The Next Coach of the Florida Gators will be...

[Escambia94]

Betting sites are already posting odds for the next Gator coach in 2025. The ones that I consider realistic will be highlighted in orange for discussion later in the thread. Blue indicates interesting guesses that others have been highlighting on social media. The ones in red are not realistic despite the higher betting odds, at least in my opinion. The names in gray are lower odds, but should be watched in case the betting line moves up.

• Jamey Chadwell (+400) 5/1
• Lane Kiffin (+500) 6/1
• Deion Sanders (+600) 7/1
• Eli Drinkwitz (+700) 8/1
• Brent Key (+800) 9/1
• Brian Schottenheimer (+900) 10/1
• Glenn Schumann 12/1
• Chris Klieman 12/1
• Matt Rhule 14/1
• Josh Heupel 14/1
• Brent Venables 18/1
• Lance Leipold 18/1
• Mark Stoops 25/1
• Shane Beamer 25/1
• Jeff Brohm 25/1
• Alex Golesh 25/1
• Mario Cristobal 33/1
• Mack Brown 33/1
• Dave Doeren 33/1
• Teryl Austin 33/1
• Gus Malzahn 33/1
• PJ Fleck 33/1
• Dan Lanning 40/1
• B-Kelly 40/1
• Jedd Fisch 50/1
• Ryan Day 50/1
• Kliff Kingsbury 50/1
• Oscar Liar 66/1
• Mike Gundy 66/1
• Kalen DeBoer 75/1
• Kirby Smart 100/1
• Dan Mullen 100/1
• Mike Norvell 100/1
• Dan Quinn 100/1
• Muschamp 100/1
• Nick Saban 100/1
• Jim Harbaugh 100/1
• Tim Tebow 150/1
• Danny Wuerffel 200/1
• Jesse Palmer 200/1
• Steve Spurrier 250/1
• Emmitt Smith 300/1
• Cris Collinsworth 300/1

 

[Leakfan12]

Brian Johnson? Also, will the top brass let bygones be bygones with Kiffin?

 

[Escambia94]

Jamey Chadwell has been the head coach at Liberty since 2023, where he has a 16-1 record. His overall coaching record is 114-58 with stints at North Greenville (2009-2011), Delta State (2012), and Coastal Carolina (2017, 2019-2022). He has won conference championships in Conference USA (2023), Sun Belt (2020), and Big South (2015 - vacated by NCAA, 2016). Chadwell's resume looks a lot like Billy Napier's, so I am a bit hesitant to pick him as the next head coach.

 

[Escambia94]

Brian Johnson? Also, will the top brass let bygones be bygones with Kiffin?

There are no betting lines on Brian Johnson, but I can add him to the list of coaches to watch.

 

[Escambia94]

Lane Kiffin apparently is the favorite on social media. Kiffin has been head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels since 2020, where he has a 37-15 record. His overall record is 97-49 in college, 5-15 in the NFL. He has two Conference USA championships (2017, 2019). There has been discussion on his run-ins with Florida and the SEC stemming from an incident in 2009 when he accused Urban Meyer of violating NCAA recruiting rules while at a public speaking engagement at the Knoxville Convention Center. Lane does have some loose ties to Florida as the ex-husband of Layla Reaves Kiffin, daughter of Gator Great John Reaves. His son, Knox Kiffin, is an unrated, 6'0" 170-pound 2028 QB out of Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA.

 

[Escambia94]

Here is a list of coaches with championships and time in a power conference. Chris Klieman is the only coach on the betting odds list above with a championship.

