In Reply to: Lots of search committees will be busy competing for coaches. posted by azbruin on October 12, 2025 at 11:58:59
I agree that he has entered the conversation, but he still has a lot of work to do.
Although there are other schools hiring, I don't know that we are really competing with most of them. Everyone has their own set of priorities and idiosyncrasies. For example, I would think Wisconsin will want someone who has experience in the Big 10, and who can bring back a more physical style. Florida will want someone with experience in the SEC.
I also think UCLA is going to be able to spend quite a bit. If not, they should just retain Skipper if he can win three more games. He may get some head coaching offers but they won't be from the schools you mentioned. He won't have another Big 10 offer, that seems certain.
As many have surmised, it looks like UCLA will go after Jedd Fisch. It makes sense in so many ways. After that, no idea who the next coach will be.
I do think Skipper controls his own destiny, and more than just in a mathematical sense. If he goes 4-2 down the stretch, with this schedule, he has a good shot. Sometimes these jobs can come down to small issues of fit, comfort, and optics, like buying a new car. Skipper is a minority candidate, something UCLA likes. If Jarmond is allowed input on the decision, Skipper gets a boost because Jarmond can personally take credit for finding the right guy. And Skipper comes with Jerry, no small factor, and possibly even Nico.
They're going to pass over Skipper at 5-7 or 6-6 just to get some unknown from the lower FBS? I don't think so.