College football coaching carousel grades 2023: Auburn, Colorado ace tests

Kent State did about as good as it could do by hiring Kenni Burns in a tough spot

With former Golden Flashes head Sean Lewis heading to Boulder to be Deion Sanders’ offensive coordinator at Colorado, Kent State was put in a rather difficult spot. They opted to hire Kenni Burns off P.J. Fleck’s offensive staff at Michigan. Burns has strong midwestern roots and an affinity for running the football. He will need time, but can certainly build off what Lewis had done.

Grade: B+

Purdue poached Ryan Walters off Bret Bielema’s staff to replace Jeff Brohm

I cannot recall the last time Purdue was this good of a job. Jeff Brohm was remarkable in West Lafayette for the better part of a decade. Once Louisville opened up, he was so gone. As far as replacing him, to get former Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters off Bret Bielema’s staff was nothing short of remarkable. Walters feels every bit the rock star in his early coaching career.

Grade: A

Navy promoted Brian Newberry from within after panic firing Ken Niumatalolo

Admittedly, things had gotten very stale in Annapolis under Ken Niumatalolo. However, it was almost shameful that Navy fired its longtime head coach in the immediate aftermath of falling to Army. Finding the right head coach to lead a service academy is incredibly difficult, so Navy promoted defensive coordinator Brian Newberry from within. This may work, or be full of regret.

Grade: C-

Only Zach Arnett could have replaced Mike Leach at Mississippi State right now

Mississippi State had an impossible task of replacing the legendary Mike Leach after his tragic passing. Although defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was definitely on his way to becoming a Power Five head coach, he answered the cowbell. His opportunity came knocking. With a bowl victory already under his belt, Arnett will proudly swing his sword to carry on The Pirate’s legacy.

Grade: A

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