Three Years of Transformation in College Football
In the unpredictable world of college football, the general rule suggests that coaches need three years to turn a struggling program around. While the transfer portal can expedite talent acquisition, lasting success requires more than quick fixes—it’s about building a solid culture, establishing processes, and earning trust over time.
Alex Golesh has had 28 months at the helm of USF football, marking a significant uplift in the program’s reputation and team spirit. Under his leadership, the Bulls achieved back-to-back 7-6 seasons and won consecutive bowl games—quite a leap from the four wins they managed over the three years before he arrived.
“It’s easy to overlook the situation we encountered when we arrived,” Golesh acknowledged.
Yet, there’s still a noticeable gap that needs bridging—a divide between average performance and elite competitiveness. Following a spring scrimmage at Corbett Stadium, Golesh emphasized that the upcoming months will be critical for the Bulls to cross that threshold.
“We need to take the next step,” he explained. “The gap isn’t enormous, but it’s the toughest one to close—transitioning from winning bowl games to competing for championships and playing meaningful games in January.”
As we look ahead to 2025, the Bulls seem poised to construct that bridge and potentially earn their first conference title. With about 30 seniors on the roster, a recovering all-conference quarterback (Byrum Brown), a battle-tested offensive line, and newfound depth in various positions, there’s reason for optimism.
Golesh shared that his players have adapted to rigorous training standards and have fostered the team unity he has long sought after. The winter workouts have returned to a more traditional, intense regimen, pushing players physically like never before.
“We entered the spring hopeful—not that perfect harmony exists in college football—but with a unified group aiming to grow as a team,” Golesh noted.
“Learning to support one another and practice effectively has been our focus. During the 15 practices, we delved into this, even provoking a scuffle occasionally to keep the competitive fire alive.”
The next steps involve refining the roster with the transfer portal (with new prospects lined up for visits), adjusting offensive and defensive strategies (since opponents now have ample film on Golesh’s systems), and tackling the frustrating inconsistencies that have affected performance over the past two years.
“Many of our mistakes last season were self-inflicted,” fifth-year safety Jaelen Stokes pointed out. “Once we eliminate those errors, we can finally close the gap that coach speaks about.”
If progress isn’t made now, when will it happen? Year 3 is pivotal for Golesh’s vision to be realized, enhancing recruitment and solidifying the team’s foundation. However, another 7-6 season could lead to a plateau in progress.
“We’ll reach our destination in time, but I truly believe this is the closest we’ve been,” Golesh expressed. “We need to finalize our roster through the portal and address the gaps we have.”
Previous Year 3 Turnarounds
Recent trends in the state highlight programs that made significant strides in Year 3 under new coaches:
Willie Taggart, USF
First two seasons (2013-14): 6-18
Third season (2015): 8-5 (Miami Beach bowl appearance)
Mike Norvell, FSU
First two seasons (2020-21): 8-13
Third season (2022): 10-3 (Cheez-It Bowl win)
Mario Cristobal, Miami
First two seasons (2022-23): 12-13
Third season (2024): 10-3 (won first nine games)
Billy Napier, Florida
First two seasons (2022-23): 11-14
Third season (2024): 8-5 (season-ending 4-game win streak)
• • •
Stay in the loop with our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast, where reporter Rick Stroud dives into the latest stories surrounding Tampa Bay sports.
Conclusion
As USF football aims for elevation, the upcoming months will be crucial. With a robust roster and lessons learned, the Bulls have the potential to make a significant leap in Year 3. It’s a pivotal time that could define their trajectory towards greatness.
FAQs
What is the significance of Year 3 for college football programs?
Year 3 is often viewed as a critical period for coaches to solidify their vision and implement lasting changes within the program.
How can roster changes affect a football team’s success?
Fine-tuning the roster through recruitment and the transfer portal can dramatically impact a team’s performance, providing the necessary talent and depth to compete effectively.
What challenges do coaches face in their first few seasons?
Coaches often encounter difficulties like establishing a positive team culture, dealing with inconsistencies in performance, and managing player expectations.
