By: Mike Huesmann
In a further blow to the G5 and their ambitions to keep pace, Maurice Linguist has left the Bulls to be the CB’s coach for Kalen DeBoer at Alabama. Linguist spent 3 up and down years at Buffalo, starting off 4-8 in 2021. 2022 saw the Bulls go 7-6 with some very fortunate events leading to that record. This past season the Bulls finished 3-9, so despite the move to Alabama it’s tough to say that Buffalo is getting better or that he;s leaving the next coach in a good spot. The MAC as a whole may be at its nadir, the portal and NIL have turned the conference into a virtual “Triple A” and its good players hitting the portal to P5 schools every winter. Here are 5 candidates who may take over for the Bulls.
Dino Babers
Former Head Coach, Syracuse
Dino would be a solid hire for a team in limbo in the MAC. He was deservedly let go at Syracuse, his end-of-season collapses and lack of ability to win conference games were his downfall. However, he was a heck of a coach at Bowling Green, winning 18 games in two seasons before going to Syracuse. His star is low now but he has shown offensive acumen in the past and built teams who have succeeded. If he wants back in and the money is right, I’d roll the dice on him.
Justin Fuente
Former Head Coach, Virginia Tech
Another former head coach who is out of work. Fuente makes the list for two reasons; he was a successful G5 head coach at Memphis and a prior connection to the athletic director (they worked together at Memphis). Fuente couldn’t get over the hump at Virginia Tech, going 43-31 in 6 years, with his two final years being poor. But his years at Memphis were good, winning 26 games in 3 seasons. Prior to that, he had been OC for Garry Patterson at TCU. Fuentes succeeded at this level and is another name to watch for.
Mark Ferrante
Head Coach, Villanova
Ferrante has been a successful FCS head coach, leading Villanova for 7 years. In that time, they have made the quarterfinals twice, losing to South Dakota State both times. The Wildcats also have another playoff appearance with him. Before becoming head coach, he was a Villanova assistant, where he’s coached since 1987. This longevity could be an inhibitor unless he wants the challenge of coaching in the FBS as a career dream.
Joe Harasymiak
Defensive Coordinator, Rutgers
Another coach with FCS ties. Harasymiak was the head coach at Maine, leading them to a semifinal appearance in the playoffs before leaving for Minnesota in 2019. After spending three years with PJ Fleck, the last two as co-defensive coordinator, he moved to Rutgers and the DC job with Greg Schiano. His name has been mentioned for multiple G5 head coaching jobs. He was a serious contender for this job when Linguist was hired.
Nunzio Campanile
QB Coach, Syracuse
Campanile spent part of this past season as the interim HC after the previously mentioned Babers was let go. 2023 was his first season at Syracuse, before that he spent 4 seasons at Rutgers, where he also was interim HC at one point. Prior to collegiate coaching, he was the head coach of prep power Bergen Catholic in New Jersey. His connections in the NY, NJ, and PA areas make him a very interesting candidate for this job.
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