Cover 3 College Football Podcast
Episode: Top 5 Jobs in College Football | Best Fits For Top Candidates
Date: October 28, 2025
Hosts: Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Danny Kanell, Bud Elliott
Overview
On this episode of Cover 3 College Football, the crew dives deep into the ongoing coaching carousel, ranking the top jobs (open and potentially opening), debating factors that make college football positions attractive (or not), and matching notable coaching candidates to their best fits. The hosts also close out with their consensus on the very best jobs in college football, regardless of current openings.
The conversation is rich with insider insight, spirited debate, and hot takes on what makes a job truly elite in today's shifting college football landscape.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Ranking Top Open (or Prospective) Jobs
Bud Elliott’s Top 5 (02:33)
- LSU: “The last three coaches before Brian Kelly, they're all won national titles.”
- Florida: Proven record, "won three national titles in my lifetime."
- Penn State: Higher floor than Florida but less championship success; easier path?
- Florida State: "If you're doing things right at Florida State, you could probably last 8 to 10 years."
- Auburn: Tougher competition, shorter leash for coaches in the SEC.
Danny Kanell’s Emphasis on Penn State (05:40)
- Penn State at #1 (on his list):
- “I think Penn State is underrated in all this conversation. Big Ten, easy schedule next year, and home field environment is crazy.”
- “You could step in and you could win in year one...you should be 10 and 2 at minimum in year one.”
- Also includes UCLA for weather, talent, and lifestyle — countered by Bud due to cost of living and staff support issues (07:24).
Tom Fornelli’s List (17:38)
- LSU (best open job)
- Florida
- Penn State (best available Big Ten job)
- Auburn
- Nebraska: Projects Matt Rhule might go to PSU, making Nebraska a top new opening.
Chip Patterson’s List (25:42)
- LSU
- Florida
- Penn State
- Virginia Tech: Notable for fan loyalty. “50,000 people are still showing up when your team stinks.” (28:03)
- Arkansas
2. Notable Debates & Analytical Angles
Is Penn State Underrated or Set for Disappointment?
- Danny Kanell: “Penn State is underrated...Big Ten money...In the current landscape, it's less likely you go 8–4 at Penn State than LSU.” (05:40)
- Bud Elliott: “At some point, these Big Ten teams are going to start spending more...the high earning conference.” (09:44)
- Tom Fornelli: "Even if you have an easy schedule next year, expectations rise fast and so does the risk of being overexposed." (08:31)
The Florida State Question
- Is it open or attractive?
- Bud and Danny defend FSU’s standing: “Clearly belongs in the top five...brand new player-only facility, great home field, state of Florida recruits.” (12:15)
- Tom and Bud: Caution about instability, conference uncertainty, and NIL/transfer rules. “If you're capping yourself on NIL, that's a problem.” (13:02)
Nebraska vs Auburn
- Bud Elliott: “Pressure is much higher at Auburn... at Nebraska you probably outspend most teams you play.” (19:30)
- Tom Fornelli: Nebraska a better environment now than in past years; Matt Campbell named as a top fit. (22:30)
Which “Giant Dominoes” Could Actually Fall?
- Danny Kanell: “Texas and Notre Dame would shoot to the top of this list, but I can't see it happening.” (23:08)
- Bud Elliott: “Michigan could have snuck onto my list two weeks ago…” (24:04)
- Tom Fornelli: “Not in an era of Big Ten/SEC stability that we'll see major cross-pollination.” (24:40)
Is Virginia Tech a Top 5 Opening?
- Chip: “Fan loyalty; business decision to make a move early. Passion and loyalty hard to replicate.” (28:03)
- Tom: “Not sure I'd consider them top 5, but I get the appeal. 90s nostalgia!” (27:39)
- Bud: Sees upward mobility if the program invests. (29:07)
Repeated Caution: Past Success ≠ Future Success
- Danny Kanell: “LSU had three different coaches win national titles—so did Miami once. Doesn’t mean it'll keep happening.” (29:56)
3. Candidate Carousel: Best Fits for Notable Coaches
James Franklin (32:08)
- Danny Kanell: “James Franklin would be a home run hire at Virginia Tech...familiar with the region, fits the recruiting profile.”
