especially considering health concerns. Critically, as with any G5 school, the schedule looks favorable for JMU.

Other G5 Contenders: Jay Norvell (Colorado State), Tyson Helton (Western Kentucky), Jamey Chadwell (Liberty), Jon Sumrall (Tulane)

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