Here is number two of what will likely be a eight part series. Below, I will put a link to the other hiring grades.
https://fanspo.com/nfl/s/general/p/-cOh94hJfm4Q7c/2025-coaching-hiring-grades-link
Conference USA
Missouri State (2025 HC: Ryan Beard; 2026 HC: Casey Woods): C+
After over-expectations in year 1 of being in the FBS, Missouri State lost their HC to... Coastal Carolina? Heading into this process, I knew they weren't going to be able to go after a high level coordinator and will likely settle on a more mediocre coordinator or position coach or will just hire a reject HC, turns out they hired Casey Woods. I think he is an alright coach, I don't think he really fits what Missouri State is looking for. I didn't think SMU's offense was anything spectacular in those four seasons he was there and honestly thought his play calling held them back at times. Now we are going to be able to see what he is capable of running his own team, I just don't expect a lot out of him.
MAC
Ohio (2025 HC: Brian Smith; 2026 HC: John Hauser): B+
For people who don't know or remember, this was the other scandal that happened this year. At the end of the regular season, Ohio placed first year HC Brian Smith under administrative leave and a few weeks later was dismissed due to allegations of having a relationship with a nursing student. They went on what they called a "wide search" and hired the guy I have been banging the drum for since Tim Albin left in John Hauser. The DC in 2024 for Albin and the DC for Smith. Had one of the best defense in the country in 2024 and took a slight dip, but was somewhere in the top 15 to 20 in 2025. I think this is a great hire and he has kept the staff mostly intact since last season was still a pretty good season. My only concern is when does hiring within wear off? It worked for Solich's successor then it worked (kinda) for Albin's successor, does it work for Smith's successor?
Sacramento State (2025 HC: Brennan Marion; 2026 HC: Alonzo Carter): C-
When I made my list, I did not have Sac State on here due to the fact they were still in the FCS at that time. Here comes Saturday and now I have to add them to my list. I think this would be a solid hire if they were still in the FCS, but since they are not I just feel like he is going to be eaten alive. I really like Coach Zo, I just think he should had told them that they can't touch this... Out of the FCS (all puns intended). The former MC Hammer choreographer turned High School football coach turned college coach still has some work to do to be able to earn his spot as HC in my opinion cause I seriously feel like this is another one of those celebrity hires to grab attention.
Toledo (2025 HC: Jason Candle; 2026 HC: Mike Jacobs): A
Toledo loses their long tenured HC and slam dunks their hire with Mercer's HC Mike Jacobs. I seriously feel like he has the Rockets in a position already to compete in the MAC quicker than what the other first year coaches (outside of Ohio) were able to. He is a proven winner going back to back SoCon champs, was at Lenoir-Rhyne beforehand and made two Division II tournament berths and the two years they missed they were division champs, and before that he was at Division II Notre Dame (OH) and was back to back Division II tournament berths there as well. He has a great track record and not to mention that he won 9 games with a true freshman under center and had Auburn in the first quarter while I was present at the game.
Independent
UConn (2025 HC: Jim Mora; 2026 HC: Jason Candle): A
Let's just say that they all organized this just to be able to get an A from me. Colorado State hires UConn's coach and gets an A, UConn hires Toledo's coach and gets an A, and Toledo hires an FCS coach and gets an A and those are the only A's so far. I don't know who else they could had gone after that would be better than Candle, I didn't have him on my list and even I don't think there is anyone on my list better than Candle. A proven winner, a fantastic recruiter, the only issue to me is they don't always live up to their hype. They always recruit so well that you think they are in the American but they turn around and win 8 games. They have a fairly easy schedule this season and there are no conference affiliations as of right now, so they can go and win 10, 11 games and be right in the CFP conversation without having to fight for that fifth conference spot that will either go to an American or the Pac 12 for now on.
There is my list. Let me know your thoughts down below and give me your grades if you want. Also, some may notice the omission od Kent State on this list, I decided to remove them since they fired their HC before the season and therefore not coaching any games in the 2025 season and they removed the interim tag on the coach who did coach all 12 games so I did not believe he counted on this list and is more deserving on a 2024 list instead.