Tag: fran brown

2023-2024 College Football Coaching Carousel

Texas A&M hires Duke’s Mike Elko as the coaching carousel continues to spin.

The end of the college football season is here and the coaching carousel is once again getting fired up. This season saw two early head coaching changes within the Big Ten to get an early jump on things, but more coaching changes are popping up as we close in on the end of another regular season around the nation.

We’ll keep track of all of the head coaching changes in our updated coaching carousel tracker to see what head coaches are out and who is replacing them. This will be updated daily as needed with the latest head coaching changes as jobs open up and are filled. As is so often the case in college football, one coaching vacancy being filled will lead to another opening popping up as a result.

As of Thursday, Dec. 8 there are 2 head coaching vacancies in college football, including 1 power conference job to fill. A total of 19 head coaching changes have been made this year.

Below is the updated chart for this year’s edition of the head coaching carousel in college football. After that is a bit more detail on each job opening, listed in alphabetical order.

The Fran Brown effect is already being felt at Syracuse

Fran Brown is already creating some buzz on the recruiting trail.

Fran Brown is already having a not-insignificant impact on Syracuse football. The newly appointed head coach of the ACC program is creating some buzz on the recruiting trail.

And that, for anyone who knows Brown, isn’t a shock in the slightest.

Consider the case of [autotag]Jaelyne Matthews[/autotag], a four-star offensive lineman from New Jersey. A member of the 2024 recruiting class, Matthews announced his top nine this past Friday and the list did not include Syracuse. Now after the hiring of Brown, Matthews decided to include Syracuse in a revised cutdown.

While the Syracuse staff is still coming together, the hire of Elijah Robinson as defensive coordinator (most recently the defensive line coach at Texas A&M) gives Brown a staff that will be a hit with recruits.

In the case of Matthews, who is committed to play in the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game, it is already paying dividends.

“I believe in the Brown and Robinson effects and they’re gonna shock the world,” Matthews said.

“They have the top two recruiters and coaches and people in the country and why would you not want to be part of that?”

Syracuse represents Brown’s first job as a head coach at any level. But he has had a tremendous resume, with Power Five stops at Baylor, Georgia and Rutgers helping to round out his coaching view.

Brown is considered the top recruiter in the nation, with a genuine ability to connect with high school players and their families. He has deep ties to the region, having been on staff at Temple (he left the Owls in 2019 as their defensive coordinator) and then was the secondary coach for two seasons at Rutgers.

His two subsequent years at Georgia as their safeties coach, beginning in 2022, certainly give him some juice as heads to a rebuilding Orange program.

Reaction: Syracuse introduces Fran Brown as head coach

Syracuse Orange introduce former Georgia football defensive backs coach Fran Brown as head coach

The Syracuse Orange have officially introduced Fran Brown as their 31st head football coach in school history. Brown, a former Georgia Bulldogs defensive backs coach, was introduced in a Dec. 4 press conference. Brown does not plan to coach Georgia in the Orange Bowl against Florida State.

Fran Brown replaced the recently fired Syracuse coach Dino Babers. Leading the Syracuse football program is a challenging job because of its location and lack of financial resources compared to other Power Five schools.

Brown is a recruiting expert in the Northeast and is a good hire for Syracuse, which is trying to improve its roster. Now, Brown will focus on retaining talent on the Syracuse roster while adding good players via the transfer portal and traditional recruiting.

Social media reacted to Brown’s introduction at Syracuse:

UGA defensive backs coach not coaching vs. Florida State

Georgia football defensive backs coach won’t be on the sidelines against Florida State in the Orange Bowl

Georgia Bulldogs defensive backs coach Fran Brown, who accepted the head coach job at Syracuse, will not be coaching Georgia football in the Orange Bowl against Florida State.

Georgia is now looking for a new defensive backs coach. The Bulldogs can lean on Kirby Smart and Will Muschamp’s expertise (both are former Georgia defensive backs) against Florida State.

Fran Brown coached the Bulldogs in the SEC championship and likely would have done double duty if Georgia made the College Football Playoff. Brown explained why he would not coach in the Orange Bowl.

I won’t go back. I’m here to support my guys, I’m here to do everything possible. I hope he still gives me my check because we did help make the game. I’m completely here. I’m locked in here. We’re recruiting. We’re trying to have official visits coming up this weekend. We’re full tilt, man.

It is not a surprise that Brown will miss the Orange Bowl. Brown faces unique challenges at Syracuse and one of them is getting a talented roster.

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Syracuse and Fran Brown will try to retain its own roster, add transfers, and sign top recruits over the next few weeks.

Report: Texas A&M interim HC Elijah Robinson is headed to Syracuse in a new role

It has been reported that Texas A&M interim head coach Elijah Robinson will depart the program to become Syracuse’s new DC.

