Not even November, and the college football coaching carousel claimed its latest victim. A few hours after the Florida Gators fired Billy Napier, Colorado State Rams parted ways with Jay Norvell following a 2-5 start. It’s unprecedented, it surely is. But according to a college football insider, the best candidate to replace Norvell could already be in the bullpen from out west. One name stands out as the Rams set the wheels in motion to find their next leader – Tim Skipper.

On October 19, college football insider Andy Staples of On3 spilled the tea: “Serious quote tweet this time. Colorado State should consider UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper. He knows the league, and you’re seeing right now how well he can motivate a team and manage a staff. (Of course, if he wins a few against this meat grinder, UCLA should hire him.)”

Tim Skipper has become the new sheriff in town for UCLA football, taking over mid-season in 2025 after DeShaun Foster was dismissed following a rough 0-3 start. Safe to say, he’s doing phenomenal work in Westwood. Moreover, with his family involved in the discussion, Skipper’s loving life right now. He said, “My parents and my brothers, all of that is just flowing through me. When we’re sitting at dinner, we’re just talking ball. We’re talking through situations. All of that stuff just goes through your mind.”

Since taking over, Skipper’s Bruins have gone on a hot streak, winning three straight games after their loss to the Wildcats in his debut. They dropped a close one to Northwestern, but bounced back strong with a major upset over No. 7 Penn State and a convincing win against Michigan State. However, word around UCLA suggests the program might explore for its next full-time hire. That makes the idea of Skipper heading to Fort Collins even more interesting.

He’s actually got some history there. Skipper served as linebackers coach and then assistant head coach under Jim McElwain from 2012 to 2014. He was part of a defensive staff that supported the Rams’ third-place finish in the Mountain West and 30th nationally in rushing defense back in 2013. Three CSU defenders earned All-Mountain West honors that season, including Shaquil Barrett, named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.

Aside from the UCLA job, he has a fair share of interim experiences, including a full season with Fresno in the 2024 season, where he single-handedly led the program to the Bowl game. With Colorado State set to join the Pac-12 in 2026, the Rams will need a coach capable of managing that transition smoothly. Steadying the ship becomes crucial as the interim coach of UCLA looks to climb up the ladder.

Skipper’s background, recent success, and experience in the Mountain West and Pac-12 could make him the best candidate for the job. However, Tim Skipper isn’t the only alum that analysts monitor.

Alford’s name surfaces as Rams explore coaching prospects

On3’s Pete Nakos recently dropped a list of names who could replace Jay Norvell, and one of the top contenders is Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford. Look, Alford is no stranger to Colorado State – it’s where he made his reputation and name as one of the school’s great running backs of all-time. Nakos noted that Alford has been open about wanting to return to his alma mater as head coach, which makes this vacancy especially interesting for him.

In his playing days, Alford was a star for Colorado State from 1987 to 1990. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1989 and even set a conference record with 310 yards in a single game against Utah – a record that stood for 24 years. That same season, he was named first-team All-WAC and received honorable mention All-American honors. His senior year was a milestone for the Rams, as they went 9-4 and earned their first bowl appearance in 42 years.

Now at Michigan, Tony Alford quickly joined the elite leagues to become one of college football’s top running back coaches. He joined the Wolverines from Ohio State before the 2024 season and made an immediate impact. Under his coaching, Kalel Mullings rushed for 948 yards, and the team’s run game totaled more than 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns.

In 2025, Michigan’s rushing attack is still strong, with Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall playing great football. Michigan wants to keep Alford, but if Colorado State offers him the head coach job, it could be an offer too good to refuse.