In January 2025, the Arizona State Sun Devils stunned the college football world with an unlikely run to the College Football Playoff. This success came two years after the struggles of the Herm Edwards era. Under the leadership of head coach Kenny Dillingham, in only his second year, Arizona State overcame NCAA sanctions and a history of three-win seasons. The team clinched a Big 12 championship and was on the brink of a Playoff win against Texas, thanks to standout players like Cam Skattebo, Jordyn Tyson, and Sam Leavitt.
Despite this achievement, two years later, the Sun Devils found themselves at a 2-2 record, struggling with a faltering offense after a tough loss to Baylor. This was a surprising turn for a team that had recently soared so high.
Elsewhere, new coaching stories unfolded. Jedd Fisch took over the University of Washington program in 2024. Although the team had competed for a national championship the previous season, Fisch faced the challenge of replacing nearly the entire team’s production. After a promising 6-7 season, he led Washington to a nine-win record, including a bowl victory over Boise State. Star quarterback Demond Williams became a highlight of the college football scene.
At Georgia Tech, Brent Key transformed the team into a formidable opponent in the ACC. The Yellow Jackets were praised for an innovative offense and a standout performance by quarterback Haynes King. Reaching as high as number seven in the AP Poll, Georgia Tech achieved their best rank in nearly two decades.
However, by the following season, both Washington and Georgia Tech, along with Arizona State, seemed a shadow of their former selves. These schools faced the reality that their programs aren’t equipped to maintain consistent success year after year. Unlike powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Texas, which have the resources and infrastructure to remain strong, others must capitalize on fleeting opportunities.
During their respective successful seasons, Dillingham, Fisch, and Key were considered for major roles in college football. Dillingham was seen as a potential replacement for Mike Norvell at Florida State or for the Michigan position. Fisch was also a potential candidate for the Michigan job and offered consideration for a role in Florida.
Despite these opportunities, the coaches chose to remain at their current schools, sometimes due to their alma mater ties. Whether this decision was wise remains uncertain. If these teams finish poorly this season, the interest in these coaches might dwindle.
History has shown that coaches like Matt Campbell, who had success at Iowa State, only left for prestigious offers like Penn State. While patience and loyalty are admirable traits, they might not always serve coaches well in the competitive world of college football. Recency bias and the latest season’s results heavily influence hiring decisions.
The future of coaches Kenny Dillingham, Brent Key, and Jedd Fisch is uncertain. They could move on to prestigious roles, or struggle with the challenges of the unpredictable college football environment. Only time will reveal their paths in this demanding profession.
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