The College Football Coaching Carousel: Will Virginia Tech Make the Right Move?
The college football season is winding down, but the drama is just heating up! While we wait for the College Football Playoff rankings, the real excitement might be in the coaching carousel. But who will make the best hire? And will Virginia Tech be the team to watch?
First, let's address the elephant in the room: the firings. The dust has settled... for now. But the hirings? That's where the real story begins.
Virginia Tech's Potential Power Play: James Franklin?
Virginia Tech could potentially make a huge move by hiring James Franklin. This would be a significant step, but it hinges on a few key factors. First, Franklin has to accept the job, potentially sacrificing his hopes for a more prestigious position. Second, Lane Kiffin's decisions could shake things up. If Kiffin leaves Mississippi for Florida or LSU, that would overshadow any move Virginia Tech makes.
Securing Franklin would be a statement, bringing prestige back to a program that has taken a more unconventional path in recent years. It's not an exaggeration to say that Franklin would be the most accomplished coach to ever take the Virginia Tech job.
But here's where it gets controversial...
It's tempting to compare this potential situation to LSU's hiring of Brian Kelly. But there's a crucial difference. Kelly failed at LSU because they expected him to be something he wasn't: an elite recruiter and a national championship coach. Virginia Tech doesn't need Franklin to reinvent himself; they just need him to be the consistently competent coach he has always been. Franklin has shown an ability to rebuild programs and is familiar with the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) recruiting landscape, which is crucial for Virginia Tech.
Franklin is coming off a successful season, and his biggest weakness – struggles in big games against top teams – isn't as relevant for Virginia Tech. They don't have Ohio State on their schedule.
While Franklin's inability to develop an elite quarterback might prevent him from winning a national championship, Virginia Tech doesn't have those lofty aspirations, making him a good fit for the program.
Who Were the Week 12 Winners?
The College Football Playoff selection committee, along with Georgia and Oklahoma, were big winners in Week 12. Texas's loss to Georgia eliminated the possibility of seven SEC teams with at least 10 victories, which would have been a headache for the committee.
The committee also got some vindication in its ranking of Texas A&M and Notre Dame, as both teams performed well.
Is Georgia a National Championship Contender?
Yes! While Georgia has had some close calls this season, they seem to be peaking as the postseason approaches. Remember, in their 2022 national championship season, they had some close games before hitting their stride in the playoff. Georgia isn't the frontrunner, but they are definitely on the shortlist of teams that could win it all. With Gunner Stockton leading the SEC in completion rate and Kirby Smart at the helm, Georgia is a team to watch.
Are the Coaching Firings Over?
Not quite! Florida State is still deciding Mike Norvell's fate. Meanwhile, Maryland and Wisconsin have announced they're sticking with their coaches. However, Florida State's silence on Mike Norvell is telling, especially considering his hefty buyout.
And what about Jonathan Smith at Michigan State and Mark Stoops at Kentucky? Both situations are still up in the air, with potential for change depending on the remaining games and buyout clauses.
Final Thoughts
So, what do you think? Will Virginia Tech make the right move? And who do you see as the biggest contenders for the national championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
