The 2023-24 coaching carousel seems to be never-ending with the Boston College Eagles joining the fray on Wednesday. Jeff Hafely opted to leave his post as a sitting head coach to take a coordinator role with the Green Bay Packers.
The move comes after Sherrone Moore was named the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. The promotion of Moore came just days after Jim Harbaugh notified the university that he would be leaving for the NFL despite winning the CFP national championship a few weeks ago.
With so much movement going on at the FBS level, Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports ranked 25 hires this past cycle. It begins with a familiar face rejoining the coaching ranks.
No. 1: Bronco Mendenhall, New Mexico Lobos
Mendenhall stepped down from his post as the Virginia Cavaliers head coach prior to the 2022 season. He was replaced by former Clemson Tigers offensive coordinator Tony Elliott. Mendenhall, the long-time BYU head coach is returning to his former stomping grounds in the Mountain West. Mendenhall replaces Danny Gonzales, who was fired after three failed seasons with the Lobos.
What Myerberg says…
He’s a winner, pure and simple. Mendenhall has been very successful at two stops, Brigham Young and Virginia, reaching bowl eligibility in every non-COVID-19 year of his coaching career outside of his debut season with the Cavaliers. Mendenhall is also a former New Mexico assistant under Rocky Long and brings deep familiarity with the program and the broader region. As one of the surest bets in coaching and a terrific ambassador for the program and athletics department, he’s an absolute coup for the Lobos.
Mendenhall edged out new Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz, who checks in at No. 2. New Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer was the No. 3 head coach according to Myerberg. Former Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo and former Troy head coach Jon Sumrall round out the top five.