The world of college football coaching is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, and The Athletic's annual ranking of FBS head coaches provides an intriguing glimpse into this complex realm. In this article, we'll dive into the tiers, the criteria, and the fascinating stories behind these coaching power rankings.
The Top Tier: Curt Cignetti and Kirby Smart
At the pinnacle of college football coaching, we find Curt Cignetti and Kirby Smart. Cignetti's achievements are nothing short of remarkable, with an incredible record of success and a national championship under his belt. His consistency over 15 years as a head coach is a testament to his skill.
Smart, on the other hand, has faced a different challenge. While his Bulldogs have dominated in the SEC, the last three seasons have been a struggle to reach the CFP semifinals. Yet, his two national championships and consistent SEC titles cannot be ignored.
The Elite: A Tier of Champions
The second tier is an elite group, featuring coaches who have achieved remarkable feats. Ryan Day, with a national championship under his belt, is a prime example. However, the expectations at Ohio State are sky-high, and Day must continue to deliver to maintain his position in this tier.
Kalen DeBoer and Marcus Freeman have also proven their mettle, reaching title game appearances. DeBoer, in particular, faces the daunting task of following Nick Saban at Alabama, a challenge that has taken its toll on his stock.
The Rising Stars: Breaking Through
This tier is a fascinating mix of established coaches and rising stars. Kyle Whittingham, despite never making a CFP appearance, has consistently delivered top-15 finishes. His move to Michigan brings with it higher expectations, and many are watching to see if he can adapt to this new challenge.
Dabo Swinney, a former top-tier coach, has seen a decline in recent years. The Tigers' performance has not met the high bar set by Swinney's previous successes, and his drop in the rankings reflects this.
The Veterans: A Mix of Success and Struggle
In this tier, we find a mix of experienced coaches with varying levels of success. James Franklin, recently fired from Penn State, is a prime example. While his resume is strong, the last season's performance has left many questioning his place in this tier. However, his move to Virginia Tech offers a new opportunity.
Bret Bielema and Matt Campbell are also in this group, with Bielema achieving consecutive nine-win seasons at Illinois and Campbell taking Iowa State on an impressive run before moving to Penn State.
The Up-and-Comers: Breaking New Ground
This tier is a hotbed of up-and-coming coaches making their mark. Bob Chesney, for example, has an impressive record of 15 winning seasons in 16 years, with multiple conference titles. His move to UCLA after guiding James Madison to the CFP is a significant step up.
Kenny Dillingham and Clark Lea are also on the rise, with Dillingham achieving a Big 12 championship and Lea turning Vanderbilt's fortunes around.
The Established: A Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars
This tier is a diverse group, featuring both established coaches and those on the rise. Dan Mullen, for instance, has a strong resume with successful runs at Florida and Mississippi State. His return to coaching with UNLV has been impressive, and his stock is on the rise.
Texas A&M's Mike Elko and Joey McGuire are also in this group, with Elko guiding the Aggies to the CFP and McGuire achieving Texas Tech's first conference title in decades.
The Contenders: On the Brink of Greatness
In this tier, we find coaches who are on the cusp of greatness. Kalani Sitake, for example, has achieved impressive wins over higher-ranked BYU, but a breakthrough moment, such as a conference championship, is still missing.
Luke Fickell, a former top-tier coach, has dropped due to subpar seasons at Wisconsin. However, a predicted bounce-back this season could see him rise again.
The Underdogs: Overcoming Adversity
This tier is a testament to the resilience and skill of coaches who have overcome adversity. Eric Morris, for instance, has risen three tiers after taking North Texas to the brink of the CFP. Navy's Brian Newberry is another example, with an impressive record of consecutive 10-win seasons.
The Newcomers: Building a Legacy
The final tier is a mix of newcomers and coaches looking to rebuild their reputations. Bill Belichick, the legendary NFL coach, is an intriguing addition, having taken over a UNC program. His debut season was rough, but expectations are low, and he has time to turn things around.
Final Thoughts
The Athletic's coaching tiers provide a fascinating insight into the world of college football. From established legends to rising stars, each coach brings their unique story and challenges. As the sport evolves, so too will these rankings, and it will be intriguing to see who rises to the top and who faces new challenges.
