The unexpected firing of a high-profile coach like Brian Kelly at LSU immediately resets the college football hiring landscape. This move, driven by the SEC's insatiable appetite for national championships and unlimited resources, acts as the first domino. While the LSU vacancy itself may attract numerous top candidates, the real danger for programs like Iowa State lies in the cascading effect the carousel creates. A coach leaving for Baton Rouge often opens up another high-level job (e.g., at an ACC or Big Ten school) that offers significantly more investment and a clearer path to the expanded College Football Playoff than a Big 12 program historically bound by developmental limitations.
This pressure converges dangerously with Matt Campbell’s current situation in Ames. Despite his remarkable tenure building the Cyclones into a consistent contender, three consecutive losses—including a disappointing home defeat—can erode job security and fan patience, even for a respected figure. Campbell has already achieved the ceiling at Iowa State; the program's lack of blue-chip recruiting talent and the inability to consistently compete with NIL powerhouses make a national title run virtually impossible. For a coach known for his ambition, the opening of any highly-resourced job created by the initial Kelly firing becomes an irresistible exit strategy, allowing him to pursue his ultimate goal elsewhere.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.
DoorDash
With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.
Mazda
It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.
Mazda. Move and Be Moved.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
