In a rapidly changing landscape of college football, coaches are questioning their career paths and reconsidering their goals due to a waning work-life balance and uncertain future for the sport. This offseason has witnessed an unprecedented number of head coaching changes in the FBS, with coaches making lateral moves or taking lesser job titles, sometimes leaving behind significant financial opportunities.

Long-time agent Lee Steinberg described being a head football coach at a major university as the most difficult job in all team sports due to the complexities involved. Coaches have to navigate recruiting talented 17-year-old athletes, managing the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, handling administrative duties, alumni relations, and media obligations. The introduction of NIL and the transfer portal has added layers of complications, making coaching college football akin to herding cats – except these cats have marketing agents and demands for both money and playing time.

The coaching carousel this offseason has seen surprising moves, including coaches leaving for the NFL, transitioning to different college programs, or even taking on less-stressful roles. Jeff Hafley left his head coaching job at Boston College to become an NFL offensive coordinator, while Chip Kelly left UCLA to become an offensive coordinator at Ohio State. Meanwhile, several Group of Five head coaches decided to become coordinators or even consultants at higher-profile programs.

The increasing transactional nature of coaching college football has led to growing frustration among coaches. They are now being tasked with assembling rosters amid uncertainties surrounding NIL regulations and re-recruiting their own players every season, all while actively scouting the transfer portal and recruiting incoming freshmen. These challenges are further exacerbated by the shortened transfer windows and the constant pressure to stay competitive.

Furthermore, the advent of NIL and the potential removal of transfer restrictions could further exacerbate the situation. Coaches worry about the possibility of players being able to transfer whenever they want, making it even more challenging to build and maintain rosters. Coaches also express concern about the impact of the changing landscape on academics, as the focus on earning money and navigating the transfer portal may take away from the pursuit of a college degree.

As coaches grapple with these changes, the disparity between the haves and have-nots in college football becomes even more pronounced. Power Five programs with greater financial resources can lure top talent and withstand roster raids, while programs in the middle struggle to survive. The divide between major conferences like the Big Ten and SEC and the rest of college football has only become more apparent.

The future of college football coaching remains uncertain, with coaches uncertain about where the profession is headed. However, some have found solace in the embrace of new opportunities and strategies. Coaches like Mike Locksley at Maryland have adapted to the new NIL landscape, seeking support from fans and boosters to compete against larger programs. Others, like UAB coach Trent Dilfer, have chosen to focus on coaching football rather than dealing with the complexities of being a CEO in a volatile college football environment.

In the end, while college football coaching remains a high-pressure profession, coaches understand the need to adapt and adjust to the changing circumstances. Steve Sarkisian, the head coach at Texas, aptly summed it up when he said coaches need to "adjust, adapt, and do the best you can under the circumstances." As the challenges continue to evolve, the resilience and resourcefulness of coaches will be put to the test in navigating the ever-changing landscape of college football.