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College football has twelve open coaching jobs, with as many as fifteen expected by the offseason. Arguably the biggest source of speculation in the sport is not related to playoff seeding. It’s regarding who will fill those coaching vacancies.
One of the bigger coaching jobs being speculated the most is the University of Florida. The Gators cut ties with former coach Billy Napier almost a month ago after key losses to South Florida, LSU, Miami and the Texas A&M Aggies. Only one of which, Texas A&M, controls their own playoff destiny.
Florida enters this situation with a significant concern that other jobs openings might not have to contend with. Quarterback DJ Lagway has been completely loyal to Napier adding to the speculation that the incoming coach will need to be significant enough to ensure Lagway doesn’t leave for greener pastures.
Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus has provided an interesting option as it is not James Franklin, Lane Kiffin or pulling Nick Saban out of retirement. Three options that have been floated to each of the top teams looking of new coaches.
PFF predicts Florida to hire Jedd Fisch
Chadwich predicted that the Gators will hire current Washington Huskies head coach Jed Fisch to replace Napier. Fisch took over at Washington almost two years ago when Kalen DeBoer left the program to take over at Alabama after Nick Saban announced his retirement.
“Fisch a Florida alum who spent two years as a graduate assistant there under Steve Spurrier after he graduated,” Chadwick wrote. “Fisch has done a solid job over the last three seasons at Arizona and now with the Huskies, compiling a 22-13 record since 2023. He’s not the splashiest hire that the Gators could make, but he has familiarity with the program and could provide some much-needed stability in Gainesville.”
At 6-3 the Huskies are on the outside looking in regarding the Big Ten standings. However, Washington ranks 6th in the Big Ten is yards per game and a points per game. Fisch has also done an admirable job in recruiting. The 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes rank in the top 25 nationally. Which begs the question, would Fisch have even more success with Florida’s revenue potential and location?
Fisch will not be exactly easy to get away from Washington but its possible. In 2024, Fisch signed a seven-year, $54 million contract. That contract as of 2025 includes a $10 million buyout. A reasonable buyout considering the buyouts of Brian Kelly and James Franklin. Fisch has also recently addressed coaching rumors by saying, “We love coaching at the University of Washington,” according to Andy Yamashita of The Seattle Times.
Washington faces Purdue this week. The game will broadcast on FS1 and kick off at 7:00pm ET.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Brian Kelly buyout, contract details as LSU Tigers coach
- Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter suffers major blow during rookie season
- Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? What to know about latest rumors
- Beloved college football mascot diagnosed with cancer
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