Bruce Feldman ranks college football's Top 10 coaches
Ahead of another college football season, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic compiled his list of the top coaches in all of the sport.
Some household names adorn the top spots, but the top ten is filled with up-and-coming stars, as well. The landscape of college football has changed dramatically with the advent of NIL and the NCAA Transfer Portal, but these leaders remain as the best of the best.
Here’s who Feldman believes deserve the most recognition as the top coaches in all of college football.
Top 10 CFB Coaches, per The Athletic:
10) Lance Leipold, Kansas Jayhawks
Perhaps no coach did more for himself over the past year than Leipold. While he was a hot name for other jobs, he opted to remain at Kansas, and should have the Jayhawks competitive as long as he remains with the program.
9) Kyle Whittingham, Utah Utes
One of the more underrated coaches in all of the sport, Feldman is giving Whittingham his due. Consecutive losses in the Rose Bowl hurt, but Whittingham has Utah as the most consistent program in all of the West.
There’s no better way to announce yourself to the SEC than beating Alabama, and that’s exactly what Kelly did in 2022. His tenure got off to a bumpy start, but he reminded the world why he’s one of the best continually over the course of the season. The future is bright in Baton Rouge.
Going from Norman to Los Angeles may have been a culture shock, but Riley simply kept winning. He has USC with their best shot at a title since the early 2000s, with reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams returning to the program.
6) Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes
Once Ryan Day finally gets over the hump and captures a national title, he’ll be mentioned along the best. Still, his Ohio State teams are always a force to be reckoned with, especially on offense, even if they haven’t been able to overcome Michigan over the last two seasons.
5) James Franklin, Penn State Nittany Lions
2023 could be the season Franklin takes the next step, for both himself and Penn State. Regardless, Feldman is giving him his due, ranking him in the top five with the best in the sport.
4) Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Wolverines
While the NFL continues to beckon, Harbaugh keeps winning Big Ten titles. Michigan has been reborn under the prodigal son, and he’s more committed than ever to bringing a championship to Ann Arbor.
3) Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers
It’s been a tough couple of seasons for Swinney, but that’s only because he’s set the bar so high with his previous success. A loss in the Orange Bowl was a lesson for young quarterback Cade Klubnik, one that could carry the Tigers back to the College Football Playoff in 2023.
2) Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs
The apprentice is nipping at his master’s heels, but Smart remains in the silver medal position, according to The Athletic. Nevertheless, what he’s done in Athens is remarkable, and he deserves all the praise he’s getting for making the Bulldogs the class of the sport.
1) Nick Saban, Alabama Crimson Tide
There is only one. The legendary Saban has hit a roadblock in Smart’s Bulldogs and other SEC contenders over recent seasons, but you can never count out his Crimson Tide. He’ll likely keep the top spot until an unthinkable collapse happens, or the likelier scenario of retirement before then.