It all started with a chaotic Monday morning at Virginia Tech, where fans awoke to the shocking news that Brent Pry was out after a 0-3 start. The dominoes were falling across the college football landscape by week’s end. After that, Penn State pulled the trigger on James Franklin following a 3-3 start. Guess what, an AAC team has joined the wave, letting go of their HC after a 2-4 start. The rumors already point to Tulane’s coach as a surprise candidate.

Significantly, UAB shook things up by firing HC Trent Dilfer in his third season. It came just a day after a tough loss to Florida Atlantic. OC Alex Mortensen steps in as interim HC for the season in the wake of the decision. And Mortensen, already a proven weapon, helped UAB rank 16th nationally in passing offense, averaging 300 YPG.

Nevertheless, the program is still digging for a steady hand to lead in the long term. On October 12, AAC Burner reported Tulane OC Joe Craddock could be the front-runner to take over as UAB’s next HC at season’s end. Although it seems like a rumor, Craddock has real potential.

Craddock was a Middle Tennessee QB from 2004 to 2008 and showed his talent. He threw for 2,677 yards as a senior. Then he joined the Italian Football League, leading the Parma Panthers to a Super Bowl Italiano title. The coach still holds their single-season passing records. Following that, his journey turned towards coaching. Returning to Alabama, he turned Briarwood Christian into a 25-4 powerhouse. It caught the eye of Clemson HC Dabo Swinney.

That’s why at Clemson, Craddock rose quickly. He mentored players like Deshaun Watson and Tajh Boyd and helped the Tigers achieve a 21-5 record. Now, at Tulane, his talent is on full display. ACC Burner summed it perfectly: “Craddock has developed and recruited elite talent during his stint at Tulane.”

It also shows in Tulane’s balanced offense, which is around 47th nationally with 405 YPG. If UAB decides to pursue him, they’d add a coach with proven experience. But surely, that move will only become realistic if Mortensen can’t steer UAB back on course this season. What’s more interesting?

While Tulane’s OC is rumored for UAB’s HC job, the current Tulane HC has emerged as a potential target for Virginia Tech.

Could Tulane’s HC be the next big hire?

Virginia Tech’s search for a new HC has plenty of big names in the mix. But Jon Sumrall continues to gain plaudits. The former Kentucky LB was forced to hang up his cleats early due to a neck injury. After that, his focus shifted to coaching. He climbed the ranks through Kentucky, San Diego, and Ole Miss stops. There, he mastered the defensive side of the ball. Now in his 2nd year at Tulane, he is already showing potential.

Sumrall compiled a 13-6 record at Tulane in just two seasons. But before that, he transformed Troy into back-to-back Sun Belt champions. Hence, renowned for defensive mastery and performing under pressure, Sumrall brings a resume filled with reliability. That can make him a compelling option for Virginia Tech, as they need a quick rebuild. Still, questions are lingering around the coaching vacancy. Will he be a great fit?

Although Sumrall fits at a Power Four program, Virginia Tech would need to make a significant financial investment to bring him in. More importantly, his team’s defensive-heavy approach raises concerns about offensive consistency in the ACC. Yet, the opportunity is there; now, it’s entirely up to Virginia Tech.