Three Unconventional Options For UCLA's Head Coach Vacancy

The UCLA Bruins are searching far and wide for their next head coach

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins helmets during pregame warmups before playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

While UCLA continues to play out the 2025 regular season, hoping to rally in order to become bowl eligible, all eyes are on who will take the program to the next level. Here are three unorthodox candidates who should get a look.

Eric Morris, North Texas Mean Green

Morris is tied to both Texas, as he's a graduate of Texas Tech, was the head coach at Incarnate Word, and he currently coaches in the state, along with the Pacific Northwest, due to his time at Washington State. Morris is the man who found and then developed Cam Ward and in his third season, despite North Texas being a perpetually average at best program, Morris has them on the verge of the College Football Playoffs.

Sep 20, 2025; West Point, New York, USA; North Texas Mean Green head coach Eric Morris speaks with Army Black Knights head coach Jeff Monken after a 48-35 win in overtime at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images | Danny Wild-Imagn Images

North Texas has yet to have a game this season where they have scored under 33 points. In eight games, they've scored over 50 points four times.

Willie Fritz, Houston Cougars

Nothing says fresh face like hiring a 65-year-old who started his head coaching career in 1993 and his coaching career in 1982. However, Fritz is the ageless wonder who won a NY6 bowl game with Tulane and has Houston in control of the Big 12.

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz with wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Houston's only loss in 2025 was to #11 Texas Tech and they should either win out or end the regular season with at least two losses.

Jimmy Rogers, Washington State Cougars

There is zero reason Washington State should have any success in 2025. Their entire team virtually departed with outgoing head coach Jake Dickert (who took the Wake Forrest job) and Rogers, the former Montana State head coach, had to start from scratch in what was one of the more unstable situations in college football.

Oct 25, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Jimmy Rogers was the side line against the Toledo Rockets in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

In 2025, Washington State didn't have a conference schedule, was blown out twice, and one of those games was a loss at home in the Apple Cup. Despite a rough start, the Cougars have rebounded and currently sit at 4-4.

Those two losses since being blown out were a three-point loss at #4 Ole Miss and a two-point loss at #18 Virginia. Rogers is two wins away from getting the Cougars to be bowl eligible with one of the worst schedules in college football. He develops well, understands how to get talent, and his teams always play above expectations.

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