Rich Rodriguez is leaving Jacksonville State to become the head coach at West Virginia, prompting a search for his replacement. Potential candidates include former UAB coach Bill Clark, Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator Todd Bates, Louisiana-Monroe head coach Bryant Vincent, and others with ties to Alabama and Jacksonville State. Rodriguez's departure follows a successful tenure where he led the Gamecocks to a 27-10 record and a Conference USA championship.
Zac Alley, currently the defensive coordinator at Jacksonville State, is being closely watched as a potential candidate for the Oklahoma defensive coordinator position. Alley has a successful track record, including time at Clemson where he was part of a team that won two national championships. Under his guidance, Jacksonville State led the C-USA in total and rush defense. Oklahoma, having parted ways with Ted Roof, is looking to improve its defense, which showed progress in the 2023 season. Key defensive players from Oklahoma have announced their return for the next season, which could be a factor in the decision-making process.