Coach	Championships	Years Power Conf	WL%
Urban Meyer​	2006, 2008 BCS Champion, 2014 CFP Champion​	13​	86.1
Chris Klieman​	2022 Big 12 Champion​	6​	63.6
Pat Narduzzi​	2021 ACC Champion​	10​	57.6
Luke Fickell​	2021 CFP Participant​	3​	51.7
Jimbo Fisher​	2013 BCS Champion​	14​	72.7
Gus Malzahn​	2013 BCS Runner-Up​	10​	65.6
Chip Kelly​	2010 BCS Runner-Up​	10​	66.4
Mike Gundy​	2011 Big 12 Champion​	20​	68.2
Kyle Whittingham​	2021, 2022 Pac-12 Champion​	14​	64.5
Mario Cristobal​	2019, 2020 Pac-12 Champion​	8​	65.8
Clay Helton​	2017 Pac-12 Champion​	7​	65.7
Gene Chizik​	2010 BCS Champion​	6​	50.0
Sonny Dykes​	2022 CFP Participant​	7​	49.4
Brian Kelly​	2012 BCS Runner-Up​	15​	73.8
Mack Brown​	2005 BCS Champion​	32​	68.9
Kalen DeBoer​	2023 CFP Runner-Up​	3​	90.3
Steve Sarkisian​	2023 CFP Participant​	10​	59.2
Kirby Smart​	2021, 2022 CFP Champion​	9​	85.8
Ryan Day​	2020 CFP Runner-Up​	6​	87.3
Lincoln Riley​	2017, 2018, 2019 CFP Participant​	8​	80.9
Dabo Swinney​	2016, 2018 CFP Champion​	17​	79.5
Gary Patterson​	2014 Big 12 Champion​	10​	59.5
James Franklin​	2016 Big 10 Champion​	14​	67.9
Bret Bielema​	2010, 2011, 2012 Big 10 Champion​	16​	60.5
Kirk Firentz​	2002, 2004 Big 10 Champion​	26​	62.3
Jim Harbaugh​	2023 CFP Champion​	13​	71.7
Pete Carroll​	2003, 2004 BCS Champion, 2013 Super Bowl Champion​	9​	83.6
Mark Helfrich​	2014 CFP Runner-Up​	4​	69.8
Ed Orgeron​	2019 CFP Champion​	10​	58.8
Les Miles​	2007 BCS Champion​	18​	66.5
Mike Norvell​	2023 ACC Champion​	5​	60.8
Dave Aranda​	2021 Big 12 Champion​	5​	49.0
Art Briles​	2013, 2014 Big 12 Champion​	8​	63.7
Lane Kiffin	2017, 2019 C-USA Champion	10​	66.4

Now that college football looks somewhat like the NFL, it is easier to compare NFL resumes and apply them to college. Some of these former coaches could be good General Managers at the collegiate level if they are too old to coach.

Coach	Championships	Years Coaching NFL	WL%
Bill Belichik	6X Super Bowl Champion	24	68.7
Mike Shanahan	2X Super Bowl Champion	20	55.2
Jon Gruden	Super Bowl XXXVII Champion	15	51.1

 

[DRU2012]

Betting sites are already posting odds for the next Gator coach in 2025. The ones that I consider realistic will be highlighted in orange for discussion later in the thread. Blue indicates interesting guesses that others have been highlighting on social media. The ones in red are not realistic despite the higher betting odds, at least in my opinion. The names in gray are lower odds, but should be watched in case the betting line moves up.

• Jamey Chadwell (+400) 5/1
• Lane Kiffin (+500) 6/1
• Deion Sanders (+600) 7/1
• Eli Drinkwitz (+700) 8/1
• Brent Key (+800) 9/1
• Brian Schottenheimer (+900) 10/1
• Glenn Schumann 12/1
• Chris Klieman 12/1
• Matt Rhule 14/1
• Josh Heupel 14/1
• Brent Venables 18/1
• Lance Leipold 18/1
• Mark Stoops 25/1
• Shane Beamer 25/1
• Jeff Brohm 25/1
• Alex Golesh 25/1
• Mario Cristobal 33/1
• Mack Brown 33/1
• Dave Doeren 33/1
• Teryl Austin 33/1
• Gus Malzahn 33/1
• PJ Fleck also 33/1
• Dan Lanning 40/1
• B-Kelly 40/1
• Jedd Fisch 50/1
• Ryan Day 50/1
• Oscar Liar 66/1
• Mike Gundy 66/1
• Kalen DeBoer 75/1
• Kirby Smart 100/1
• Dan Mullen 100/1
• Mike Norvell 100/1
• Dan Quinn 100/1
• Muschamp 100/1
• Nick Saban 100/1
• Jim Harbaugh 100/1
• Tim Tebow 150/1
• Danny Wuerffel 200/1
• Jesse Palmer 200/1
• Steve Spurrier 250/1
• Emmitt Smith 300/1
• Cris Collinsworth 300/1

Jamey Chadwell has been the head coach at Liberty since 2023, where he has a 16-1 record. His overall coaching record is 114-58 with stints at North Greenville (2009-2011), Delta State (2012), and Coastal Carolina (2017, 2019-2022). He has won conference championships in Conference USA (2023), Sun Belt (2020), and Big South (2015 - vacated by NCAA, 2016). Chadwell's resume looks a lot like Billy Napier's, so I am a bit hesitant to pick him as the next head coach.

