5. Kane Wommack, Head Coach, South Alabama
You might wonder why former Indiana defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is not higher on this list. He’s not higher on this list because Antwaan Randle-El (spoiler alert, he’s next) isn’t higher. Both young head coaches might see Indiana as a stepping stone job. Frankly, they’d be correct.
Wommack is 36 years old and is viewed as an up-and-coming coach in coaching circles. Let’s not dwell on the negatives here. During Indiana’s most successful seasons under Allen, the former Arkansas fullback was linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. He understands what life is like as a coach there.
Wommack is 21-16 at South Alabama and served as defensive coordinator from 2016-17. The Jaguars won ten games in 2022 and finished bowl-eligible this year, a program first. South Alabama is a fine place to learn to do more with less. He’s elevated USA from a floundering doormat to a solid, mid-tier Sun Belt program.
The one drawback to hiring Wommack is whether or not he’ll stay long-term. If he does well in Bloomington, someone is going to poach him. If he’s the best candidate, you have to hire him, right?