Washington’s head coach, who has been linked to potential openings at both Florida and UCLA. The coach has deep roots in Gainesville, having graduated from Florida and started his coaching career there as a graduate assistant under Steve Spurrier in 1999 and 2000.
That could be the case for Washington’s head coach, who has been linked to potential openings at both Florida and UCLA. The coach has deep roots in Gainesville, having graduated from Florida and started his coaching career there as a graduate assistant under Steve Spurrier in 1999 and 2000.
Both Florida and UCLA offer enticing destinations — warm climates, big-time programs, and a lifestyle that might appeal to coaches and their families. According to Grant Hughes of 247Sports, there’s growing speculation that the Washington head coach “could” be interested in the UCLA job if approached.
Reports from Bruin Report Online suggest that family considerations may be playing a major role in this situation. The outlet noted that the coach’s family hasn’t adjusted well to life in Seattle, with his wife reportedly having moved back to Arizona. That may be fueling interest in an exit from Washington and a move to a program closer to home.
This isn’t the first time UCLA has explored the possibility of hiring him. The Bruins reportedly considered poaching him back in February 2024, and while he chose to stay with the Huskies then, sources say he “didn’t completely brush it off.”
Since taking over at Washington, he’s gone 12-9 overall and 7-7 in Big Ten play — a respectable record, but one that hasn’t fully stabilized the program amid ongoing transition.
Now, with new family dynamics and two high-profile programs potentially in the market for a head coach, speculation is heating up once again.
As for Florida, the Gators seem to be focused elsewhere, with reports linking them most strongly to Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. But with Kiffin’s team still competing for a College Football Playoff spot, any developments in Gainesville may take time — leaving the door open for other names to enter the conversation.