Exactly. Not ANOTHER "GIANT PREMATURE JUMP UP IN CLASS"!
But though there are a LOT of names on this list, it still brings little in the way of "throw the rest out!" confidence...The best of them seem as unattainable as they do unavailable.
Some ridiculous, some unthinkable, some from the "distant past", others at best from the "distant FUTURE" (if EVER).
But this is what will happen when you fail to face (or to be more precise, FAIL to handle) this sort of crisis of confidence...Fail to handle it AGAIN. And again. And again. FOUR TIMES they have managed to pass the buck on to the NEXT group of incoming freshmen classes.
ENOUGH!
HOWEVER, at THIS point I feel I must say something about anger, frustration and "personal feelings". In each case I have wished each of these guys well, have trusted, supported them and taken them at their word. In some cases that has left me ultimately feeling a sense of BETRAYAL in the way that some have BROKEN that trust. But let us speak the truth: the greatest, and most consistent "failure and betrayal" has been from Stickland and the Board who has backed and enabled him through it all.
Though I have lost confidence and gained little but growing disappointment in the results that have manifested on the field under Billy, I still like and respect him as a man: I believe he has failed to measure up as a Head Coach at what is the acknowledged highest level of competition in college football here in the SEC, that doesn't make him evil.
If we for any reason cannot currently put together the right combination of required components of a deal to bring the IDEAL CANDIDATE to UF at this awkward point mid-season, I'll understand NOT simply bringing in an "interim Coach" just for "show". Billy's done nothing actionable, nothing "wrong" except maybe coach poorly--and LOSE.
So if we are to "limp along for a while" under Napier while the deal for the mythical "guy we're REALLY after" can eventually materialize, well we won't truly KNOW about all that until it actually happens, and at this point, having already had our worst fears for 2024 more or less having come to pass already, I can suffer through the ensuing mediocrity with a certain resigned (even hopeful) patience, I think.
But there damn well better be a PAY OFF!

 

[DRU2012]

(PS And by the way: If the bleeding were to happen to ease, maybe we end up holding ONTO DJ and a few of the other outstanding playmakers Billy has gathered here, no matter what...)

 

[Escambia94]

(PS And by the way: If the bleeding were to happen to ease, maybe we end up holding ONTO DJ and a few of the other outstanding playmakers Billy has gathered here, no matter what...)

The only way for Florida to keep the good parts of its 2024 and projected 2025-2026 talent is to hire a general manager immediately! A general manager would operate the Gator football team like an NFL team and work with agents to keep players irrespective of the coaching changes.

 

[DRU2012]

The only way for Florida to keep the good parts of its 2024 and projected 2025-2026 talent is to hire a general manager immediately! A general manager would operate the Gator football team like an NFL team and work with agents to keep players irrespective of the coaching changes.

Agreed...What are these guys thinking??!
Or maybe the better question is, "Is there a 'counter-force group'--a few backroom power brokers with the money and long time connections to step up and elbow their way back INTO this 'poker game'? IF such exists they MUST step in NOW--Move Stickland OUT and bring in an AD who can believably function in just that "General Managerial" role!
But as things stand and continue to appear to be headed now, regardless of whatever outcome "the Billy discussion" produces, nothing SHORT of something like such a dramatically "preemptive hire" can HOPE to save a significant portion of these recruits--and in so doing give the NEXT Coach some kind of "running start" as his feet hit the ground here.

 

[Escambia94]

Agreed...What are these guys thinking??!
Or maybe the better question is, "Is there a 'counter-force group'--a few backroom power brokers with the money and long time connections to step up and elbow their way back INTO this 'poker game'? IF such exists they MUST step in NOW--Move Stickland OUT and bring in an AD who can believably function in just that "General Managerial" role!
But as things stand and continue to appear to be headed now, regardless of whatever outcome "the Billy discussion" produces, nothing SHORT of something like such a dramatically "preemptive hire" can HOPE to save a significant portion of these recruits--and in so doing give the NEXT Coach some kind of "running start" as his feet hit the ground here.

