Birmingham, AL, September 8, 2025
News Summary
As the football season approaches, several Group of Five teams are looking at potential coaching changes due to unsatisfactory previous seasons. Coaches like Trent Dilfer and Joe Moorhead are under pressure to improve performance as fans express dissatisfaction. UAB is making roster changes, while other teams like Akron and Kent State also grapple with coaching stability as they seek better win records moving forward.
Birmingham, AL – As the 2025 football season approaches, several Group of Five teams are bracing for potential coaching changes due to unsatisfactory win records in previous seasons. Coaching positions remain precarious, and many head coaches know that improving performance may be their only ticket to job security.
Trent Dilfer, currently in his second season as head coach at UAB, has struggled significantly, with the team concluding the 2023 season with a 4-8 record following a 3-9 finish the prior year. This decline in performance has led to growing unrest among UAB fans who are dissatisfied with the team’s departure from previous successful seasons. Dilfer’s contract spans five years with an annual average of $1.3 million, concluding after the 2027 season. If dismissed, UAB would be obligated to pay a buyout of approximately $2.5 million.
Meanwhile, Joe Moorhead, head coach at Akron, faces similar challenges, registering a 2-10 record in both 2022 and 2023. Akron has not boasted a winning conference record since 2017, which raises concerns for the upcoming 2025 season. Moorhead’s total pay for 2024 is set at $620,000, and a buyout of $650,000 would come into play if he were to be let go.
In Kent State, the program has seen its head coach, Kenni Burns, fired after an abysmal 1-23 record over two seasons, including a winless 2024 season at 0-12. The team is now under the interim leadership of Mark Carney and is eager to usher in a new era.
Old Dominion’s Ricky Rahne has overseen two bowl appearances; however, the team has failed to achieve a winning record since 2021, prompting speculation about his future if the team does not return to bowl eligibility. Rahne’s salary for 2024 is $846,000, with a $600,000 buyout stipulated in his contract.
Tim Beck from Coastal Carolina has a mixed record of 14-12 overall and a 1-1 bowl record. Given the program’s past successes, the team might consider a change if it falls short of a conference title. Beck’s contract includes a $1.05 million salary for 2024 and a buyout provision of $1.5 million.
In a slight contrast to others, Jay Norvell has made strides at Colorado State, achieving an 8-5 record and a bowl appearance last season. However, despite his improvement, he has not been awarded a contract extension, placing him at a potential risk should the team falter in the upcoming season. Norvell’s contract began at $1.6 million with annual incremental increases, and his buyout is set at $1.5 million.
In preparation for the 2025 season, UAB has turned its focus to revamping its roster with 30 new transfers, leading to only three starters returning. The team is aiming for bowl eligibility after two years without postseason appearances. UAB’s coaching staff has expressed optimism about the upcoming fall camp, with training sessions scheduled to commence ahead of their season opener against Alabama State on August 28.
Key Takeaways from Group of Five Coaching Changes
- Coaching changes at several Group of Five programs are expected as teams strive for improved win records.
- Head coaches Trent Dilfer (UAB), Joe Moorhead (Akron), and others face pressure to enhance team performance.
- Contract buyouts and team dissatisfaction may lead to major shifts in coaching personnel over the coming seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Group of Five in college football?
The Group of Five refers to the five conferences outside of the power elite of college football, often characterized by smaller programs and less media attention than their Power Five counterparts. - Why are coaching changes anticipated for the 2025 season?
Coaching changes are expected due to poor team performance and win records, pressuring coaches to improve their teams or risk termination. - What financial implications do coaching changes have?
Each head coach has a buyout clause in their contract that must be paid if they are fired, with amounts varying from coach to coach.
| Coach | Team | Record (Last 2 Seasons) | 2024 Salary | Buyout Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Dilfer | UAB | 4-8, 3-9 | $1.3 million | $2.5 million |
| Joe Moorhead | Akron | 2-10, 2-10 | $620,000 | $650,000 |
| Mark Carney (interim) | Kent State | 0-12 | N/A | N/A |
| Ricky Rahne | Old Dominion | Bowl appearances, but no winning record since 2021 | $846,000 | $600,000 |
| Tim Beck | Coastal Carolina | 14-12 overall | $1.05 million | $1.5 million |
| Jay Norvell | Colorado State | 8-5 | $1.6 million (increased yearly) | $1.5 million |
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Additional Resources
- Hero Sports: FBS Coaches Hot Seat
- AL.com: Trent Dilfer Guards Against Optimism
- UAB Sports: Trent Dilfer Profile
- Green Gold and Bold: Trent Dilfer’s Future
- WBRC: Trent Dilfer Changes at UAB Practice
- Wikipedia: Trent Dilfer
- Google Search: UAB Football 2025 Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Trent Dilfer UAB
- ABC3340: Trent Dilfer on UAB Program
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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