Second-Year College Football Coaches Facing Defining Campaigns in 2024
The college football landscape is a whirlwind of constant change, with new coaches, new players, and new expectations emerging each season. While some coaches enjoy a smooth transition, others find themselves under intense pressure to deliver results quickly. For those entering their second year at the helm, the 2024 season holds immense significance, as it’s a crucial opportunity to prove their mettle and solidify their standing within the program.
The rapid evolution of college football, driven by the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, has compressed the timeline for success. Fans and administrators alike are demanding immediate results, leaving little room for a prolonged learning curve. As a result, coaches who haven’t demonstrated tangible progress within their first two seasons often face a crossroads, with their future hanging in the balance.
Several notable coaches are entering their second year in 2024, each with unique circumstances and varying degrees of pressure. Some will aim to build upon the foundation they laid in Year 1, while others are desperate to make a significant jump in the win column. The stakes are high, and the spotlight is bright, as these coaches strive to navigate the complexities of their respective programs and deliver the results that will secure their long-term success.
The 2024 season will be a defining year for these coaches, offering a chance to silence their critics, solidify their legacies, and demonstrate that they are the right leaders to guide their teams to new heights. The pressure is on, and the expectations are high, but the opportunity for greatness is also within reach. Let’s take a closer look at some of the second-year coaches who are facing crucial campaigns in the upcoming season.
- Second-year college football coaches entering the 2024 season are facing defining campaigns where they must prove their mettle and solidify their standing within the program.
- The rapid evolution of college football, influenced by the transfer portal and NIL deals, has heightened the pressure on coaches to deliver immediate results, leaving little room for a learning curve.
- Coaches who haven’t shown tangible progress within their first two seasons often face a crossroads where their future within the program hangs in the balance.
- The 2024 season will be crucial for these coaches to silence critics, solidify legacies, and demonstrate their leadership abilities to guide their teams to new heights.
Chances to Build on Year 1 Success
For a select group of second-year coaches, the 2024 season presents an excellent opportunity to build upon the progress they made in their inaugural campaign. These coaches have shown flashes of brilliance and established a solid foundation, and now they are poised to take the next step towards sustained success.
Jeff Brohm, Louisville: Brohm’s return to his hometown was met with high expectations, and he did not disappoint. He guided the Cardinals to their first-ever ACC Championship Game appearance and their first 10-win season in a decade. Brohm’s ability to utilize the transfer portal to transform the roster yielded immediate results, but the schedule in 2024 is tougher, so matching last year’s win total might not be the primary expectation. However, maintaining a spot among the ACC’s elite is a reasonable goal for Brohm’s program.
Jamey Chadwell, Liberty: Chadwell’s 13-1 record in his inaugural season at Liberty was nothing short of remarkable. While replicating that success seems improbable, the combination of Chadwell’s coaching prowess and the Flames’ talent pool makes another double-digit win season a possibility. Liberty retained its star quarterback, Kaidon Salter, after a brief flirtation with the transfer portal, and the roster is significantly stronger than most of its opponents. While the Flames’ strength of schedule is relatively weak, it still leaves little margin for error in their quest to reach the expanded College Football Playoff. However, if Liberty can dominate the regular season again, they could become the first Cinderella team of the 12-team playoff era.
David Braun, Northwestern: Northwestern’s 8-5 record in 2023, considering the circumstances surrounding Pat Fitzgerald’s firing, was a resounding success. Braun, who had been with the program for only six months when he took over, led the Wildcats to a remarkable turnaround, including a five-win streak in their final six games that culminated in a bowl appearance. The challenge for Braun is to sustain this momentum and prove that the Wildcats’ success was not simply a result of a short-term adrenaline rush. Building upon last year’s foundation and demonstrating consistency will be paramount for Braun’s long-term success at Northwestern.
Looking to Make the Jump
While some coaches are focused on consolidating their gains, others are determined to make a significant leap forward in Year 2. These coaches have shown promise, but they need to elevate their programs to the next level to truly establish themselves as contenders. The 2024 season presents a critical opportunity for them to showcase their capabilities and demonstrate that they can deliver on the high expectations.
