College Football Coaching Tiers: 2026 Edition
The college football landscape is ever-evolving, and with it, the coaching tiers. This year, we see a shift in power, with some coaches rising to the top and others struggling to keep up. The Athletic's annual ranking of the Football Bowl Subdivision coaches is a fascinating look at the sport's leadership, and this year's edition is no exception.
The Top Tier: Curt Cignetti and Kirby Smart
At the pinnacle of college football coaching, we find two powerhouses: Curt Cignetti and Kirby Smart. Cignetti's remarkable journey with Indiana is unparalleled, leading them to a national championship and consecutive Playoff appearances. His 15-year head coaching career is marked by an astonishing lack of losing seasons, with 11 top-25 finishes, nine of which came below the FBS level. Smart's Bulldogs, despite a three-year drought from the CFP semifinals, boast back-to-back SEC titles and a SEC title game appearance.
The Contenders: Ryan Day, Kalen DeBoer, and More
Ryan Day, Ohio State's coach, is a close contender, having won a national championship. However, his position is precarious due to the high expectations and resources at Ohio State. Kalen DeBoer and Marcus Freeman, both with title game appearances, are also in the running, but DeBoer's stock is trending downward after following Nick Saban at Alabama. Steve Sarkisian, with two semifinals under his belt, is a rising star, but 2026 will be a make-or-break year for him.
The Rising Stars: Mario Cristobal, Dan Lanning, and Kyle Whittingham
Mario Cristobal, fresh off a national championship run with Oregon, moves up a tier, showcasing his ability to lead a program to the brink of greatness. Dan Lanning, with a semifinal appearance and an undefeated regular season, is a force to be reckoned with. Kyle Whittingham, despite never reaching the CFP, has consistently delivered top-15 finishes and Pac-12 titles, making him a respected figure in the coaching world.
The Strugglers: Dabo Swinney, James Franklin, and Beyond
Dabo Swinney, once a top-tier coach, is now facing challenges. The Tigers' recent struggles, including a 7-6 record last season, mark a downward trend. James Franklin, despite a strong resume, was recently fired at Penn State, leaving a question mark over his future. Bret Bielema and Matt Campbell, both with impressive runs at Illinois and Iowa State, respectively, are now under pressure to live up to the expectations set by their predecessors.
The New Faces: Bob Chesney, Kenny Dillingham, and More
Bob Chesney, a rising star, takes over UCLA after a successful run at James Madison. Kenny Dillingham, following a Big 12 championship, is on the rise, while Vanderbilt's Clark Lea, a former Tier 8 coach, has led his team to impressive results. Dan Mullen, returning to the sidelines, is making a strong case for himself, and Mike Elko, with Texas A&M, is also moving up.
The Underdogs: Luke Fickell, Eric Morris, and the Rest
Luke Fickell, despite a remarkable run at Cincinnati, is facing a downward trend at Wisconsin. Eric Morris, a rising star, is making waves at Oklahoma State. Navy's Brian Newberry, a potential underrated coach, is leading his team to success. Duke's Manny Diaz, despite challenges, is preserving momentum, and Pat Fitzgerald, rejoining the field, is looking to fix a struggling Spartans program.
The Hot Seats: Brent Venables, Mike Norvell, and the Rest
Brent Venables, with a precarious position, is looking to establish his program. Mike Norvell, facing a fourth losing season, is on one of the hottest seats in college football. Florida State's Mike Norvell and Boston College's Bill O'Brien are also in this group, while Colorado's Deion Sanders is dropping as well.
The Newbies: Willie Simmons, Timmy Chang, and the Rest
Several new coaches are making their mark, including Willie Simmons at FIU and Timmy Chang at Hawaii. Bowling Green's Eddie George, Rice's Scott Abell, and others are also making their debut, with room to grow and improve.
The Long-Shot Contenders: Mike Locksley, Joe Harasymiak, and the Rest
Mike Locksley, at Maryland, is on the hot seat after consecutive 4-8 seasons. Joe Harasymiak, despite a successful past, is struggling at UMass. Dell McGee and Tony Sanchez, both with potential, are facing challenges at Georgia State and New Mexico State, respectively.
As the season unfolds, these rankings will continue to evolve, and the true test of these coaches' mettle will be their ability to adapt, innovate, and lead their programs to success.