Lane Kiffin (34:16)
- Bud Elliott: “Lane has a great thing going at Ole Miss—they love him, give him control. At Florida or LSU, his quirks may wear thin, and pressure is much higher.”
- Danny Kanell: “Florida would be the perfect fit...they love the swagger, offensive mind. But agree he stays at Ole Miss.” (34:47)
Eli Drinkwitz (35:34)
- Tom Fornelli: “Best fit is Florida—offensive mind, trash talks, recruits well, has maximized Missouri.”
Brian Kelly (38:23)
- Chip: “If you're humbled, maybe Cincinnati, Michigan State, or Georgia Tech are realistic spots. If Boston College came open, it’s a cultural fit.”
Alex Golesh (USF) (41:56)
- Bud: “Oklahoma State makes sense. Big Ten experience, success at Tennessee, connects in the region.”
Matt Campbell (Iowa State) (40:45)
- Danny: “Nebraska would be a phenomenal fit if Matt Rhule leaves.”
- Others: Michigan and Michigan State also ideal possibilities.
Brent Key (Georgia Tech) (43:22)
- Tom: “Best fit is Georgia Tech—it's his alma mater, has program on the rise.”
- Bud/Chip: Would also be a good fit for SEC jobs (LSU, Auburn) due to his Saban ties, but fit at GT is strong.
Jeff Brohm (Louisville) (45:33)
- Danny: “If Florida and Auburn strike out, Brohm’s resume should make him the next name—Auburn would be a jump even from an alma mater.”
4. Top 5 College Football Jobs in America (ALL jobs open)
Tom Fornelli’s Top 5 (46:31)
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- LSU
- Alabama
- Texas
Bud Elliott’s Top 5 (46:54)
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- Texas
- Alabama
- Oregon
Danny Kanell’s Top 5 (47:15)
- Similar to Bud, includes Alabama and Oregon for resources (“blank check”) and winning tradition.
Chip Patterson’s Top 5 (47:32)
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- LSU
- Alabama
- Texas
- Bud Elliott: “A lot of these jobs are closely grouped together now...nuances of NIL and support play a big part." (27:39)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Bud Elliott [02:33]: “I have LSU number one. The last three coaches before Brian Kelly, they're all won national titles.”
- Danny Kanell [05:40]: “I get so sick and tired hearing this. 'LSU is the best job and it's not even close.' Has anyone looked at Penn State's schedule for next season? You could step in and you could win in year one.”
- Tom Fornelli [08:31]: "Even if it (the schedule) is easy next year, 2027’s probably won’t be. Raise expectations, you get paid $50 million to go away. Actually, you know what? Now that sounds pretty good.”
- Bud Elliott [13:02]: "If you're going to pretend that this NIL cap is real, you’re basically capping yourself."
- Chip Patterson [28:03]: "50,000 people are still showing up when your team stinks... that kind of loyalty you don’t get everywhere."
- Danny Kanell [29:56]: “Past results are not a guarantee of future success... Just because three LSU coaches have won doesn’t mean it’ll keep happening. Ask Miami.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:33] Bud's Job Rankings
- [05:40] Danny’s Penn State Argument
- [17:38] Tom’s Job Rankings
- [25:42] Chip’s Job Rankings
- [31:57]–[38:41] Coaching Carousel: Candidate Best Fits (Franklin, Kiffin, Drinkwitz, Kelly)
- [40:45] Candidate Wheel Round 2 (Campbell, Golesh, Key, Brohm)
- [46:31]–[47:32] Top 5 Jobs in America
Conclusion
This podcast episode offers an in-depth, candid look at the strengths, weaknesses, and unique quirks of college football's premier jobs—both those currently available and iconic bluebloods. The hosts blend stats, tradition, and recent developments (like realignment and NIL) to paint a realistic picture of which jobs are truly elite and which may not be as desirable as they seem. The “coaching carousel wheel” segments add a fun, speculative angle, matching some of the game’s best minds with their ideal future destinations.
For fans and insiders alike, this hour is a fast-paced, opinionated primer for understanding the true power dynamics behind college football hiring.