Read my last post on this thread: https://www.gatorenvy.com/threads/t...ball-team-is-not-winning-championships.21268/

This could also apply to your thread “Clear them all out”. The problem with the “fire everyone” approach is that NCAA only allows movement of players within 30 days of a head coach being fired and teams are limited to 10 coaches at a time. However, there are no rules on general managers and when they can be hired. Also, Scott Stricklin has not done enough wrong to warrant being fired in the middle of the season. He is still considered one of the top 3-5 ADs in the country. Some teams like Alabama and Tennessee have a football GM who is quasi independent from the athletic director. The solution is to hire a GM immediately, then fire Billy Napier, name an interim head coach, and have the GM evaluate the interim head coach and Napier’s staff for continuity with the next head coach, along with the best recruits.

 

[DRU2012]

Read my last post on this thread: https://www.gatorenvy.com/threads/t...ball-team-is-not-winning-championships.21268/

This could also apply to your thread “Clear them all out”. The problem with the “fire everyone” approach is that NCAA only allows movement of players within 30 days of a head coach being fired and teams are limited to 10 coaches at a time. However, there are no rules on general managers and when they can be hired. Also, Scott Stricklin has not done enough wrong to warrant being fired in the middle of the season. He is still considered one of the top 3-5 ADs in the country. Some teams like Alabama and Tennessee have a football GM who is quasi independent from the athletic director. The solution is to hire a GM immediately, then fire Billy Napier, name an interim head coach, and have the GM evaluate the interim head coach and Napier’s staff for continuity with the next head coach, along with the best recruits.

This is a really informative post: Truth is. I was not AWARE of this distinction, and it DOES affect my views. Dramatically so. I would go so far as to say that in light of it, I would have to shift my emphasis to making just the sort of changes you recommend. It simply makes functional/MECHANICAL sense!
(I will now take a look at the recommended link)

 

[DRU2012]

Oh--This is one I had already read and (ironically) agreed with; I had simply come to change my mind regarding Stickland...
In my own defense, my feelings regarding Strickland were (in addition to my heightened anger and frustration at the time) based mainly on his personal influence and control in overseeing THE PAST FOUR FAILED HIRES at UF football Coach.
However, based on the specific technicalities and limitations clearly outlined by E--, I have now modified those views to reflect the practical realities of NCAA rules, contractual minutia and "the way things REALLY work".
So be it. We do whatever we NEED to do to get better in a real and practical way.

 

[DRU2012]

It is looking .pretty and more like we might as well resign ourselves to "the status quo"here at UF football in 2024. Unless things were to somehow get dramatically WORSE, it coukd well be Billy Napier right through til AFTER the season.
I won't bother putting myself and y'all through either the long list of depressing reasons that is becoming MORE likely, or worse, how bad things are (and getting worse, as injuries multiply and the toughest portion of our schedule approaches.
No one here is under any illusions.
The average fan just wants to see SOME sign of a plan, reason for hope.
The "powers that be" look collectively like the proverbial "deer caught in the headlights".
All we seem to have are our complaints, little more--and few current options.
Leaving us with...
"Wait and see"???

 

[Escambia94]

Lane Kiffin Background​

Lane Monte Kiffin is 99-50 overall with head coaching stops at the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee, USC, Florida Atlantic, and Ole Miss. Kiffin was 28-15 (65.1%) overall, 17-12 (58.6%) at USC, where he was fired after going 3-2 in 2013. From 2013 to 2017, Kiffin attended the Nick Saban School for Reformed Coaches where he was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2014 as offensive coordinator. He finished his tenure at Alabama in the 2016-2017 playoffs where he handed off coordinator duties to fellow USC alumnus, Steve Sarkisian, before heading to Florida Atlantic (FAU) as head coach. Kiffin won two Conference USA championships at FAU before heading to Ole Miss where he is 38-16 (70.4%) and is 2-2 in bowl games.

Offense​

Kiffin’s offense started as a Norm Chow and Pat Hill pro-style variation with deep vertical attacks. At FAU he offloaded OC duties to Kendal Briles and adopted elements of the Art Briles veer-and-shoot offense using deep vertical attacks, tempo, and spread split concepts similar to what we see with Josh Heupel at Tennessee and Jeff Lebby at Mississippi State.

