By Mike Huesmann
With the surprise and untimely decision that Jeff Hafley will become the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, BC will be looking for a new head coach. Hafley had a very mixed 4 years in charge of the Eagles. His career record of 22-26 with two bowl appearances was a mixed bag of up and down, inconsistent offense, and flashes of “maybe they’ve figured it out.” His good reputation meant he wasn’t on the hot seat yet but another year or two of the same and he would’ve been, and he likely knew it.
This loss could mean Hafley wanted to go back to the NFL, where he coached for six seasons, or it could be a sign of the new trend where the head coaches of economically disadvantaged programs bounce for bigger and better jobs, even if it means a reduction in title.
Update: There has been a change in recent days. Former BC defensive coordinator and current Carolina LB coach Tem Lukabu gets removed from the list and Bill O’Brien gets added, his name is gaining traction in some circles.
Bill O’Brien
Offensive Coordinator, Ohio State
O’Brien took over at Penn State after a scandal and did a fantastic job. He then went to the NFL with Houston where he was good as a coach, but poor as a GM which got him fired. His record as a head coach at both levels is impressive. While his reputation took a bit of a hit at Alabama, O’Brien moved onto the Patriots before recently being hired by Ryan Day and Ohio State. Would he leave the Buckeyes before even coaching a game? If the answer is yes, then he’s going to be a contender here.
If Boston College can pull off getting Bill O’Brien to replace Jeff Hafley, it will be an absolute coup for a program often thought of as the worst in the Power 3
— College Football Watcher (@CFBWatcher) February 4, 2024
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Al Washington
Defensive Line, Notre Dame
Washington is a BC alumnus and coached the Eagles for multiple seasons. Right now, his name is the one popping up most for this job. BC will want someone with a background either here or at another academically intense school; Washington has both. In recent years, he’s coached at Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. Washington has tutored many players at both DL and LB over his career who have gone on to the NFL. If I was a betting man, right now, I’d be hard-pressed to bet on someone other than him to get the job.
Hearing Al Washington as a strong candidate for the HC job at BC, working to learn more.
Played for the Eagles 2002-2005, then 2012-2016 as a position coach.
Checks a lot of boxes and is very familiar with the program. Let’s see what happens. pic.twitter.com/5AqT5porTx
— Brett (@brettrid3r) February 2, 2024
Jason Candle
Head Coach, Toledo
Jason Candle continues to do good things at Toledo. He brings significant head coaching success, Midwest ties, and more experience than most who’ll be considered for the job. Candle took his squad to the MAC title game again and the pull of the ACC and the economic resources BC can offer, relative to Toledo, will be appealing to him. If previous head coaching experience and ties to the Midwest end up being the driving factors, he’s a guy to watch.
Al Golden
Defensive Coordinator, Notre Dame
For jobs like this, connections are always important to look at. Golden was the former head coach at Miami and that’s also where BC athletic director Blake James was before moving north. Golden was good at Temple but struggled at Miami, although that doesn’t look as bad since everyone has struggled at Miami the last two decades. I also think Golden has matured and grown a lot since being a young head coach, at least I hope he has. He has done a good job at Notre Dame and before that spent time with two NFL teams on both sides of the ball. I doubt Golden will be the top choice, but he’s probably a safer one and not too far down the list.
Early potential candidates at Boston College, per @247Sports industry sources:
Bob Chesney, JMU
Jason Candle, Toledo
Todd Monken, Ravens OC
Jeff Monken, Army
Mike Reed, Clemson STC
Liam Coen, Kentucky OC
Al Golden, Notre Dame DC
Kyle Flood, Texas OChttps://t.co/cZUpvPTj7Q pic.twitter.com/Ut78VwTx23— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) February 1, 2024
Jeff Monken
Head Coach, Army
Jeff Monken has shown he can coach and win with less talent, that will likely be the case at Boston College initially. The former Navy and Georgia Southern assistant also spent 4 years as the GSU 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.
