Indiana Football: Athletic Director Scott Dolson Conducts National Search for Head Coach in IU’s First Search in 13 Years
BLOOMINGTON – Indiana is embarking on a critical search for a new football coach, with the program facing a series of challenging circumstances including NIL concerns, a competitive Big Ten, and a transfer portal that is constantly changing.
Finding the right coach to lead the team back to competitiveness will be pivotal. After just three conference wins in the past three years, Athletic Director Scott Dolson will have his work cut out for him.
The demands will likely favor coaches with experience leading their own programs. As the job is officially open, speculation abounds as to who might be in contention. Here’s an inside look at IU’s revamped Hot Board 2.0:
Veteran Head Coach Candidates for IU:
Jason Candle, head coach, Toledo: Candle has had significant success leading Toledo, with multiple conference titles and bowl game appearances. With over 60 wins in the past nine seasons, he could be a strong contender.
Chris Creighton, head coach, Eastern Michigan: Creighton has turned his program into a consistent winner despite limited resources. However, his close relationship with the recently fired Tom Allen could complicate matters.
Paul Chryst, former head coach, Pitt/Wisconsin: Chryst’s mixed bag of a coaching career includes successes at Wisconsin but a slump leading to his dismissal. Despite this, his track record in the Big Ten speaks for itself.
Willie Fritz, head coach, Tulane: Fritz brings a unique brand of football to the table, with experience at various levels of the sport. While he has been linked to other Power Four jobs, his age and geographical preferences remain factors.
Dan Mullen, former head coach, Mississippi State and Florida: Mullen has proven his coaching abilities in challenging conferences, but questions about his recent track record remain.
Promising G5 (plus one) Coaches:
Jake Dickert, head coach, Washington State: Dickert’s success in guiding Washington State to bowl appearances has put him on the radar for the job.
Charles Huff, head coach, Marshall: A successful recruiter and developer of talent, Huff’s age profile could make him a solid option for Indiana.
Sean Lewis, offensive coordinator, Colorado: Despite his midseason demotion, Lewis has racked up impressive accomplishments in a challenging coaching environment.
Barry Odom, head coach, UNLV: Odom’s experience at the helm of Missouri as well as his promising start at UNLV make him a compelling candidate.
Jon Sumrall, head coach, Troy: With a strong track record in the South, Sumrall’s transition to the Midwest could present its own set of challenges.
As the search unfolds, Indiana will be aiming to make a strategic and impactful hire that can turn the program around. Scouts and analysts are closely monitoring the situation and speculating on which candidate may emerge as the best fit for the position.
