Eric Boggs 
Lane Kiffin, Matt Campbell, James Franklin
As the college football season unfolds, the spotlight often turns to coaches who could become prime targets for top programs looking to make a change. Matt Campbell of Iowa State, Lane Kiffin of Ole Miss, and James Franklin of Penn State are three names who could be in high demand depending on how their respective seasons play out.
Matt Campbell: Reviving His Reputation
Matt Campbell has been a key figure in elevating Iowa State beyond its traditional standing in the college football landscape. Despite some recent struggles, Campbell’s success and potential have never been in question. However, after two subpar seasons with a combined 11-14 record, Campbell’s name began to fade from top coaching search lists. That may be changing.
In a dramatic 20-19 victory over No. 21 Iowa, Campbell’s Cyclones showed resilience, overcoming a 12-point deficit late in the game. A game-winning 54-yard field goal sealed the upset, and Iowa State is now poised for a strong season with a manageable schedule ahead. Should the Cyclones finish with eight or nine wins, Campbell’s name could once again be atop the wish lists of major programs.
While Campbell has been selective in the past, waiting for the perfect Midwest job that offers a path to championships, a strong 2024 season could bring opportunities he can’t pass up.
Lane Kiffin: Never Far From the Rumor Mill
Lane Kiffin’s name is perpetually linked to potential coaching openings, in part due to his past of jumping to new jobs. Now in his fifth season at Ole Miss, Kiffin has brought a degree of stability to the program, but speculation about his future never seems to fade.
Kiffin’s offensive mind and track record of success make him a hot commodity whenever high-profile programs begin searching for new leadership. Despite turning down Auburn last year, there’s always a question of whether Kiffin would leave Ole Miss if a premier opportunity arose. He remains a coach to watch, especially if Ole Miss has a strong 2024 season and finishes in contention for a College Football Playoff spot.
James Franklin: Consistency With Questions
James Franklin has been a model of consistency at Penn State, regularly guiding the Nittany Lions to 10-win seasons and keeping the team in contention for major bowls. However, the frustration among some fans centers around Penn State’s inability to consistently beat Big Ten powerhouses like Ohio State and Michigan. This has led to speculation that Franklin could be lured elsewhere if the right opportunity arises.
Franklin’s contract buyout is substantial—Penn State would owe him $56 million if they parted ways without cause—but if Franklin were to leave on his own, the buyout is a much more manageable $2 million. While Penn State isn’t likely to make a coaching change, Franklin’s name could surface in coaching rumors, particularly if a high-profile job opens up and Penn State’s season falls short of expectations. His experience and success make him an attractive option for any program looking to make a serious push toward championships.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, Matt Campbell, Lane Kiffin, and James Franklin could all become hot commodities in the coaching market. Each brings a unique set of strengths and has shown the ability to lead programs to success. If their teams perform well this year, don’t be surprised to see their names at the center of the coaching carousel discussions when the season ends.
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