AD Troy Dannen in Serious Negotiations With 3 Coaches to Replace Coach Amy Williams as Head Coach
In a swift and decisive move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Athletic Director Troy Dannen is deep into negotiations with three high-profile coaching candidates to replace outgoing Head Coach Qmy Williams. Sources close to the situation confirm that Dannen, known for his assertive leadership and strategic hires, is treating the transition with surgical precision, intent on returning the program to national relevance after a turbulent 8-5 season that saw the team miss out on a major bowl berth.
Coach Qmy Williams, who resigned last week amid rumors of internal discord and performance-related concerns, left behind a fractured locker room and a fanbase hungry for direction. Though he brought energy and recruiting prowess to the program, his inconsistent game management and strained relationships with staff reportedly forced the administration’s hand. Dannen, in his third year as AD, wasted no time assembling a short-list of contenders who bring both pedigree and a vision for stability.
At the top of that list is Marcus Grady, currently the offensive coordinator at a powerhouse SEC school. Known for his innovative spread offense and explosive tempo, Grady’s units have ranked top-10 nationally in total offense for three consecutive seasons. Sources say Grady had a six-hour meeting with Dannen over the weekend, where discussions focused not just on Xs and Os, but on program culture, recruiting philosophy, and NIL strategy.
The second candidate, Alonzo Price, is a rising star in the coaching ranks. As the head coach of a mid-major program that stunned a top-10 opponent last season, Price is viewed as a culture-builder. His teams play disciplined, fundamentally sound football, and he’s considered a master motivator. While Price lacks Power Five head coaching experience, insiders say Dannen is intrigued by his ability to galvanize players and create sustainable systems.
The wildcard in the race is veteran defensive guru Reggie Vaughn. Vaughn, who led one of the nation’s top defenses last year, has served under legendary coaches and brings a championship pedigree. Though he has never held a head coaching role, his NFL connections and no-nonsense approach appeal to boosters and alumni calling for a tougher, more physical identity.
Dannen has reportedly held in-person interviews with all three candidates and is expected to make a decision within the next seven to ten days. While no formal offer has been made, insiders believe the job is Grady’s to lose. However, concerns about staff turnover and buyout clauses remain a sticking point.
“This is not just a coaching hire,” a source close to Dannen said. “It’s a philosophical reboot. Troy is looking for a leader who can restore identity, win recruiting battles, and build a program that lasts.”
The next head coach will inherit a talented, if unsettled, roster and a fanbase desperate for a new era. All eyes are now on Troy Dannen as he navigates the most critical hire of his tenure — a decision that could define the next decade of the program.
