2013 FBS Coaching Carousel: Syraucse’s Marrone shuffles off to Buffalo

RoadTripSports.com is devoted to keeping you apprised of all things college football. So, from time to time, we’ll update you on coaching changes in FBS for the 2013 season. Yes, some teams are already planning for next year. It’s that time of year for those teams that don’t make it to a bowl game.

Who would have thought Syracuse would be a gateway job to the NFL.

Syracuse coach Doug Marrone is on his way to Buffalo to take over the Bills. Marrone, a former Orange player, spent four years at his alma mater and finished with what looks like a pedestrian 25-25 record. But he did restore some luster to the program, leading them to two Pinstripe Bowl victories in 2010 and 2012.

He also goes to Buffalo with NFL experience. He was the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints from 2006-2008.

Marrone has some work ahead of him, starting with whether Ryan Fitzpatrick will be his quarterback in 2013.

Nothing is official yet, but multiple outlets are reporting that the Orange will promote their defensive coordinator, Scott Shafer, to head coach. One of the sources is an Orange recruit.

Nevada filled its head coaching position, hiring away Texas A&M special teams coordinator Brian Polian. Yes, special teams coordinator. Polian has a solid pedigree, though. He has a reputation as an exceptional recruiter, coached at Notre Dame under Charlie Weis and at Stanford under Jim Harbaugh. And, of course, Brian is the son of Bill Polian, a former NFL executive who had a little something to do with building Super Bowl teams in Indianapolis and Buffalo.

Florida International finally ended its coaching drama, hiring Ron Turner away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Turner did eight years with Illinois and led the Fighting Illini to a Big Ten title and a Sugar Bowl berth in 2001. But that was one of only two winning seasons with the Illini. He’s an offensive coach who is the brother of Norv Turner and was the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator in Super Bowl XLI.

That’s 29 coaching openings for 2013, with 28 filled. Since Chip Kelly has told the NFL no for a second year in a row, we may finally be at the end of the carousel. We await Syracuse’s decision.

So stay tuned.

2012-13 FBS Head Coaching Changes

Arkansas: Out: John L. Smith; In: Bret Bielema

Arkansas State: Out: Gus Malzahn; In: Bryan Harsin

Auburn: Out: Gene Chizik; In: Gus Malzahn

Boston College: Out: Frank Spaziani; In: Steve Addazio

California: Out: Jeff Tedford; In: Sonny Dykes

Cincinnati: Out: Butch Jones; In: Tommy Tuberville

Colorado: Out: Jon Embree; In: Mike MacIntyre

Florida International: Out: Mario Cristobal

Georgia State: Out: Bill Curry; In: Trent Miles

Idaho: Out: Robb Akey; Interim: Jason Gessner; In: Paul Petrino