Where could Will Muschamp land if he's no longer coaching at Georgia?

The big news coming out of Athens over the past 24 hours is that the former co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is no longer listed as a member of the coaching staff and was not included in the season media guide. 

Muschamp had already scaled back his role at Georgia to that of an analyst this past season after spending time as a special teams coordinator (2021) and co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach (2022-23). The move was made so he could have his weekends free to watch his son Whit, who is a quarterback at Vanderbilt. 

Georgia is well-equipped to handle the loss with veteran coaches Travaris Robinson and Glenn Schumann as co-defensive coordinators. Not to mention that Kirby Smart will always have at least one eye on the defensive side of the ball. 

The 53-year-old Muschamp just finished his 30th season coaching. He was the head coach at Florida from 2011-2014 and South Carolina from 2016-2020. Muschamp has been a defensive coordinator at LSU, Auburn, Texas and Georgia. 

There's a very good chance Muschamp will return to full-time coaching. He's still a relatively young man and will always have a market for himself as a defensive coordinator. Here are some potential options for Muschamp if he decides to continue coaching:

Why Muschamp could land in Vanderbilt

Obviously, it would make the most sense for Muschamp to take a role with Vanderbilt, so he can be around his son on an everyday basis. One would assume Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea would jump at the opportunity to have Muschamp in the fold with his experience and knowledge of the teams in the SEC. 

Why Muschamp could land in North Carolina

If Muschamp takes a full year off, don't be surprised if he's linked to a role with the Tar Heels in year two of the Bill Belichick experience (or year one of the Steve Belichick experience?). The future Hall of Fame coach has spoken in the past about his good relationship with Muschamp. 

Why Muschamp could land in Auburn for a fourth time

Muschamp has had three different stints at Auburn, so why not a fourth? Let's be honest, the Hugh Freeze era looks more like the Hugh Freeze error at this point and that demanding fanbase isn't going to deal with his mediocrity much longer. Muschamp could hold a number of positions here as part of Auburn makeover #1284. Head coach? Defensive coordinator? Recruiting coordinator? It's all on the table out there in the plains. 

Why Muschamp could leave college football behind for the NFL

Muschamp's only NFL stint was as an assistant head coach for the Miami Dolphins under Nick Saban. It's unlikely Muschamp could walk into a coordinator position, but one could absolutely see him as a defensive backs or safeties coach in the league. If he is disheartened by the direction that college football is going in, the NFL would allow him to simply focus on coaching and no longer deal with the stress of recruiting, NIL or transfers.

Why Muschamp might just decide to take an extended break

​After 30 years, it's possible Muschamp is just burned out and wants a few good years watching his kids play football and taking a few more vacations. For a guy that's devoted his entire adult life to the sport, there's nothing wrong with that.

Why Muschamp might decide to hang up the whistle altogether

​Maybe a permanent sabbatical is in the cards. This seems unlikely, as a lifetime coach like Muschamp is likely to miss being in the booth or on the sidelines after a couple of years away. But the fact that he's likely financially stable and still relatively young makes retirement an appealing option. 

Why TV might be an option for Muschamp in 2025

If Muschamp isn't going to be associated with a program in 2025, don't be surprised to see him end up on the SEC Network at various times to do some contributing on the television side.