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The Coaches We Forget About: 5 Analysts to Keep an Eye Out For

These former head coaches could be the next big hires after a season as analysts in 2025

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By Mike Huesmann

Analysts didn’t exist a decade ago and now they have become a staple on the coaching staffs for Power Four teams. Graduate assistants and quality control spots have always been there, but analyst is a recent phenomenon and these guys are often in between their “full-time” jobs, that is one of the official 10 on-field coaches. 

It is a way to spend a season or two, to rehabilitate your image, and be ready when the next big job opens. These guys can be extremely experienced and knowledgeable coaches who focus on a niche as part of the job. Here are five to look for this year and see if they rise to a full-time coordinator or head job again.

Brian Bohannon, Georgia Tech

The Kennesaw State head coach for the previous decade, I was vocal that I didn’t approve of his firing, even if I did like the hiring of Jerry Mack as a replacement. Bohannon led the Owls from FCS to the FBS and was let go not even a full year later. Those kind of expectations were unrealistic for a roster that was among the worst in all the FBS. Bohannon had multiple FCS playoff appearances under his belt. He was a smart addition for Brent Key and the Yellow Jackets as they continue to build. Another solid year and Bohannon could be a target for a good FCS program or a Group of 5 as a new head coach.

Mike MacIntyre, Mississippi State

MacIntyre never got things going in his three years as FIU head coach, but was never awful either. His previous head coaching stops were Colorado and San Jose State. MacIntyre has been well respected as a defensive mastermind for years. He’s been DC at Ole Miss, Memphis, Duke and coached DBs in the NFL for multiple teams. Jeff Lebby was shrewd to hire a veteran. I’m always a proponent of new head coaches getting seasoned guys around them who are sounding boards and know the game. MacIntyre’s days as a head coach might be done but his work at the top levels of the college game aren’t. He could help lift the Bulldogs out of the SEC cellar.

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Jerry Kill, Vanderbilt

How did Vanderbilt go from two wins in 2023 to seven in 2024? Jerry Kill, is the answer I give people. The former Northern Illinois, Minnesota and New Mexico State head coach has turned it around everywhere he’s been. There might not be a better guy at fixing programs down on their luck. NMSU hadn’t won more than three games in the previous four seasons and he got them to seven in year one and 10 in year two before leaving the head job and joining Clark Lea as an assistant. Vandy winning seven games last year was remarkable considering the history. If Lea wants to continue the building and keep the ‘Dores competitive, Kill is a guy I’d take advice from.

Rick Stockstill, Florida State

Stock was let go by Middle Tennessee after the 2023 season. He took over a downtrodden program decades ago and brought consistency and relevance. It is a tough place to win, and he did an admirable job in his 18 years. The 2023 season was poor, going 4-8, but they had winning seasons and bowl appearances the two previous seasons. He made 10 bowl appearances in his 18 years. This program would be mired in struggle and irrelevance if not for him. Mike Norvell bringing him in was a sound move as he has experience in building and correcting issues, which clearly existed last year for the Seminoles. At 67, I don’t know if he’ll want to be a head coach again but if I was a G5 program who has struggled, I’d consider it. FSU needs to rebound this year and he’s certainly a brain in that room who can help.

Warren Ruggiero, Iowa

Dave Clawson’s right-hand man for years, Ruggiero has been an offensive coordinator and QB coach with him since 2009 at Bowling Green and Wake Forest. The “Clawfense” enabled them to get wins and bowl games while building with lesser talent. Iowa has notably struggled for years on offense, focusing on complimentary football that basically eliminates the possibility of any risk. With Mark Gronowski coming in at QB from FCS power South Dakota State, Ruggiero might have a chance to work his magic again with a dual-threat QB. He is a guy I could see hired as an offensive coordinator by an FBS school next offseason. 

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