Potential Offensive Coordinators​

Kendal Briles​

Briles has been OC at FAU (2016-2017), his alma mater of Houston (2018), FSU (2018), Arkansas (2019-2022), and TCU (2023). He is the son of Art Briles and the brother-in-law of Jeff Lebby.

Jeff Lebby​

Lebby is in year one as head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs where he is currently 1-4 with a loss to lowly Florida on his record. As an OC, he has coached at Southeastern, UCF, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma.

Charlie Weis, Jr.​

Weis has been an OC at Ole Miss since 2022, but is in year 1 as the dedicated OC and QB coach. Weis has been an analyst at Florida (2011), Kansas (2012-2014), Alabama (2015-2016), and the Atlanta Falcons (2017) before stepping into the OC or co-OC role at FAU (2018-2019), USF (2020-2021), and Ole Miss (2022-present).

Dan Enos​

Enos has been an offensive analyst at Florida since 2024. He has some head coaching experience at Central Michigan (2010-2014) but has mostly been a QB coach, offensive coordinator, or offensive analyst, with notable stops at Michigan State, Arkansas, Michigan, Alabama, Miami, Cincinnati, Maryland, and Arkansas. Enos does not have a set scheme, but it can be described as being a multiple offense based on play-action with some West Coast concepts.

Potential Offensive Assistants​

- James Coley, WRC, Georgia

- Charlie Weis Jr, OC/QBC, Ole Miss

- Kendal Briles, OC/QBC TCU

- Clint Trickett (TEC, Georgia Southern)

- Tee Martin (QBC, Baltimore Ravens)

- Alex Mortensen (OC/QBC UAB)

- Shea Tierney (QBC, New York Giants)

- Kevin Smith (RBC, Ole Miss)

- Kennedy Polamalu (RBC, Seattle Seahawks)

- Tommie Robinson (OA, Colorado)

- Gary Harrell (RBC, Colorado)

- Marquel Blackwell (RBC, South Carolina)

- Kerry Dixon (WRC, Georgia Tech)

- Mike Johnson (TEC, Syracuse)

- Kearly Colbert (WRC, Denver Broncos)

- A’lique Terry (OLC, Oregon)

- James Cregg (OLC, Oakland Raiders)

- Garin Justice (OLC, SMU)

- John Garrison (OLC, Ole Miss)

- Lance Thompson (LB, Maryland)

- Kevin Sherrer (ILB, New York Giants)

- DJ Durkin (DC/ LB, Auburn)

- Scottie Hazelton (OA, Texas)

- Coleman Hutzler (DC/LB, Mississippi State)

- Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB, Detroit Lions)

- Chris Partridge (OLB, Seattle Seahawks)

- Doug Belk (DBC, USC)

- Aazar Rahim (Co-DC, Maryland)

- Derrick Ansley (PGC, Green Bay Packers)

- Donte Williams (DB, Georgia)

Defense​

Kiffin has used a variety of defenses ranging from the basic 4-3 with a shift to 3-4 at USC under Clancy Pendergast (currently UCLA analyst) to the 3-4/ 4-2-5 cover-3 pattern match at Alabama under Kirby Smart. Other defensive coordinators have all run similar 4-2-5 schemes similar to the Ron Roberts system currently used at Florida.

Potential Defensive Assistants​

Chris Kiffin​

Kiffin has nearly 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator, assistant and analyst at Ole Miss (2007, 2012-2016, 2024), Nebraska (2008-2009), USC (2010), Arkansas State (2011), FAU (2017), San Francisco 49ers (2018-2019), Cleveland Browns (2020-2022), and the Houston Texas (2023).

Tony Peccararo​

Peccararo has over 23 years of experience as a defensive coordinator and assistant at FSU (2002-2003, 2005-2008), North Alabama (2009-2016), Southern Miss (2017-2021), and McNeese (2022).

Glenn Spencer​

Spencer has over 34 years of experience as a head coach, defensive coordinator, and defensive assistant at West Georgia (1990-2000), Georgia Tech (2001-2003), Duke (2004-2007), Oklahoma State (2008-2017), Charlotte (2018), FAU (2019), USF (2020-2021), and Wake Forest (2022).

