Hey Coach!

Within the last two years there have been over 40 coaching changes in college football. That translates to about 36 percent of all teams having someone new blowing the whistle and drawing up plays. Of course, each year there are numerous variables (retirement, buyouts, leaving for another post, and of course good old fashioned firing, etc). This year had its carousel like any other. Listed below are some to keep a close eye on. They include...

Arizona (Bob Stoops) After finishing 5-7 in 2007 Stoops' position could be up for grabs. He has had no bowls in 4 seasons. First 3 games should help provide a boost of confidence (Idaho, Toledo and @ New Mexico) to help land that elusive bowl. Wildcat WRs is a deep unit that can stretch the field and have an experienced OL. Longball may become popular.
Arkansas (Bobby Petrino) Hog fans are excited about what the future might have in store. Gone is Houston Nutt and most of last years points and numbers. However, Petrino is a genuis with offense and dominated his home state recruitment-wise even stole one of the elite prospects from USC. Razorbacks will be given a quick education in the passing game that was successful back in Louisville. In time look for Petrino to do work some wonderful magic. WPS!
Michigan (Rich Rodriguez) The Wolverine welcome to Rich Rodriguez won't exactly be a walk in the park. Missing from last year's team is the leading career rusher Mike Hart as well as leading career passer Chad Henne. Also missing is Jake Long (NFL #1 pick overall) including the team's top two WRs. The offense is riddled with questions everywhere. Good news is that the defense is loaded and may carry this year's squad. August 30th yewt matchup should be quite an event to watch.
Navy (Ken Niumatalolo) Incoming coach Ken Niumatalolo will look to carry the winning tradition (five consecutive bowl games) and high expectations are abound. Coach Ken will keep the successful triple option. Unfortunately, the midseason matchup run with Rutgers, @ Wake Forest, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame could be a struggle.
Nebraska (Bo Pelini) It was only a matter of time before Pelini the defensive mastermind from the LSU Tigers was to find new turf to build upon. After going 2-6 in league Nebraska will look to bounce back with a veteran OL to build around. Having 5 straight home games is always a great place to start (3 of which should be gimme's).
Notre Dame (Charlie Weiss) After being outright embarassed by Air Force (and at home 41-24) look for the Irish to bounce back. There is alot of growth and maturity that will need to take place quickly. The luck of the Irish has given them a much easier schedule including four of the first five matchups at home. Weiss put together a phenomenal recruiting class so help is on the way.
SMU (June Jones) With Junes Jones now aboard it is only a matter of time before the Mustang express program will be up and running again. In a state where football is practically religion Jones will begin by installing the run and shoot and over time it will work. The Mustangs won't be going 1-11 again like last season.
Stanford (Jim Harbaugh) Harbaugh picked up the program off the turf in his first year (finished 4-8) including a huge boost in a victory over USC on the road. Can he take the next giant leap? Without a proven QB and a tough schedule (7 road games) could make it a bumpy road.
UCLA (Rick Neuheisel) With the arrival of big names in Slick Rick and Norm Chow on staff it should make things interesting again to close the gap with crosstown rival USC. Early going could be quite difficult. Starting QB Patrick Cowan is done for the year. Backup Ben Olsen broke his right foot late spring leaving JC transfer Kevin Craft next in line. Both tailback's are coming off reconstructive knee surgeries. The secondary also has only one returning starter. Questions are abound in an ongoing rebuilding process.
Washington (Ty Willingham) Could coach Tyrone Willingham be possibly looking for a new gig shortly? Washington fans are growing restless. No returning Husky lineman had more than two tackles last year. Jake Locker is the real deal but so is the Husky brutal opening schedule which definately doesn't provide any relief either (@ Oregon, BYU!!, Oklahoma for your first three games).