The Biggest 2024 Offseason Priority for Every New Power 4 CFB Coach
While the college football landscape begins to undergo a dramatic shift, there are many new coaches around the nation, too.
In total—and we might not be finished—there are 26 programs set to have a first-year boss overseeing the team in 2024.
Among that group, 10 power-conference schools have undergone a leadership change. Given the nature of the profession, each coach naturally has a similar group of responsibilities. Still, a particular task stands out as the highest priority in each place.
(Also, yes, the elephant in the room is no longer to be ignored: We are moving from the Power Five to the Power Four.)
For clarity, the upcoming moves in realignment do not equate to a new coach. Washington is included, though, because Jedd Fisch is replacing Kalen DeBoer as the former Pac-12 school joins the Big Ten.
ACC Coaches
1 of 4
Manny Diaz, Duke: Steady the Defense
Following the season, several top defenders hit the portal. Duke lost a pair of All-ACC players in D-tackle Aeneas Peebles and nickelback Brandon Johnson, along with key pass-rusher RJ Oben and linebacker Dorian Mausi. However, both safety Jaylen Stinson and edge-rusher Ryan Smith decided not to transfer. Their returns are important to help Manny Diaz build on what had been a rising defense in Durham.
Fran Brown, Syracuse: Recruit, Recruit, Recruit
The simple version is Dino Babers never attracted star players at a high enough rate. Fran Brown, on the other hand, is highly respected for his ability on the trail—and certainly can do the same in the portal. After bringing in Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord and some of Brown's former players at Georgia, the Orange are off to a decent start here. But this is simply the beginning of a long process for Brown.
Big Ten Coaches
2 of 4
Curt Cignetti, Indiana: Ignite the Passing Game
The bright side is, within the Big Ten, Indiana ranked sixth in yards per pass attempt in league games. The problem is the Hoosiers averaged 6.4 yards on those throws, which is not great. James Madison posted top-20 marks during the last two seasons under Curt Cignetti, and Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke tallied an excellent 9.2 YPA in 2022 before an injury-hampered 2023. For the Hoosiers to compete in a strengthened the Big Ten, the aerial attack must actually do the latter part.
Jonathan Smith, Michigan State: Create Belief
We can talk about on-field challenges, and those matter. Jonathan Smith inherited a poor situation in East Lansing due to Mel Tucker's embarrassing exit at a program that cratered in two seasons. Culture can be an overused buzzword, but it's evident that Michigan State needs a revamped outlook to sell the Spartans in a positive way.
Jedd Fisch, Washington: Find Stability in Mass Change
Washington made the national championship behind a veteran roster full of inevitable NFL departures. The program's rapid two-year ascent created Kalen DeBoer's opportunity to replace Nick Saban at Alabama, a decision that sparked a flurry of entrants to the transfer portal. And, oh-by-the-way, Washington is moving to the Big Ten this summer. Jedd Fisch is walking into a great situation, but that doesn't mean the mass amount of transition isn't also a complicating factor.
Big 12 Coaches
3 of 4
Brent Brennan, Arizona Wildcats: Restock the Roster
As expected, Fisch's departure led to a run on transfers. Arizona saw a handful of notable contributors head to the portal and, so far, has 19 outbound players. On the other hand, since cornerback Jordan Shaw followed Fisch to UW, there are only three incoming transfers. Arizona can compete for a Big 12 title as constructed, but Brent Brennan and his staff need to attract some reinforcements soon.
Willie Fritz, Houston Cougars: Start Winning on the Trail
Generally speaking, no state produces as much FBS-level talent than Texas. It's simply inexcusable for Houston to have finished 10th and 15th within the Big 12 during the last two recruiting cycles. Want to contend in the conference? Win battles for Lone Star blue-chips.
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SEC Coaches
4 of 4
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama: Establish a Recruiting Identity
Kalen DeBoer has made a career out of uncovering diamonds in the rough. He's won everywhere yet never led a program with anything remotely close to the recruiting pull of Alabama. Some prospects wanted to play for the brand, sure, but many others undoubtedly went to Tuscaloosa because of Nick Saban. DeBoer needs to quickly find the proper balance of trusting the processes that guided him here and pursuing the high-end talent that is available because of Saban. It's much easier said than done.
Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State: Restructure the Offense
In the wake of Mike Leach's death, Mississippi State promoted defensive coordinator Zach Arnett. He drifted away from The Pirate's iconic Air Raid in 2023, and the offense stumbled badly. The unit ranked 97th in yards per play and 107th in points per game. Jeff Lebby brings a return to Air Raid concepts. While his motion-heavy system has a different feel than Leach's preferences, it'll be a more familiar offense and—most importantly—should be productive.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M: Elevate the Defense
After climbing the ladder as a coordinator, Mike Elko oversaw a superb two-year turnaround at Duke. The defense ascended from 123rd in yards allowed per play in 2021 to 28th last season. Texas A&M, meanwhile, dipped from a top-10 defense in yards allowed per play to 36th in 2022 and 40th in 2023. Although the Aggies added plenty of transfers, a half-dozen potential starters hit the portal with a couple of NFL draft exits. Texas A&M scored 30-plus points in three losses last season; that cannot happen again.
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