Jim Harbaugh Head Coaches Deion Sanders Texas A&M Mike Elko Head Coach Transition Offensive Coordinator Head Coach Head Coach Hires New Coaches Mississippi State Texas A&M Aggies Northwestern Criticism NFL Coaches USC Trojans Iowa Hawkeyes Northwestern Football Miami Hurricanes Atlantic Coast Conference Impact on Recruiting Offensive Coordinators Colorado Buffaloes Michigan State Kevin Sumlin Offensive Coordinator Change Defensive Coordinator Jimbo Fisher Boise State Texas A&M University Head Coach Firing Performance-related Change Timing Finances Opportunity Athletic Director Transition Cost-friendly Contract Team's Recent Struggles Win-Loss Record Factors Influencing Decision Potential Future Opportunities Defensive Coordinator Candidates Evaluation of Coach Offensive Identity Challenging Job Competitive League Recruiting and Transfer Market State Rivalry Fit with Program Potential Candidates Former Wake Forest Tight End Administrative Career at Oklahoma Target for Coaching Role In-Season Firings Syracuse Head Coach Replacements Interim Head Coaches Kentucky Indiana Hoosiers Louisiana-Monroe Duke Defensive Coordinators Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Head Coach Promotions Offensive Play-Calling Co-Offensive Coordinator Head Coach Departures Indiana University Washington Football Arizona Football Jedd Fisch Arizona Wildcats Alabama Nick Saban Michigan Wolverines Nick Saban Retirement Tom Osborne Retirement Power Five Schools Group of Five Schools Dan Lanning Kalen Deboer Ohio State Boston College Chip Kelly Team Dynamics Team Performance Player Transfers Rivalries Alabama Crimson Tide Oregon Ducks Quarterbacks Player Interaction Auburn Tigers Player Management USC Sam Pittman Replacement Candidates Jonathan Smith Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Strategies