Pete Golding​

Golding has nearly 20 years of experience as a defensive coordinator and assisant at Delta State (2006. 2010-2011), Tusculum (2007-2009), Southeastern Louisiana (2012-2013), Southern Miss (2014-2015), UTSA (2016-2017), Alabama (2018-2022), and Ole Miss (2023).

 

[DRU2012]

Thankyou, E--.
My simplest, most stoic and laconic reaction can be summed up thusly:
It sure seems to be coalescing into some kind of "inevitable certainty":
Lane Kiffen rides in to turn the page and begin a whole new chapter in "The Gator Saga"!!!
It either works in dramatic fashion, or this turns into a historic disaster on a scale that leaves the program in TORAL RUIN.
At THIS point, perhaps it is time for just that kind of "ultimate throw of the dice"!

 

[Escambia94]

Thankyou, E--.
My simplest, most stoic and laconic reaction can be summed up thusly:
It sure seems to be coalescing into some kind of "inevitable certainty":
Lane Kiffen rides in to turn the page and begin a whole new chapter in "The Gator Saga"!!!
It either works in dramatic fashion, or this turns into a historic disaster on a scale that leaves the program in TORAL RUIN.
At THIS point, perhaps it is time for just that kind of "ultimate throw of the dice"!

I will continue to evaluate other candidates. Kiffin is one of a few viable candidates.

 

[Escambia94]

Curt Cignetti Background​

Curt Cignetti is a seasoned football coach with a proven track record of success. He has served as a head coach at multiple institutions, consistently leading his teams to impressive records and postseason appearances. Cignetti's coaching career has spanned decades, beginning with assistant coaching roles at prestigious universities like the University of Pittsburgh. He has since held head coaching positions at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Elon University, and James Madison University. His tenure at James Madison was particularly noteworthy, as he guided the Dukes through their transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and secured multiple conference championships. Cignetti was part of Saban’s original staff at Alabama from 2007 to 2010 where he was the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. As recruiting coordinator he was responsible for bringing in Julio Jones, Heisman winner Mark Ingram II, and Dont’a Hightower.

Offense​

Cignetti does not have a particular style of offense, but he tends to favor uptempo offenses with quarterbacks who are multidimensional in the red zone. He tends to have a solid but not explosive running game.

Potential Offensive Coordinators​

Cignetti will likely bring at least two of the three coaches who have been offensive coordinator or co-offensive coordinator.

Mike A. Shanahan​

Mike A. Shanahan (no relation to Super Bowl winning coach Mike Shananan) has worked with Cignetti since 2016 at IUP, and later Elon (2017-2018), James Madison (2019-2023). Shanahan has been a wide receivers coach, recruiting coordinator, and offensive coordinator under Cignetti at those schools.

Tino Sunseri

Sunseri comes from a long line of NFL and college coaches. He first ran across Cignetti at James Madison where he was the quarterbacks coach from 2021-2023. In 2024 he followed Cignetti to Indiana and added the title of co-offensive coordinator along with Shanahan.

Shane Montgomery​

Montgomery has coached NFL players Ben Roethlisberger and Terrel Owens at various stops at Miami (Ohio) and Chattanooga, as quarterbacks coach, co-offensive coordinator, and offensive coordinator. He was head coach at Miami (Ohio) from 2005 to 2008 where he compiled a 17-31 record with two MAC East division titles. He has served as offensive coordinator at Chattanooga, Miami (Ohio), Akron, Youngstown State, Buffalo, and Massachusetts.

Potential Offensive Assistants​

- John Miller, (RBC, Indiana)

- Bob Bostad (OLC/ RGC, Indiana)

- Grant Cain (TEC/ STC, Indiana)

Defense​

Cignetti maintains a tight core of offensive and defensive assistants. On defense he would likely bring Bryant Haines or Corey Hetherman.

Potential Defensive Assistants​

Cignetti has only used two defensive coordinators over the years and would likely bring in his staff from Indiana.

Corey Hetherman​

Hetherman has served as both an offensive and defensive assistant since 2006—most notably as the defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach at James Madison under Curt Cignetti before taking positions as linebackers coach at Rutgers and Minnesota. He typically runs a base 4-3 defense.

Bryant Haines​

Haines has been a member of four of Cignetti’s coaching staffs since 2017. Unlike Heatherman, he runs a 4-2-5 defense.

