Grading college football’s coaching carousel: A- for Virginia Tech, B+ for Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State has appointed Eric Morris as their new head coach, effective November 25, 2025, assigning him a grade of B+. Morris, who has extensive experience in Texas, has a proven track record in developing quarterbacks, having previously worked with talents such as Patrick Mahomes and Cam Ward. His tenure at North Texas and FCS Incarnate Word showcased his ability to achieve success with limited resources. However, concerns remain about his inconsistent defensive records. A key decision will be whether Morris can bring his 2025 North Texas defensive coordinator, Skyler Cassity, to Oklahoma State to bolster the defense.

Virginia Tech has hired James Franklin as head coach as of November 17, 2025, giving him an A- grade. Franklin, previously the head coach at Penn State, was Virginia Tech's top choice due to his successful track record, including consistently leading teams to bowl games and revitalizing Penn State into a top-10 program. His strong recruiting ties in Virginia and experience