College football’s landscape has seen a dramatic shift in recent years. This shift involves the dynamics between head coaching positions at Group of Five schools and coordinator roles at Power Four programs.
The shift is driven by a combination of financial incentives, changing NCAA rules, and evolving career strategies among coaches. In this blog post, we will delve into the factors contributing to this trend, the financial disparities between different levels of college football, and the implications for the future of coaching careers.
The Changing Dynamics of College Football Coaching
In recent years, several head coaches from Group of Five schools have opted to resign and take up assistant coaching positions at Power Four programs. This move is often driven by the financial benefits and career advancement opportunities available at the higher level.
Financial Incentives
One of the most significant factors driving this trend is the substantial increase in salaries for Power Four coordinators. According to a USA TODAY Sports survey, the average pay for Power Four offensive and defensive coordinators has risen nearly 25% in just four years, reaching $1.1 million annually in 2024.
In contrast, the average salary for Group of Five head coaches is $1.05 million. This disparity makes it financially attractive for coaches to move to coordinator roles at more prestigious programs.
Case Studies of Coaching Moves
Several notable examples illustrate this trend:
- Kane Wommack: After leading South Alabama to back-to-back winning seasons, Wommack resigned to become the defensive coordinator at Alabama. His salary nearly doubled from $810,000 to $1.55 million.
- Gus Malzahn: Malzahn stepped down as Central Florida’s head coach to become the offensive coordinator at Florida State, citing personal reasons and career advancement opportunities.
- Shawn Elliott: Elliott left his head coaching position at Georgia State to reunite with his family in South Carolina. He took a slight pay cut but gained stability and a comparable salary of $750,000.
Challenges of Being a Group of Five Head Coach
Being a head coach at a Group of Five school has become increasingly challenging due to several factors:
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Transfer Portal and NIL Deals
The introduction of the transfer portal and the ability for athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) have significantly impacted Group of Five programs. These changes have made it difficult for smaller schools to retain top talent, as players are often lured away by lucrative offers from Power Four programs.
Jerry Kill, who resigned as New Mexico State’s head coach to take a consulting job at Vanderbilt, highlighted the financial struggles faced by Group of Five schools. He noted that even successful seasons couldn’t overcome the financial disparities, making it challenging to keep top players from transferring.
Recruiting Challenges
Recruiting has become more complex in the current landscape, with Power Four programs having a significant advantage in terms of resources and financial incentives. Coaches like Shawn Elliott have expressed frustration with the process, noting that recruiting has become more about dollars than building relationships and showcasing coaching abilities.
Career Advancement Strategies
For many coaches, taking a coordinator role at a Power Four program is seen as a strategic move to advance their careers. This shift in strategy is driven by several factors:
Experience at the Highest Level
Coaches believe that gaining experience as a coordinator at a Power Four program better prepares them for future head coaching positions at the same level. The differences in recruiting, roster management, and overall operations between the Power Four and Group of Five levels make it advantageous to stay within the higher tier.
Avoiding the Hot Seat
For coaches at Group of Five schools with struggling programs, moving to a coordinator role at a Power Four program can be a way to avoid being fired and potentially advance their careers. Maurice Linguist, who left Buffalo for a co-coordinator position at Alabama, exemplifies this trend. Despite a 3-9 season, he secured a prestigious role at a powerhouse program.
Implications for the Future
The trend of head coaches moving to coordinator roles at Power Four programs is likely to continue, given the financial incentives and career advancement opportunities. This shift has several implications for the future of college football coaching:
Changing Hiring Practices
Athletics directors at Group of Five schools may need to adjust their hiring practices. This adjustment involves focusing on candidates from lower levels of Division I or even the Football Championship Subdivision.
The financial realities make it challenging to attract top-tier Power Four coordinators, leading to a different pool of candidates for head coaching positions.
Increased Competition for Assistant Roles
As more head coaches seek coordinator positions at Power Four programs, the competition for these roles will intensify. This could lead to even higher salaries for top assistants and further widen the financial gap between the Power Four and Group of Five levels.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of college football coaching is a reflection of broader changes within the sport. These changes are driven by financial incentives, new rules, and career advancement strategies.
As head coaches from Group of Five schools continue to move to coordinator roles at Power Four programs, the dynamics of coaching careers will keep shifting. This trend underscores the growing financial disparities between different levels of college football and highlights the challenges faced by smaller programs in retaining top talent and attracting high-quality coaches.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full article on USA TODAY Sports.
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