The UCF head coaching job is open for the first time since 2021, when the Golden Knights hired Gus Malzahn. Malzahn compiled a 28-24 record over four seasons but was just 10-15 in the past two years. UCF’s move to the Big 12 makes this an intriguing position that could attract significant interest. Let’s dive into some potential candidates who might
Jon Sumrall (Tulane Head Coach) – There’s a strong chance Jon Sumrall won’t be at Tulane next year, especially after the Green Wave’s loss to Memphis eliminated them from College Football Playoff contention. Sumrall boasts a 32-7 record in three seasons as a head coach and currently has two conference championships (with a win this weekend securing a third). The guy just wins. Finding coaches who consistently deliver success is no easy task, but Sumrall has proven in three seasons that he knows how to win.
Alex Golesh (USF Head Coach) – Alex Golesh is an intriguing candidate due to his familiarity with the recruiting landscape, though he’s still building his track record of success. While USF and UCF are rivals, they’re no longer in the same conference and currently have no future matchups scheduled. USF has shown a strong offensive presence under Golesh, but the defense and overall results remain areas of concern. Golesh likely won’t be UCF’s first choice, but if the search extends further down the list, his name could come into play.
GJ Kinne (Texas State Head Coach) – Kinne will be a name to watch in this process, as he served as UCF’s offensive coordinator during Malzahn’s first season. He has familiarity with the program and has led Texas State to two consecutive bowl appearances. At just 36 years old, Kinne is still relatively inexperienced as a coach. His team lost five games this season, but each loss was by 10 points or less. Kinne has the potential to be a home-run hire, but he could also maintain the current status quo at UCF. A key question is whether the administration will consider a coach from the Malzahn coaching tree.
Tosh Lupoi (Oregon Defensive Coordinator) – Tosh Lupoi comes from the Nick Saban coaching tree, a stark contrast to Gus Malzahn’s lineage. Lupoi joined Oregon’s staff in 2022 and has helped establish one of the best defenses in the country. Oregon’s defense ranks in the top 10 in scoring, passing yards allowed, and total defense. Lupoi is poised for a head coaching opportunity, and while it might not seem logical to move all the way across the country for his first head coaching job, Dan Lanning made a similar leap.
Jim Mora Jr (UConn Head Coach) – How about a coach who revitalized a program at a near all-time low? UConn left the AAC in 2019 to join the Big East for all sports except football. The Huskies became independent in 2021 and went 1-11 in their first season without a conference. Jim Mora took over in 2022 and led UConn to its first bowl game since 2015. This year, the Huskies will make their second bowl appearance in three seasons after winning eight games. While UConn lost all four matchups against Power 4 teams, they kept it close against Syracuse, Wake Forest, and Duke. Mora may not be a flashy hire, but he’s made UConn relevant again.
Charlie Weis Jr. (Ole Miss Offensive Coordinator) – UCF may consider an off-the-radar candidate, and Charlie Weis Jr. fits the bill. The son of former Notre Dame and Kansas head coach Charlie Weis, he has forged his own path in coaching. At just 31 years old, Weis Jr. might be considered too young to take over a program as significant as UCF. However, his resume is impressive—Ole Miss boasts one of the best offenses in the country, ranking in the top 10 in scoring offense, passing yards, total offense, and first downs per game. Weis is on a strong trajectory to become a head coach soon, but programs may still hesitate to take a chance on him at this stage.
Dan Mullen (Former Florida and Mississippi State Head Coach) – What if UCF opts for a former Power Four coach with experience in Florida? Dan Mullen could be a compelling candidate. He was rumored to be in the mix for the Syracuse job last year before Fran Brown was hired. Mullen has a career record of 103-61 over more than a decade as a head coach at Mississippi State and Florida. He was 29-9 in his first three seasons at Florida but stumbled to a 5-6 record in his final year with the Gators. One of his biggest challenges was winning marquee games, as he managed just one win against Georgia in four years. However, the Big 12 presents a less daunting path, which might give Mullen a better chance to find sustained success.
Charles Huff (Marshall Head Coach) – Charles Huff is one of the most underrated head coaches in the country. Huff led Marshall to their second nine-win season during his four-year tenure this season. The Thundering Herd, projected to finish fifth in the East Division of the Sun Belt, defied expectations and will play for the conference championship this weekend. Before taking over at Marshall in 2021, Huff built an impressive résumé with stints at Penn State, Mississippi State, and Alabama. However, he has recently been rumored as a candidate for the Southern Miss job, which could take him out of contention for other opportunities.
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