The FIU Panthers will be looking for their seventh head coach in program history after Mike MacIntyre lasted just three seasons with the team. MacIntyre was relieved of his duties following a disastrous 4-8 season and losing five of their last seven.
FIU has the funds — thanks to Pitbull — but does it have the allure to bring in a top-notch candidate?
Replacement Candidates Mike MacIntyre at FIU
MacIntyre had things moving in the right direction for FIU it seemed. Pitbull bought in — literally — and the football program was generating some incredible interest.
There’s no denying how amazing their uniform combinations are, but in the same vein, there’s no denying that the program failed to live up to the off-field hype they received.
With MacIntyre out, these candidates could bring some of that allure back.
Buster Faulkner, Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator
Buster Faulkner might not have any direct ties to the program, but he’s proven he’s ready for the spotlight and doesn’t shy away from making moves across the country to find the right fit.
At Georgia Tech, Faulkner transformed the Yellow Jackets from an ACC afterthought into a tough, gritty, run-heavy offense that’s made opposing defenses take notice. Bringing that same style to Sam Houston would feel like more of a lateral step, but it’s one that could open up new recruiting pipelines and expand the program’s reach.
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He’s shown he can recruit against programs like Georgia, and going toe-to-toe with Miami in their own backyard might be as close to similar contest as you could imagine. No, Georgia Tech is not FIU, but plucking the top-notch South Florida recruits that don’t get Miami interest could be the proper call, and that’s where Faulkner might have the right experience for this job.
With everything Faulkner brings to the table, it’s clear he’ll have plenty of opportunities elsewhere. But starting fresh as an FBS head coach with a seemingly bottom-of-the-barrel opening might align perfectly with his style and approach to building a program from the ground up.
Tony White, Nebraska Defensive Coordinator
Tony White has delivered standout defensive performances at every stop in his coaching career, from Arizona State to Syracuse, and now Nebraska. As Matt Rhule’s defensive mastermind, White is bound to draw interest from nearly every program with an opening—but Sam Houston might just be the perfect fit.
White has proven his ability to thrive wherever he goes, consistently landing on the shortlist for programs in need of a tough, disciplined, defensive-minded leader. The key question for White will be assembling an offensive staff that can match his defensive prowess.
It will be more about what he brings to the table on offense that likely lands him a gig somewhere, but if FIU likes what he has to offer during the interview process, don’t be surprised if this is the right move.
Brennan Carroll, Washington Offensive Coordinator
There’s a high likelihood that south Florida is far too long for Brennan Carroll to make the move to. But then again, there’s a likelihood of any protege of his father to want to expand from his ‘dad’s umbrella’ and break out of that proverbial shadow.
Carroll has a young, budding family, so uprooting that to move across the country may not be the right answer for him, but if FIU wants an up-and-coming offensive coordinator with a Hall of Fame pedigree, this is the first stop.
Carroll has coached in South Florida before — coaching tight ends and receivers with Miami from 2011 to 2014 — but has been on the West Coast since 2015. If he’s willing to move east (and interviews well), this could be the home-run hire with name brand that a program like FIU needs.
Brennan Marion, UNLV Offensive Coordiantor
If you’ve seen me write anything about Brennan Marion, it’s probably been about how it’s a damn shame he’s not already a head coach at the major college football level. His offenses are legendary and his recruiting abilities are elite.
If FIU wants that splash hire to help them recruit unfound territory and bring an unstoppable offense to the CUSA, than Marion’s their guy. Sometimes, it’s that simple.
Will Stein, Oregon Offensive Coordinator
The Oregon Ducks are an unstoppable force with Will Stein leading the charge. UTSA was an unstoppable force with Stein leading their offense. Lake Travis High School was unstoppable with Stein as their leading man.
Listen, sometimes it’s easy to write up something like this when you have Stein as an option.
Stein — if he’s willing to take this job because he’s likely going to be tapped for a Power Four job in a year or two — would be a home run for the Panthers. His recruiting ability is off the charts and his on-field production has been a treat for the eyes over the years.
At just 35, he’s shown that he’s ready for the big stage and should absolutely be on the shortlist for every FBS head coaching gig. If he interviews well and would be willing to move south, his ability to recruit the state of Texas and his prowess in the portal would immediately make FIU players in the CUSA.
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