It’s the first of November heading into the grind of the football season. Head coaches have already been fired with 4-5 weeks remaining in the conference season and the new 12-team format playoffs is looming after the conference championship games.

High profile programs are conducting head coach searches mid season. Will Stein’s name is being mentioned and surely his agent is fielding some calls.

This puts Stein in an interesting position. As Oregon’s OC he is already at an elite football program with talent, facilities, resources, competing for a national title. Most opportunities would be a step up in title and money, but would be a step back program-wise. Coach Lanning noted that, “The grass is damn green in Eugene”. There is truth in his words.

Should the Ducks continue winning the season will continue into January. By then some of the top jobs will likely be filled. A principle reason that some teams dismissed their coaches was to get a jump start on hiring while the field is wide open.

Will Stein has a contract with Oregon containing clauses and stipulations as its terms. Coach Stein has an Offense of players to which he has responsibilities. There exists a relationship with the university, the coaches and the community of fans and supporters.

It will be interesting to see the career path of Will Stein reveal itself. Surely the speculations about it will continue..

There are many snaps ahead in the 2025 season. How will they play out?

To compete with the big boys, a HC needs recruiting chops, top notch assistants, and a big bag of NIL money. If it was me, I would probably stay with Oregon for a few more years to see if I could get a National Championship as OC.

Having a Natty on a resume guarantees a level of financial success that few people can attain. Although, it doesn’t guarantee that you will be a good HC.

I think some coaches reach for the brass ring before they are truly ready.

I saw an interview with Dan Lanning the other day. He stated that he encourages his assistants to move up if given the opportunity. He also said that many opportunities have come and been turned down already. I think his assistants realize that they are in a good situation.

I believe that this season has shown these coaches how fast they can go from being ranked in the Top 10 to unemployed. I almost feel bad for Junior Adams because he’s playing for a head coach who seems to be a place holder. However, the strongest position group for the Cowboys is WR, so I don’t think Junior will ever be unemployed for more than the time it takes to call his agent.

Apparently Penn State is looking at a name nobody was talking about two weeks ago. That name? Brian Hartline. I guess the old saying "If you can't beat them, just take as much as possible from them". Well that isn't exactly the phrase, but you know what I mean.

I would personally think Stein is the safer candidate, but the trend to hire young dudes in their thirties that recruit really well, is the new trend. Dillingham, Lanning, Freeman, Day, and Riley being the trailblazers. I will say Penn State will get awesome receivers for the first time in my lifetime, if they make that hire.

This might be good for Oregon. They get to keep Stein, and he won't be an in conference for that could take any recruits with him. I don't think Stein leaves unless it's a job with resources close to what Oregon offers. Kind of like Kirby.

Florida and LSU are looking elsewhere, and those are the only current options that fit that bill. Now if Michigan State , Auburn or Florida State came open, that might be a different story.

Edited 17 minutes ago17 min by GatOrlando