Paul Chryst Emerges as Serious Candidate for Power 5 Head Coaching Job

Speculation and rumors about potential replacements for Jeff Hafley at Boston College after he left for the Packer’s defensive coordinator job are circulating. The latest buzz surrounding the Eagles vacancy now features former Wisconsin football head coach Paul Chryst. 

Coach Chryst interviewed for a handful of other Power 5 head coaching jobs this offseason, such as Northwestern (which he turned down), Indiana, and Oregon State. 

The Madison native was also strongly considered for the Iowa offensive coordinator position before ultimately returning to Texas as an analyst and special assistant to Steve Sarkisian. 

That said, the rumblings are that Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Chryst are both on the short list of serious candidates for the Boston College head coaching spot—and there’s some mutual interest. 

Boston College insiders now report that Bill O’Brien is BC’s top head coach target. Others they also report are being targeted are Paul Chryst and Al Washington.

BOB has not expressed interest internally in Ohio State, and they aren’t currently preparing for another OC search. pic.twitter.com/Bb0LvyPgto

— The Big Ten Huddle 🎙️ (@TheBigTenHuddle) February 3, 2024

Paul Chryst a Serious Candidate for the Boston College Opening

Sep 3, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Former Wisconsin football head coach Paul Chryst potentially taking over the Boston College program would make plenty of sense. 

His style of throwback smash-mouth football would fit well with the Eagles’ historic strengths on paper while bringing with him a proven track record of success at the Power 5 level—and an identity. 

Chryst began his head coaching career at Pitt, where he went 19-19 before taking over the Wisconsin football program, where his career flourished. During his time in Madison, the Badgers went 67-26, including a 43-18 record in Big Ten play. He won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award twice and bested the West thrice. 

Boston College went 22-26 under Jeff Hafley, so it’s safe to assume Paul Chryst would present an immediate upgrade. The fact Coach Chryst is interested in the opening shows that the most crucial factor for him during this coaching carousel was finding the right fit—not chasing the job title.  

We’ll see if things continue to progress between both sides. Chryst is a damn good head coach and would provide a stabilizing presence from day one if given the opportunity.

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