As the 2024 college football season nears its conclusion, it's an opportune moment to revisit and reassess the preseason rankings of FBS head coaches. Various media outlets, including ESPN, CBS Sports, and On3, published their top coach lists earlier in the year. Now, with one game left, it's evident that some of these rankings have held up well, while others warrant reconsideration. This article explores how the performances of these coaches align with their initial standings and highlights notable changes.
Kirby Smart of Georgia has consistently been a top choice among evaluators, reflecting his unparalleled success on the field. However, other names have sparked debate. For instance, Mike Norvell at Florida State and Lincoln Riley at USC have faced significant challenges. Norvell's tenure has seen more downs than ups, with a record that doesn't match his top-10 billing. Riley, despite an impressive start at USC, has struggled to maintain momentum, raising questions about his ability to elevate the program.
Brian Kelly at LSU experienced highs and lows. While he secured two 10-win seasons, including a conference championship, his defense faltered, leading to an eight-win regular season. Meanwhile, Kyle Whittingham at Utah, once a stalwart leader, saw his team falter in the Big 12, ending with a disappointing 5-7 record. Despite this, Whittingham's legacy remains strong, suggesting he may still be considered elite but perhaps not as dominant as before.
Lance Leipold at Kansas has managed to maintain respectable results, even if slightly below last year's 9-4 mark. His 5-7 record in 2024 is still commendable given the program's history. Steve Sarkisian at Texas, however, stands out for his consistent performance. Texas' losses were to formidable opponents, reinforcing Sarkisian's status as one of the sport's best coaches. His achievements over consecutive seasons are rare and noteworthy.
The final chapter of the 2024 season will undoubtedly influence future rankings. Kirby Smart's position seems secure, especially if Ohio State's Ryan Day can clinch a national title. Coaches like Kalen DeBoer, Dabo Swinney, and Dan Lanning maintained playoff contention, ensuring their positions remain relatively stable. Ultimately, Sarkisian's standing could rise, particularly if Marcus Freeman secures a national championship for Notre Dame. The landscape of college football coaching continues to evolve, and the end-of-season evaluations provide valuable insights into each coach's impact and potential.