Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh has agreed to a deal to become South Florida’s next head coach, sources told ESPN, confirming reports.
Golesh has been the key player for the Volunteers, who have led the country this season with an average of 47.3 points per game. He arrived in Tennessee in 2021 with UCF’s Josh Heupel and also coached the volunteers’ tight ends.
Golesh, 38, was named last month as one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, which is given annually to college football’s top assistant coach.
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Tennessee has had one of the nation’s most explosive offenses in each of the past two seasons. The Volunteers, who use an up-tempo system, have scored 38 or more points in 10 of their 12 games this season. They were third nationally in passing (332.3 yards per game) but also rushed for 205.7 yards per game.
Golesh, a 19-year veteran coach in the collegiate ranks, replaces Jeff Scott in South Florida. Scott was fired Nov. 6 after posting a 4-26 record in more than two seasons with the Bulls.
Golesh is an Ohio State graduate and has spent time in Illinois, Iowa State and Toledo. Golesh was also a candidate for the Cincinnati head coaching job this year.
South Florida ended its season last week with a 46-39 loss to rivals UCF.
News of the South Florida decision was first reported by The Action Network.