A rumor has become fact, as current Texas A&M Football interim head coach Elijah Robinson will leave the program to become the new defensive coordinator under first-year head coach Fran Brown.

Late last week, it was reported by Syracuse.com writer Emily Leiker that a 2024 offensive lineman, Noah Rosahac, stated that after verbally committing to Syracuse, new head coach Fran Brown reportedly told him:

“The (new) defensive coordinator is coming from the SEC.”

This immediately led to speculation that Robinson, who had received a contract to stay with the Aggies under new head coach Mike Elko, would entertain the idea due to his relationship with Brown, as the two coached together at Baylor and Temple over a decade ago.

While the specifics regarding a potential raise/promotion was a part of the contract, TexAgs Billy Liucci confirmed on Sunday afternoon that this would be the first shot at a defensive coordinator position for Robinson, likely indicating that he was not a candidate for Texas A&M’s D-coordinator spot, currently filled by D.J. Durkin. However, according to Liucci, Robinson received a highly lucrative contract that would have made him the highest-paid position coach in the country.

Since coming on board under previous head coach Jimbo Fisher in 2018, Robinson has served in several roles, most recently as the defensive line coach, co-head coach, and assistant defensive coordinator.

How Robinson’s exit will affect recruiting is to be seen, but knowing his relationship with nearly every player on the roster is quite telling, and how Elko will replace such a beloved and influential coach could define his coaching tenure.

However, in the matter that Robinson would depart, Liucci also noted that there is a plan in place that will be announced in a matter of time.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

What impact will Syracuse’s hire of Fran Brown have on Rutgers and Penn State? Mike Farrell weighs in

What will be Fran Brown’s impact on the recruiting trail?

Former Rutgers football assistant Fran Brown was hired by Syracuse this week to be their head coach. It is a move rife with intrigue, and one that could have serious implications for recruiting in the area.

Consistently ranked among the top recruiters in the nation, Brown has deep ties to Philadelphia, all of New Jersey and the tri-state area.

Known as the ‘godfather of recruiting,’ Farrell in many ways created the concept of covering recruiting into the modern phenomenon that it is today.

Brown’s coaching resume is certainly one with stops that could help him at Syracuse.

He spent time at Temple, working his way up to the role of defensive coordinator in 2019 before leaving the next season to join the Rutgers football rebuild under head coach Greg Schiano. Two years as the Rutgers secondary coach led to an opportunity to become the safeties coach at Georgia, the twice-defending national champions.

“Amazing recruiter and a local guy so that will help efforts in New Jersey, New York, New England, etc. – he’s also well connected from his SEC days so that will help greatly in the portal,” Farrell told Rutgers Wire.

“Lack of coordinator experience (at the Power Five level) is an issue and worry and this job is a lot for someone with head coaching experience so an assistant coach is a massive gamble.”

The hiring should help elevate Syracuse’s recruiting profile which is important as the Orange have been mired near the bottom of the ACC in recruiting high school talent. But what will be the impact for Rutgers and programs like Penn State and Boston College in terms of the Brown effect?

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All those programs recruit New Jersey and New York heavily as well as Florida. Areas that Brown now has deep ties.

Farrell doesn’t think it changes the current recruiting landscape very much.

“There should be a slight uptick locally, nothing crazy as Syracuse is a tough place to lure kids to,” Farrell said.

“The key will be winning over the long term, which is why he needs a full five-year commitment.”

Follow Mike Farrell for recruiting news and information as well as college football insight @mfarrellsports.

What Kirby Smart said after Fran Brown took the Syracuse job

What Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said after Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown took the Syracuse head coach job

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is glad to see another member of his coaching staff accept a role as a head coach. Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown will be the next Syracuse Orange head football coach.

Brown, who has coached defensive backs at Georgia for two years, knows the Northeast well and is a great recruiter. Syracuse will introduce Brown as its head coach in a Dec. 4 press conference a few days after the 2023 SEC championship game.

Fran is excellent. No ego, he’s trustworthy, smart and he’s worked really hard during his two seasons here to earn an opportunity like this. He has built great relationships in our building, our players love him and we couldn’t be more excited for him, Teara and their family.

Georgia will miss Brown. The Bulldogs have a very desirable opening at defensive backs coach. Georgia is expected to return safety Malaki Starks and multiple other talented players in the secondary for the 2024 college football season.

Brown noted how excited he was to take the Syracuse job.

Syracuse football has outstanding talent, great facilities and passionate alumni. The success of the players is my No. 1 priority — on and off the field. I want my guys to succeed in life, because they played football at Syracuse.

Syracuse has a tough recruiting territory and fewer resources than other Power Five schools. However, the Syracuse job represents a significant promotion and is an excellent opportunity for Brown.

