The Coaching Carousel: Ranking College Football’s 2023 Openings

#6 - San Diego State Aztecs (Mountain West)

Brady Hoke is retiring, opening the head coaching position at San Diego State. The Aztecs job comes in at number seven. While SDSU is in a nice spot in the Mountain West, getting any attention in the crowded California market is difficult and while the state has a lot of good players, it's a constant uphill battle to fend off power conference programs. San Diego State is a solid program with a definite ceiling.

#2 - Michigan State Spartans (Big Ten)

The second spot belongs to the Michigan State Spartans. This job has been open since just after Mel Tucker was removed amid an ugly off-field scandal. The Spartans have won the Big Ten as recently as 2015 and were a regular contender under Mark Dantonio. MSU has big-time boosters and the Big Ten TV money, making this extremely an attractive job. But you will be coaching in the shadow of Michigan and Ohio State and the conference is getting tougher with the West Coast additions in 2024.

#3 - Mississippi State Bulldogs (SEC)

Zach Arnett was fired after only one season in Starkville. He was given the role of head coach after the tragic passing of Mike Leach and Arnett attempted to instill a different offensive system than Leach's Air Raid. The Bulldogs did not adapt well and Arnett is now unemployed. This job will pay well and the fans in Starkville are passionate but MSU is at a recruiting disadvantage against nearly all conference foes and you have to be innovative to compete. Dan Mullen probably reached the ceiling here and Mississippi State will be hoping to replicate that era.

#4 - Northwestern Wildcats (Big Ten)

Interim head coach David Braun has the Wildcats at 5-5, an accomplishment that may earn him the full-time position. He took over after Northwestern legend Pat Fitzgerald was fired amidst allegations of a culture of hazing. Northwestern has high academic standards and that restricts what they can do in the transfer portal, making this a very difficult job. In addition, the Big Ten is disposing of divisions so NW will lose the advantage of playing in the weaker Big Ten West. This job will pay very well but competing will be a challenge.

#5 - Boise State Broncos (Mountain West)

Andy Avalos was let go during his third season as the Broncos had not quite reached the high standard the program had set under Chris Peterson and Bryan Harsin. Once the top Group of Five program, Boise State has been passed and the gap between the Broncos and schools in nearby geographical locations (Washington and Oregon) is wider than ever. There is a unique brand and a large fan base plus a history of proven success.

#6 - San Diego State Aztecs (Mountain West)

Brady Hoke is retiring, opening the head coaching position at San Diego State. The Aztecs job comes in at number seven. While SDSU is in a nice spot in the Mountain West, getting any attention in the crowded California market is difficult and while the state has a lot of good players, it's a constant uphill battle to fend off power conference programs. San Diego State is a solid program with a definite ceiling.