At a relatively young program like South Florida, a troubling trend has emerged.
Every time it seems like the Bulls have found the right coach to lead the program, that coach has moved on. The latest example came Sunday when news broke that Alex Golesh was leaving Tampa for Auburn.
It felt like déjà vu. In 2016, Willie Taggart had USF on the cusp of sustained national prominence before jumping to Oregon. The program, which went on to hire Charlie Strong and Jeff Scott, didn’t find the next “right guy” until Golesh arrived. He exceeded all reasonable expectations, making the Bulls bowl eligible in his first season. This year, Golesh and the Bulls were having a breakout season. They’re 9–3 and have clinched their first nine-win season since 2017.
That success made Golesh a hot name on the coaching carousel. Before choosing Auburn, he reportedly was the frontrunner for the Arkansas job. Along the way, Golesh made some comments that hinted staying at USF could be an option.
Realistically, it wasn’t. Auburn and Arkansas are better jobs than South Florida — at least right now. Both have been national powerhouses at various points, and both have funding and NIL resources that USF historically hasn’t matched.
Financial Commitment Signals a New Era
So now, once again, USF has seen a successful coach leave for greener pastures. But this time, it appears the school has learned from the past. South Florida, which already is building an on-campus stadium, is making it more difficult for the next successful coach to leave. Four days before Golesh departed, the Board of Trustees approved two major financial measures.
The board approved an internal loan of up to $22.5 million and a $16 million increase in student-athlete revenue-sharing payments for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Those moves position USF much better moving forward. A stronger NIL foundation will make it easier for the next coach to attract both high school recruits and transfer portal talent.
“We are ultra prepared for every scenario that could unfold in the coming hours/days,” USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins posted on X — even before Golesh officially left.
So, what could those scenarios be?
Potential Candidates to Lead the Bulls
USF fans are already tossing out names. There’s former Florida State and Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, who has a track record of high-level success. There’s rising star Willie Simmons, currently at Florida International. Two high-profile offensive coordinators — Oregon’s Will Stein and Ohio State’s Brian Hartline — also should receive serious consideration. And, of course, there’s former NFL coach Jon Gruden, whose name surfaces every time the USF job opens. But Gruden’s off-field baggage makes him an unlikely candidate, despite his Tampa ties.
It’s still early in the process, and additional candidates could emerge. But give USF administrators credit for planning ahead and recognizing the need to invest more heavily in their athletic program. They are creating a more attractive environment for their next successful coach to stay.
And in an era defined by NIL, the transfer portal, and escalating investment across college football, USF’s willingness to commit resources may matter more than any single coaching hire.
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