Remember when the U.S. Women’s Volleyball team snagged silver at the Paris Olympics, losing to Italy in the gold medal match with a 3-0 sweep? Karch Kiraly, who’s been the head coach since 2012, led them through some incredible highs—bronze in Rio, gold in Tokyo, and that silver finish in Paris. And let’s not forget that the U.S. men’s volleyball team, coached by John Speraw, also came third in Paris after making a straight-set win over Italy.

Now that the U.S. men’s volleyball team and the U.S. women’s volleyball team are getting ready for the LA 2028 Olympics, changes are taking place off the court and there is a major change coming in the coaching lineup, adding some extra buzz to the road to LA.

Former Northwestern volleyball star and Big Ten Network broadcaster, Emily Ehman, shook things up on October 24 when she hopped on X to share some major volleyball news. Ehman dropped the bombshell, announcing, “BREAKING NEWS @usavolleyball women’s national team coach Karch Kiraly is now switching sides & will coach the men’s national team.” Kiraly, a volleyball legend with three Olympic medals under his belt as a player (two indoor and one beach), has guided the women’s indoor team to incredible success, securing three Olympic medals, including the recent silver at Paris 2024. Now, he’s set to bring his magic touch to the men’s side of the game.

But that was not the end of the news. Fans and players alike questioned Ehman’s follow-up tweet, wanting to know the future of the women’s team. “This now begs the question… Who is going to now take over the @usavolleyball women’s team??” Kiraly has since left the team, and everyone is now looking forward to USA Volleyball as the process of hiring a new head coach starts.

And the fans were quick to send in their suggestions! One fan didn’t waste any time jumping into the comments, throwing out their pick for the new coach, saying, “John Cook would be great he needs a new challenge.” Cook, who’s been running the show for the Nebraska Huskers volleyball team for 25 seasons, has won four national championships and 13 conference titles.

So yeah, it’s no wonder fans are already buzzing about him taking over the U.S. women’s national team. With a resume like his, it’s easy to see why people think Cook’s the perfect fit for the job. While John Cook may be a fan favorite, he’s not the only name being thrown around—everyone seems to have their own pick!

Volleyheads weigh in on the U.S. Men’s Volleyball update and share their top picks!

John Cook can be regarded as a darling of the fans but let’s not forget that this year the Huskers tied him up to a five-year contract that will run through January 2029 and is also accompanied by an annual raise and a retention bonus, so it appears unlikely that he will agree to take charge of the national team for LA 2028. As one fan pointed out, “I would’ve said John Cook, but he signed an extension, so he’s not gonna take over (most likely).” While many have their hopes up, it’s clear that Cook’s commitment to the Huskers makes it unsure of his coming for the upcoming Olympics.

But the fans weren’t happy with just one name! Another name trending high is Dan Fisher, as another user commented: “Many are saying Dan Fisher,” and frankly, it’s hard to disagree! Fisher is the head coach of the Pitts women’s volleyball team, and over the last 11 seasons, he’s pushed Pitt to the upper echelon of the national ranks — including this year as they sit atop the standings for NCAA! Oh, right, and we almost forgot that he’s also got experience as the head coach of national teams — in this case, the U.S. women’s national team that he led to back-to-back golds at the Pan American Cup in both 2022 and 2023. More results-oriented, Fisher’s philosophy? “I think the best coaches get the best out of the players that are already there.”

Another big name making waves? “Jordan Larson” Fans aren’t holding back from expressing their opinion either; one of them said, “How about A WOMAN coaching a women’s team! YES!” But among all those wishes, Larson seems to be the perfect match. Wondering why? Let’s break it down: she’s not just any player; she’s a 4x Olympic medalist who made history by gaining the USA’s first-ever gold in women’s volleyball at the 2020 Games. But hold up, there’s more! With coaching credentials already under her belt, Larson is already dipping her toes in. The former Nebraska superstar has shown to the national team’s governing body her capability of taking on the helm by leading training sessions at the new LOVB facility.