Ranking College Football’s Most Desirable Head Coach Openings

5. Boise State

The Boise State Broncos attempted to get into the Big 12, but failed. They are now in the Mountain West, buried below the strengthening power conference schools. Fan support is great and Boise State has a tradition of winning, but they fall behind the other schools based purely on finances and the growing importance of NIL budgets.

2. Duke Blue Devils

Mike Elko left Durham for College Station and the former Texas A&M defensive coordinator is now the Aggies' head coach. Duke is not an easy job and salary information is not known as this is a private institution but the Duke administration has invested heavily in football recently. Plus, the Blue Devils routinely make bowl games. Will Duke ever consistently challenge for the ACC crown? Likely not, but Duke can be a solid Power Five team and that makes this job attractive.

3. Indiana Hoosiers

The best part about the Indiana University football head coaching position is that IU is in the Big Ten. As a result, this will be a well-paying job. In addition, the Big Ten is getting rid of divisions, so IU's schedule might get easier moving forward and the administration is going to invest in football facilities to try and make Indiana competitive. Winning consistently is difficult, which slides IU behind Houston and Duke, despite the Big Ten money.

4. Oregon State Beavers

Based only on fan support and the potential to win games, Oregon State would be at one or two on this list but other factors must be considered. The recent round of conference consolidation has left Oregon State out of the conference power structure and the athletic department will be financially hurt. Alum Jonathan Smith leaving Oregon State for Michigan State was a clear signal that the university cannot financially compete with schools in the Big Ten, SEC, or even the Big 12. That gap will widen with each passing year.

5. Boise State

The Boise State Broncos attempted to get into the Big 12, but failed. They are now in the Mountain West, buried below the strengthening power conference schools. Fan support is great and Boise State has a tradition of winning, but they fall behind the other schools based purely on finances and the growing importance of NIL budgets.