Potential Defensive Assistants​

- Ola Adams (SC/ DBC, Indiana)

- Pat Kuntz (DTC, Indiana)

- Rod Ojong (CC, Indiana)

- Buddha Williams (DEC, Indiana)

 

[DRU2012]

Curt Cignetti Background​

Curt Cignetti is a seasoned football coach with a proven track record of success. He has served as a head coach at multiple institutions, consistently leading his teams to impressive records and postseason appearances. Cignetti's coaching career has spanned decades, beginning with assistant coaching roles at prestigious universities like the University of Pittsburgh. He has since held head coaching positions at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Elon University, and James Madison University. His tenure at James Madison was particularly noteworthy, as he guided the Dukes through their transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and secured multiple conference championships. Cignetti was part of Saban’s original staff at Alabama from 2007 to 2010 where he was the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. As recruiting coordinator he was responsible for bringing in Julio Jones, Heisman winner Mark Ingram II, and Dont’a Hightower.

Offense​

Cignetti does not have a particular style of offense, but he tends to favor uptempo offenses with quarterbacks who are multidimensional in the red zone. He tends to have a solid but not explosive running game.

Potential Offensive Coordinators​

Cignetti will likely bring at least two of the three coaches who have been offensive coordinator or co-offensive coordinator.

Mike A. Shanahan​

Mike A. Shanahan (no relation to Super Bowl winning coach Mike Shananan) has worked with Cignetti since 2016 at IUP, and later Elon (2017-2018), James Madison (2019-2023). Shanahan has been a wide receivers coach, recruiting coordinator, and offensive coordinator under Cignetti at those schools.

Tino Sunseri

Sunseri comes from a long line of NFL and college coaches. He first ran across Cignetti at James Madison where he was the quarterbacks coach from 2021-2023. In 2024 he followed Cignetti to Indiana and added the title of co-offensive coordinator along with Shanahan.

Shane Montgomery​

Montgomery has coached NFL players Ben Roethlisberger and Terrel Owens at various stops at Miami (Ohio) and Chattanooga, as quarterbacks coach, co-offensive coordinator, and offensive coordinator. He was head coach at Miami (Ohio) from 2005 to 2008 where he compiled a 17-31 record with two MAC East division titles. He has served as offensive coordinator at Chattanooga, Miami (Ohio), Akron, Youngstown State, Buffalo, and Massachusetts.

Potential Offensive Assistants​

- John Miller, (RBC, Indiana)

- Bob Bostad (OLC/ RGC, Indiana)

- Grant Cain (TEC/ STC, Indiana)

Defense​

Cignetti maintains a tight core of offensive and defensive assistants. On defense he would likely bring Bryant Haines or Corey Hetherman.

Potential Defensive Assistants​

Cignetti has only used two defensive coordinators over the years and would likely bring in his staff from Indiana.

Corey Hetherman​

Hetherman has served as both an offensive and defensive assistant since 2006—most notably as the defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach at James Madison under Curt Cignetti before taking positions as linebackers coach at Rutgers and Minnesota. He typically runs a base 4-3 defense.

Bryant Haines​

Haines has been a member of four of Cignetti’s coaching staffs since 2017. Unlike Heatherman, he runs a 4-2-5 defense.

Potential Defensive Assistants​

- Ola Adams (SC/ DBC, Indiana)

- Pat Kuntz (DTC, Indiana)

- Rod Ojong (CC, Indiana)

- Buddha Williams (DEC, Indiana)

Nice work--Best realistically in-depth analysis of potential set of moves thar I have seen.
Connection HAS done an AMAZING job at Indiana, it would seem: No one ELSE has been able to even come CLOSE to the kind of bigtime break through that he and his staff's quiet and steady work (far out of the CFB limelight at a Big Ten school long known for its roundball excellence but little else athletically) has unexpectedly managed to bring explosively blossoming forth upon the national scene in 2024.
Now, I sm NOT certain that his name nor is apparent style-of-play heralds the kind of "flash-and-bang" excitement that fans (and therefore perhaps the Florida powers-that-be) will be looking for next time--but that doesn't necessarily make he and his likely staff-choices the wrong move. A bit less likely than some others, perhaps, but clearly they need to step back and second-guess themselves REGARDLESS this time:
THEY HAVE TO GET THIS RIGHT, somehow.