We reach new territory with the top 15. Every program from here on out got at least a solid Christmas present at head coach in my opinion, so expect a lot of bigger names with decorated pedigrees. If you need a refresh on part 2 click here. With that being said, let’s jump into the top 15.
#15 Jake Dickert-Wake Forest
The 41 year old has faced a lot of adversity through his short career as a head coach. He took over Wazzu in week 8 of the 2021 season after then head coach Nick Rolovich was fired for refusing to comply with COVID-19 vaccination policies. Dickert would go on to tally a 23-20 record with the Cougars from 2021-2024. This also came at the time when the PAC-12 fell apart, losing ten members to the BIG-12, BIG Ten, and the ACC. I’m not saying it’s certain that was a key factor in Jake Dickert leaving Washington State for Wake Forest, but it isn’t far-fetched to think it didn’t play a part in his decision.
Dickert will replace the longtime veteran Dave Clawson, who stepped down from his position this season. Much like Dickert, Clawson had to make the most out of a difficult situation. In his eleven seasons in charge of the Demon Deacons, he went 67-69, made seven bowl appearances, won five bowl games and an ACC Championship berth in 2021. Wake Forest will always be one of the more challenging jobs in the nation due to rigorous academic standards and limited resources compared to most of their ACC contemporaries, but Dickert knows how to take challenges head on and should be a good fit for the Demon Deacons.
Success might not pour in immediately, but Wake Forest should be on track to be a solid ACC football program again.
#14 Zach Kittley-FAU
FAU usually likes to hire head coaching veterans as evidenced by their last three head coaches in Lane Kiffin, Willie Taggart and Tom Herman. This time however, they hired one of the flashier names on the market in Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley. The Abilene, Texas native is the youngest head coach in the FBS at only 33 years old. Despite being only 33 years old, Kittley has already had three offensive coordinator jobs since 2018 at Houston Christian, Western Kentucky and the aforementioned Texas Tech.
Kittley orchestrated a potent aerial attack and ranked consistently in the top 10 in both passing offense and scoring offense, including a legendary 2021 season, which saw quarterback Bailey Zappe break the FBS record for most passing touchdowns in a season with 62. There will likely be some growing pains being the youngest head coach in all of the FBS, but Kittley has shown he’s one of the brightest offensive minds in the game and has drastically improved every offense he’s been a part of and I expect no difference with the Owls.
#13 Jerry Mack-Kennesaw State
Speaking of owls we have Kennesaw State’s hire of Jacksonville Jaguars running-backs coach Jerry Mack up next. This is definitely one of the more overlooked hires of this cycle in my opinion. Mack brings head coach experience during his four seasons leading North Carolina Central from 2014-2017, where he tallied a 31-15 record.
He would go on to be Rice’s offensive coordinator from 2018-2020 and Tennessee’s running-backs coach from 2021-2023 before arriving in Jacksonville in 2024. The 44 year old Memphis, Tennessee native brings with him winning experience as the Owls try to find stable ground in their new FBS landscape.
#12 Willie Simmons-FIU
Sticking in CUSA we have FIU’s hire of Willie Simmons, who brings with him a very strong winning pedigree. He is best known for his strong run as the head coach of the Florida A&M Rattlers, where he went a very impressive 45-13 record over five seasons, including a 12-1 record in his final season and winning the Celebration Bowl. After an extremely successful run, he joined Manny Diaz’ staff at Duke as the running-backs coach last season before heading off to FIU.
The 44 year old Tallahassee, Florida native will look to rejuvenate a program that has struggled to field a consistent winner. If there’s anyone that going to elevate this program to the next level, it’s Simmons
#11 Jimmy Rogers-Washington State
It’s never easy to lose your head coach late in the cycle. Unfortunately for Wazzu, Jake Dickert decided he wanted more conference stability and took the Wake Forest gig, but they got an excellent replacement in South Dakota State Jackrabbits head coach Jimmy Rogers. Rogers is one of the youngest head coaches at the FBS level at only 37 years old. But he has about as strong as resume as they come for someone of his age
In his two seasons at the helm of SDSU, Rogers went an exceptional 27-3, winning six playoff games and won a national championship in 2023. Considering the unforeseen circumstances of Dickert’s departure, the Cougars got an excellent grab and could prove to be a potential upgrade.
Stay tuned for part 4 as we enter the top ten, with some of the biggest names in the cycle including Charles Huff, KC Keeler, Barry Odom and more.
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