Watch as Syracuse media reacts to the Fran Brown hire: ‘A swing for the fences hire but you also have the potential to screw yourself into the ground’

Sports radio reacts to the hire of Fran Brown by Syracuse.

Former Rutgers football secondary coach Fran Brown has been hired as the head coach of Syracuse. For Brown, currently with Georgia football, it is a return to the northeast after spending two seasons with Rutgers.

Brown joined Rutgers in 2020. Prior to that, he was the defensive coordinator at Temple. The hiring of Brown, largely hailed as the top recruiter in the nation, has certainly created varied and different takes on social media.

The hire of the talented Brown, known as a grinder on and off the field, is being questioned by Syracuse fans. The reason is simple: Brown has never been a head coach.

ESPN Radio (Utica) hosts Paulie Scibilia and Steve Infanti debated the hire. It is a debate that certainly is not inside an echo chamber as Syracuse fans are largely split on the hire.

While young and energetic, the fact that Brown has never been a head coach has some like Scibilia thinking this is boom or bust on the hire.

‘A swing for the fences hire but you also have the potential to screw yourself into the ground like the Bugs Bunny home run hitters when they miss,” Scibilia said.

“You’re Joey Gallo, you’re either hitting a home run or you’re striking out.”

 

“You’re Joey Gallo, you’re either hitting a home run or you’re striking out, right?” @pauliescibilia believes Syracuse football hiring Fran Brown can turn out one of two ways, but @SteveInfantiNC9 isn’t ruling out option #3.

Full #OrangeNation pod ⬇️
🎙️ https://t.co/IQJxd832VF pic.twitter.com/LMOwhpoQYx

The 40-year-old Brown left Rutgers after two years to become a safeties coach at Georgia in 2022.

He played his college football at Western Carolina and spent two years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Syracuse football officially hires Fran Brown as head coach

Syracuse hires Georgia Bulldogs defensive backs coach Fran Brown as their new head coach

The Syracuse Orange are hiring Georgia Bulldogs defensive backs coach Fran Brown as their head football coach. Brown will be the 31st coach in school history. Brown will be introduced as Syracuse’s head coach in a Dec. 4 press conference.

Syracuse recently fired coach Dino Babers. Leading the Orange program is a challenging job because of its location and lack of financial resources compared to other Power Five jobs.

Brown is a recruiting guru in the Northeast. He coached at Temple and Rutgers before coming to Georgia in 2022. Brown is a smart hire for Syracuse, which is trying to improve its roster.

Syracuse wanted to hire a coach as soon as possible because the transfer portal opens on Dec. 4. Brown will try to retain talent on the Syracuse roster while adding it via the transfer portal and traditional recruiting.

Brown was excited after taking the Syracuse head coach role.

I am incredibly proud to be leading Syracuse football at a university with a rich and storied tradition of academic and athletic excellence. … The success of the players is my No. 1 priority — on and off the field. I want my guys to succeed in life, because they played football at Syracuse.

The Syracuse head coach’s job is a significant promotion for Brown. He and Georgia are currently preparing for the SEC championship game.

Syracuse announced Brown’s hiring via social media:

Brown has helped Georgia secure the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class. He’s done an excellent job of recruiting elite defensive back recruits and is an important piece of Kirby Smart and Georgia’s coach staffing. Georgia will look for a replacement for Brown in the coming weeks. For now, the Dawgs are focused on preparing for the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship.

Georgia DB coach is top target for the Syracuse job

Georgia football defensive backs coach with deep ties to the Northeast emerges as Syracuse’s top target

The Syracuse Orange are targeting Georgia Bulldogs defensive backs coach Fran Brown for their head football coach role. Syracuse recently fired coach Dino Babers and is looking to find a replacement. The Orange have a tough job because of their location and lack of financial resources compared to other Power Five jobs.

Brown, who is reportedly Syracuse’s top candidate, is a recruiting guru in the Northeast. He previously coached at Temple and Rutgers before coming to Georgia in 2022. Brown would be a smart hire for Syracuse, who is trying to improve its roster.

College football programs try to find new head coaches as soon as possible these days because the transfer portal opens on Dec. 4. New hires need to try to retain talent on their roster while also adding talent via the transfer portal and traditional recruiting.

Syracuse is a challenging job, but it would represent a significant promotion for Fran Brown. Brown and Georgia are currently preparing to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game. If Georgia beats Alabama, then Brown would likely coach in the College Football Playoff if he takes the Syracuse job.

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Fran Brown has helped Georgia secure the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class. He’s done an excellent job of recruiting elite defensive back recruits and is an important piece of Kirby Smart and Georgia’s coach staffing.