Top college football coordinators primed to become head coaches in the future

Some new blood could be on the horizon on college football sidelines.

While gigantic names dominated the coaching carousel this off-season, there still were a bevy of first-time coaches chosen to takeover big programs. To illustrate, Dan Lanning was brought from Georgia to Oregon, Marcus Freeman was promoted to the leader of Notre Dame, and former Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott finally took a head coaching gig at Virginia, just to name a few.

If they have success, the trend of looking for fresh-faced coaches instead of retreads could continue. With a myriad of possible candidates, David Cobb of CBS Sports attempted to choose the best options.

“Instead of settling on a retread head coach who flamed out elsewhere or a Group of Five head coach with limited Power Five recruiting experience, choosing a Power Five coordinator can have benefits,” wrote Cobb. “Though they may lack the CEO experience, they can bring an understanding of what’s required for success at the sport’s highest level from a schematic and recruiting standpoint.”

Here’s who Cobb believes has head coach potential among the best coordinators in college football.

Top college football coordinators primed to become head coaches in the future, per CBS Sports:

Josh Gattis, Miami Hurricanes OC

The defending 2021 Broyles Award recipient as the top assistant in all of college football, Gattis took his talents from snowy Michigan to sunny Miami this offseason. If he continues his phenomenal work, Mario Cristobal won’t be able to hang on to him for long.

“With prior stops at Alabama and Penn State also on his resume, Gattis has all the credentials needed to make the leap from Power Five coordinator to Power Five head coach,” wrote Cobb.

Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin Badgers DC

Even when the NFL came calling, Leonhard hasn’t answered. However, the loyal Badgers defensive coordinator could become too big for his role in the near future, and a head coaching gig is in his future.

“His defensive credentials are wildly impressive, and his 10 years of NFL playing experience also separate him from the pack,” believes Cobb. “The Badgers have ranked in the top-five nationally in total defense in four of Leonhard’s five seasons as defensive coordinator. If nothing else, he would be a logical successor to Paul Chryst at Wisconsin.”

Jeff Lebby, Oklahoma Sooners OC

Time heals all wounds is exactly what Lebby needs to hear. While the stench of Art Briles remains on his coaching career, success at Oklahoma could change that.

“Red flags over Lebby’s time at Baylor working for Art Briles during a scandalous period aren’t going to totally disappear,” explained Cobb. “But as Lebby’s time working for his father-in-law fades further into the distance, his candidacy for a head coaching gig improves.”

Kenny Dillingham, Oregon Ducks OC

The young Dillingham has a chance to follow in his new boss’ footsteps, becoming a young head coach if he can bring the Ducks offense success.

“Dillingham is just 32 and never got the FSU offense rolling. It will be interesting to see if he can spread his wings with the Ducks and claim a place among the sport’s top offensive minds,” stated Cobb.

Jeff Grimes, Baylor Bears OC

While he isn’t as spry as some of the coaching candidates on the list, Grimes could do wonders for his coaching resume if Baylor is able to keep their momentum from 2021 moving in the right direction.

“The Baylor offense was also No. 118 nationally the season before Grimes showed up, and he quickly got the Bears to No. 53 last season. Grimes is 53, so he’s not a young prodigy. But with stops at Auburn, Virginia Tech and LSU among others, he’s got the experience and results needed to get a Power Five look,” theorized Cobb.

Tim Banks, Tennessee Volunteers DC

Josh Heupel calls the offense, but Banks helped Tennessee become a competent team on defense. In the strong SEC, the underrated coach could parlay a strong performance into a head coaching gig soon.

“He did an impressive job last season of making the Volunteers competent defensively amid a coaching transition that left the program lacking in defensive talent,” wrote Cobb. “With coordinator or co-coordinator stints at Penn State, Illinois, Cincinnati and Central Michigan under his belt, Banks is a well-traveled assistant who could get a head coaching look if he can build off the promise his unit showed in 2021.”