The 2025 season has delivered one of the wildest coaching carousels in college football history. With 11 head coaches already dismissed, Washington Huskies HC Jedd Fisch now appears to be the next in line. However, it is not in the way that most expect.

While Fisch has denied rumours about leaving, his alma mater, the Florida Gators, is actively searching for a new head coach. This development has reignited speculation about his potential departure. Dan Patrick and Rick Neuheisel discussed Fisch’s possible exit on The Dan Patrick Show, adding more fuel to the conversation.

“Jedd Fisch at Washington, I think, will have his eye open. That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t like Washington. I think he’s just looking around. That loss to Wisconsin hurt that cause,” Rick Neuheisel said on the November 10th episode of the show. Fisch graduated from the Gators in 1998 and started his coaching career there as a graduate assistant. This fuels the narrative that Fisch may join the Gators next season.

The 13-10 loss to Wisconsin in Week 11 only intensified speculation about Jedd Fisch’s future with the Huskies. Sitting 9th in the conference with a 6-3 record, Washington needed a win last Saturday to stay in playoff contention. The loss dealt a major blow to those hopes and could signal Fisch’s departure at the end of the season. However, not all is bad for the Huskies, as rumors suggest a potential replacement is already in place.

Fingers point to Georgia Tech HC Brent Key as the leading candidate. Key, who signed a five-year contract with the Yellow Jackets through 2029, earns a base salary of $4.15 million. The $21 million coach has drawn attention for leading Georgia Tech to the top of the ACC, making him an appealing option should Washington move on from Fisch.

Whether the coaching carousel reaches Washington and Georgia Tech remains to be seen. For now, Jedd Fisch remains focused on leading the Huskies in an uphill battle for a playoff spot.

Can Jedd Fisch lead the Huskies to a playoff spot?

The Week 11 loss to Wisconsin surely hit hard for Jedd Fisch and the Huskies. At 6-2, Washington could have positioned itself firmly in the playoff race with a win. Instead, the defeat left the Huskies with three remaining opportunities, all against Big Ten opponents. First up is a home game against Purdue at Husky Stadium this weekend. HC Barry Odom’s Boilermakers sit at the bottom of the conference standings, giving Washington a good chance to regain momentum. Washington is a 17-point favorite going into the matchup, according to the odds.

However, the real challenge begins afterward. Despite UCLA’s struggles this season, its recent performance against Nebraska showed that the Bruins can still go toe-to-toe with top Big Ten programs. Fisch will need to keep his team focused and energised for their trip to the Rose Bowl later this month, making it a must-win game that could significantly boost their playoff chances.

If Washington beats both of those teams, the ultimate test awaits in the season-ender game against Oregon. The Ducks, currently ranked 4th, appear destined for a playoff berth, with their only loss coming at the hands of table toppers Indiana. For Fisch, that game will likely define the 2025 campaign. Even if the Huskies take down Purdue and UCLA, Oregon stands as the final gatekeeper to the playoffs.