By Ron Johnson
In coaching, sometimes change is good. For a few coaches, this has proven to be epic for them. Duke saw its best turnaround in decades, while James Madison has found itself in a bowl game after calling out the NCAA due to its record. Now all of a sudden, all these coaches that worked with programs that were considered afterthoughts are getting opportunities in the big time.
Three in particular have happened over the last seven days.
Jeff Lebby, Oklahoma to Mississippi State
The Bulldogs have had huge problems on offense. But it hasn’t been the Matt Canada kind of offense, though. This is why it comes as little surprise as Jeff Lebby was announced as the next head coach of Mississippi State on Sunday. After being OC for Oklahoma, Ole Miss and UCF, Lebby has the opportunity to turn a dismal program around and make it a true contender for years to come. For the last 4 ½ years, Lebby has been a juggernaut when his team has the ball. His offenses have amassed 50+ points a total of 14 times. Lebby, whose deal is set for five years, will replace Zach Arnett, who was the choice for the late, great Mike Leach.
Mike Elko, Duke to Texas A&M
Before we go on, I just want to reiterate that Duke University is considered a basketball school. Well, that was the case until recently. After the job Mike Elko did resurrecting the Duke football program, he now gets an opportunity to do it again, but this time at College Station, Texas. Ross Bjork was pleased to announce on Monday that Elko will be the man that replaces Jimbo Fisher who was cut loose earlier this month. Elko did leave Texas A&M after the 2021 season, and since his departure, the Aggies have been less than worthless going 12-12 the past two seasons. Elko did manage to find swagger with Duke as he managed to turn a 3-9 program from last year into a 9-4 powerhouse this year including a blowout win over Clemson.
Curt Cignetti, James Madison to Indiana
Curt Cignetti has done more than enough to help James Madison see a bowl game this winter, and because they will do just that, he will venture elsewhere for a better chance at carving his own destiny. Thanks to the dismissal of Tom Allen on Sunday due to suffering their third straight losing season, Cignetti gets a golden opportunity to join a Power Five Conference. And despite the fact that they will postseason bound due to the team count being a little light this postseason, Cignetti will indeed pay homage to his kids with a bowl game they’ve earned. Cignetti is a defensive guru that helped the Dukes lead the nation in both rushing defense and tackles for loss per game. They also finished with a top-20 scoring offense and scoring defense.
In his five seasons, he amassed a record of 52-9 (31-4 Sun Belt).