Split Zone Duo: College Football Podcast · Richard Johnson and Alex Kirshner

The Most Interesting Coordinator Moves (and Non-Moves) of 2026

·13 min·1 clip

Why Miami's shocking decision to retain Shannon Dawson could shape next year's national title race.

This episode of Split Zone Duo analyzes the most impactful college football coordinator hires and retentions for the 2026 season. Hosts Steven Godfrey and Richard "Doc" Johnson focus on key personnel decisions they believe will shape the upcoming national title race. They specifically examine a trend of major programs choosing to "run it back" with existing coaching staffs. The hosts highlight Miami's crucial retention of both defensive coordinator Corey Heatherman and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. They argue this coordinator pairing was fundamental to Miami's near-national-title run, complementing Mario Cristobal's physical style. At Auburn, the discussion centers on DJ Durkin remaining as defensive coordinator under new head coach Alex Golesh, a move seen as politically necessary. Clemson's decision to bring back Chad Morris as offensive coordinator while retaining defensive coordinator Tom Allen is labeled a disappointment. The hosts also note the puzzling addition of former NFL assistant Rich Bisaccia to Clemson's staff in a special teams role. Texas hiring former Georgia co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is categorized as a "fraternity hire" within the Nick Saban/Kirby Smart coaching ecosystem. The episode also covers Lance Leipold's decision to retain offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki at Kansas. A surprising insight is the hosts' belief that Shannon Dawson chose to stay at Miami despite Mario Cristobal's reputation for being difficult to work with long-term. They express skepticism that DJ Durkin will still be Auburn's defensive coordinator by 2027, citing the program's internal politics. The analysis of Clemson suggests Dabo Swinney may have intentionally set up outside hire Garrett Riley to fail, justifying a return to his preferred offensive system. Will Muschamp receives praise from within college football buildings, including from programs that previously fired him. The addition of Rich Bisaccia at Clemson is an open question, with the hosts unsure how his NFL background meshes with Swinney's insular culture. They conclude that for Texas to compete for a national title, Muschamp must run the defense autonomously so head coach Steve Sarkisian can focus on quarterback Arch Manning and the offense. The tone is conversational and insider-focused, blending informed speculation with direct reporting from coaching searches. The style is analytical but informal, featuring candid evaluations of coaches and program dynamics. This episode is ideal for dedicated college football fans who follow coaching carousel intrigue and scheme fit beyond headline hires. Listeners less interested in staff-level strategy or program politics might find the discussion too granular.

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