Once again, the University of South Florida or USF for short is looking for a new head coach. Since former head coach Jim Leavitt was let go in 2009, the USF program has not had one coach last more than 4 years. A once fast rising program has now become an after thought in most eyes.
However, UCF, USF’s biggest rival, has surpassed them in every way. UCF is out recruiting, performing, developing, and investing USF consistently.
So much so, UCF will be leaving the Group of 5 American Athletic Conference for the Power 5 Big 12 Conference. Although USF hasn’t had much success on the field, USF has great potential to emerge as a future power.
Furthermore, with the right coach USF could become like their rivals UCF. Who is the right coach?
Jamey Chadwell, Coastal Carolina HC
Since 2020, Chadwell has led his team to a 30-4 record. The offensive mind of Chadwell is why many programs that are looking for a coach has him as a top priority. USF hasn’t had consistency on offense in some time, a coach like Chadwell would flip the offense and pull in some talented recruits.
Additionally, the Transfer Portal can help flip an entire roster in a single off-season. It wouldn’t take Chadwell long to get the Bulls up and competing again in the AAC.
Todd Monken, Georgia OC
This might be a tough hire but a great candidate to say the least. The Georgia offensive coordinator is one of the highest paid assistants in college football today. Currently, Monken has Georgia’s offense rated within the top 10 in the country.
Everywhere coach Monken has gone he has produced great results. Back in 2011, Monken’s was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State. His offense consisted of quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Justin Blackmon. That offense was very difficult to stop.
Overall, Monken is delivering the same results with Stetson Bennett and the Georgia offense. Monken’s offense is player friendly and develops the players for the league. This would be a homerun hire.
Deion Sanders, Jackson State HC
Another long shot hire but one that should be on the USF radar. Coach Prime or Sanders would be a great hire for the southern program. Coach Sanders has shown the ability to recruit kids to Mississippi from all round the country. Coach Sanders has also shown the ability to win.
USF would be a good spot for Coach Sanders if he was looking to go to the FBS level. It would be wise to mention that coach sanders grew up in Fort Myers, Florida. Coaching in Tampa, Florida would be like returning home. With a 23-5 record thus far, Coach Sanders would bring a level of excellence that USF hasn’t seen in years.
Overall
USF have to make a good splash this go round for a head coach. Whoever is hired will need to focus on developing the talent on the roster and bringing in quality transfers. However, the process will be a long but worth it.