Getting ahead of ourselves here but here’s a Google answer to what up and coming coach would take the job at Akron. I know that Ferris State has been dominant for several years in D2, but would a guy like this take this job? On one hand, I could see him taking it as a step up to D1, but on the other hand, I could see him not wanting it because it could be career suicide.
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An up-and-coming lower-division football coaching prospect who fits the profile of a program like the University of Akron is Tony Annese, the head coach at Division II powerhouse Ferris State Bulldogs. [1]
Why Tony Annese Fits the Akron Profile:
Lower-Division Track Record: Similar to how Curt Cignetti made the jump from lower divisions (IUP, Elon, James Madison) to major success, Annese has built a dominant culture at Ferris State with massive win-loss totals, multiple deep playoff runs, and national championship pedigree.
Developmental Mindset: He has a long history of turning around programs at the high school, junior college, and Division II levels, making him an ideal candidate for a Mid-American Conference (MAC) program like Akron that relies heavily on scouting, development, and maximizing limited resources.
Readiness for an FBS Step: After establishing a premier D-II dynasty, coaches with Annese's offensive innovation and leadership track record frequently surface as realistic targets for group-of-five openings looking for proven culture-builders rather than recycled coordinators. [1]