Matt Rhule, Nebraska: Rhule’s arrival at Nebraska was met with a wave of optimism, and the Cornhuskers have taken steps to solidify their foundation. The retention of defensive coordinator Tony White and the signing of five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola have injected excitement and talent into the program. Nebraska is poised to make a significant jump in 2024, and they likely need to do so to maintain momentum. The close losses from last season, including four games decided by three points, suggest that a small improvement on the offensive side of the ball could translate into a notable increase in wins for the Cornhuskers.
Hugh Freeze, Auburn: Freeze’s return to the SEC brought with it a renewed sense of competitiveness for the Tigers. Auburn challenged some of the conference’s top teams in 2023, falling just short in close contests against Georgia, Ole Miss, and Alabama. While those close defeats were frustrating, they also indicated that Auburn is not far from being a legitimate contender. The Tigers need to show more consistency and avoid the kind of upset losses they suffered last season. A jump in the win column will be critical for Freeze to demonstrate that he can build a winning program at Auburn.
Luke Fickell, Wisconsin: Fickell’s arrival at Wisconsin generated significant excitement, given his impressive track record at Cincinnati. However, the Badgers’ 7-6 record in 2023 was a bit jarring, considering the level of success that had become synonymous with the program. Fickell has a challenging task ahead of him, as he seeks to re-establish Wisconsin as a perennial contender. Wisconsin fans are accustomed to winning, and Fickell needs to deliver on that expectation to solidify his place in the program’s history. A strong showing in 2024, with a return to the upper echelon of the Big Ten, will be crucial for Fickell’s success.
Brent Key, Georgia Tech: Key’s first full season as head coach at Georgia Tech was a mixed bag. While he led the Yellow Jackets to two wins against ranked teams, they also suffered a home loss to Bowling Green and struggled defensively. Key needs to improve the consistency of his team, and he is hoping to see a significant jump in the defensive unit’s performance in 2024. Key’s ability to build a more balanced team will be critical for Georgia Tech to take the next step and challenge for a spot in the ACC’s upper tier.
Needs to Show Improvement
The pressure is particularly high for the coaches who need to demonstrate significant improvement in Year 2. These coaches are still finding their footing, and they need to show tangible progress to alleviate concerns about their ability to lead their programs to sustained success. The 2024 season is a pivotal moment for these coaches, as they face a crucial test of their leadership and coaching acumen.
Deion Sanders, Colorado: Sanders’ arrival at Colorado was a major splash, and he quickly transformed the program’s culture and brought in a wave of talent. However, the Buffs’ 4-8 record in Year 1 was disappointing, despite several close losses. The Buffs need to show a greater ability to finish games, especially in the final weeks of the season. Sanders’ ability to develop his players and build a cohesive team will be critical for Colorado to turn their close losses into wins in 2024.
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State: Dillingham is facing a daunting task as he navigates Arizona State through the aftermath of an NCAA scandal and a transition to a new conference. While the Sun Devils’ win total is projected to be a modest 4.5, Dillingham is determined to make a statement in their Big 12 debut. He has made changes to the offensive coordinator position and the quarterback room, hoping to surprise some of their new conference opponents with a challenging home environment in Tempe. A solid performance in the Big 12 will be a crucial step forward for Dillingham and the Sun Devils.
Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati: Satterfield’s transition to the Big 12 was far more challenging than expected, as the Bearcats struggled to a 3-9 record. Satterfield himself is not used to such poor results, as he had a .581 career winning percentage before last season. The offseason was devoted to a reset, but only time will tell if the Bearcats can rebound in 2024. Satterfield needs to demonstrate that he can adapt to the Big 12 and restore Cincinnati’s competitiveness in the conference.
Ryan Walters, Purdue: Walters inherited a program that had enjoyed a two-season run of success under Brohm, but he faces the challenge of maintaining that level of success with significant roster turnover. Walters has had a full year to recruit, work the transfer portal, and develop his players, and he is hoping to see a step forward in Year 2. Purdue’s two wins against bowl teams in 2023 suggest that a return to the postseason is within reach. Walters needs to show that he can build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor and lead Purdue to consistent success in the Big Ten.
The 2024 season will be a pivotal year for these second-year coaches, as they strive to prove their worth and secure their long-term futures in college football. Many of these coaches are entering pivotal moments in their careers, and their ability to navigate the challenges and deliver results will determine their ultimate success. The stakes are high, but the opportunity for greatness is also within reach. We’ll be watching closely to see how these coaches perform and what lasting impact they will have on their respective programs.
