By: Mike Huesmann
The inevitable has happened: Mike Elko has taken a job at a school with a bigger profile and deeper pockets. He did wonders in his two years for the Blue Devils, and the job is much better than when he took over. They will be losing Riley Leonard to the transfer portal, but this roster is much improved, and they will play in a bowl game next month. Here are five options from the coaching carousel for the next head coach.
Jamey Chadwell
Head Coach, Liberty
The Liberty head coach and former Coastal Carolina boss, Chadwell, has barely set a foot wrong as head coach in recent years. His Flames are 12-0 and about to play New Mexico State for the CUSA title. It is a mystery to me that he isn’t a P5 head coach yet, but Liberty certainly has the resources to keep him happy. How long before does he need to make that jump up?
Alex Atkins
Offensive Coordinator, Florida State
Pulling double duty as O-coordinator and offensive line coach this year really showcased why Atkins has consistently been mentioned for head coaching positions. Under Norvell, his offense has prioritized running the ball and moving the chains. He rolls in backs and tight ends. Atkins may not be the first call, but I bet he isn’t too far down the list. If the Seminoles keep winning and make the CFP, he’s likely to be a P5 head coach in 2024.
Scottie Montgomery
RB Coach, Detroit Lions
A Duke alum and former assistant coach, Montgomery is also the former head coach at East Carolina. He also has extensive experience as an assistant at Maryland and with the Steelers and Colts. His name has continually been linked with this job in the last few days. NFL season length could make this problematic, but he’s probably a guy they will at least vet for the job.
Trooper Taylor
RB Coach and Interim Head Coach, Duke
Taylor is well-traveled and much accomplished as an assistant. Stops for him include Baylor, Auburn, Tennessee, Tulane, Oklahoma State, and Arkansas State. He is known as a top recruiter and was chosen to lead the team after Elko’s departure. If an internal candidate is preferred and continuity is valued, and in this case, I think it might be, Taylor could be a guy for the job.
Ryan Grubb
Offensive Coordinator, Washington
Grubb has been Kalen DeBoer ’s right-hand man since their days in NAIA, and there is no one he trusts more, especially to polish Michael Penix Jr. Stops at FCS power South Dakota State, (then) NAIA power Sioux Falls, Eastern Michigan, and Fresno have all seen offensive increases and a dynamic output with Grubb in charge. Last fall, in year 1 with the Huskies, his offense led the nation in passing yards per game and first downs per game. 2023 sees them undefeated and with Penix as a Heisman contender. A head coaching job almost certainly comes this offseason for Grubb. Look for him to be a candidate for other jobs, as well.
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