After one of the more puzzling coach firings in recent memory, the Kennesaw State Owls will conduct just their second-ever coaching search as Brian Bohannon’s long tenure was abruptly ended just 10 games into his first season in the FBS.
The move signals the Owls want to be immediately competitive in a wide-open Conference USA and don’t have the patience for a slow rebuild. Which candidates could fit the bill for the newest FBS school in college football? Here are five potential replacements for Bohannon at Kennesaw State
Replacement Candidates for Brian Bohannon at Kennesaw State
I called this puzzling for a few reasons, none of which involve the team’s lack of recent success. The Owls are 2-10 in their inaugural season in the FBS, a year after finishing 5-6 in Bohannon’s first losing season as the head coach.
However, there’s a reason. Bohannon, with the support of the school and athletic department, worked with his team to rotate players last season to give more players playing time without burning their eligibility. Dozens of players played four or fewer games so the Owls would have an older, more experienced team in 2024 and 2025.
Yet, the administration apparently grew more tired of the immediate results than expected and decided to cut ties with Bohannon. That move signals that one of the least talented teams in the country is in win-now mode.
Brennan Marion (UNLV Offensive Coordinator)
Brennan Marion should be the first call Kennesaw State makes. He’s going to be a hot candidate on the coaching trail, and there will be competition for his services. Just 37 years old, Marion checks all the boxes, especially for a school like Kennesaw State.
He’s a strong recruiter with the country’s most unique offensive system. The Owls just transitioned out of a triple-option system to compete in the FBS, but the goal was to have a unique playbook and be a difficult team to gameplan for. That just didn’t happen, given the lack of early transfer portal success.
The “Go-Go” is the most unique offense in the upper levels of college football and it should be welcome in a place that prides itself on running the ball.
Marion will get a head coaching job this cycle, and Kennesaw State needs to make sure he decides to go coach there and not somewhere else.
Tre Lamb (East Tennessee State Head Coach)
While some may disagree, I think the Owls could benefit from targeting an up-and-coming FCS head coach. Tre Lamb fits the bill.
Lamb built Gardner-Webb into a playoff team through culture and an effective offense. A quarterback in college, he’s one of the best FCS coaches for the position. He’s also an excellent recruiter and has coached all over the Southeast.
It’s not the flashiest hire, but those who follow FCS football know that he’s a guy primed to take over an FBS job soon.
Kade Bell (Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator)
Kade Bell has done wonders for Pittsburgh’s offense this season after leading the best FCS offense for multiple seasons at Western Carolina. Even better, he has ties to the Peach State, as he was a graduate assistant and quarterbacks coach at Valdosta State.
Bell has the offensive philosophy and recruiting ability to be a unique coach among many in the Atlanta area. That could help attract talent to a team that might otherwise be overlooked by top players on the recruiting trail.
Joey King (Carrollton High School Head Coach)
I have a sneaky suspicion that Kennesaw State could look to the Georgia high school ranks to find its next head coach as the team desperately wants to stand out in a crowded state for FBS schools.
Joey King is unique among his peers in that he has college coaching experience, spending time at Coastal Carolina under Jamey Chadwell a few years ago. If he wants to come back to the college ranks, he’d be able to bring a bunch of talent with him.
Chris Weinke (Georgia Tech AHC/Co-Offensive Coordinator)
The former Florida State quarterback has quietly made a name for himself as a high-level recruiter and assistant coach at the Power Four level. He’s been at Georgia Tech for the last three years and has quickly accumulated more important job titles year by year.
Weinke might be the best recruiter on this list, and he knows Metro Atlanta. He’s worked in a variety of schemes and can be fluid with the players he has. If he’s still pushing for a head coaching job, this could be a great fit.
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