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Joey McGuire is a unicorn

D. Kohnle

D. Kohnle

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Gold Member
Feb 19, 2014
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Lubbock, TX
Sometime earlier in the season, the dumber posters among us were making claims that McGuire deserved to be fired. In year 3 it didn't seem like he knew what he was doing, he wasn’t making any progress, and he wasn’t winning enough to keep his job. Some have eventually relinquished and have since said that his year 4 is his “make or break” year. Those comments ~felt~ unfair and off, to me, but I wanted to look at the statistics just to see if their assessments were off-base (Spoiler: They were). Joey McGuire spent 14 years as a HS HC. He won and won a lot. But HS coaching and major college football coaching, we can agree, are completely different beasts. Joey McGuire, when hired at Texas Tech, had 5 total years of college coaching exposure/experience. He made the jump to being a Power conference HC with no previous college HC experience and no coordinator experience. It would be fair to assume that he would have some bumpy years with an extremely light college coaching CV.

As a college HC, you are learning how to coach against other coaches who are just as smart as you and teams that are just as talented as you. You have to learn how to win on the road in tough environments. You are learning how to recruit, how to manage a roster, how to handle player personalities, transfer portal, NIL, etc. How to run a college practice, how to run a college nutrition program, how to handle media duties after wins and losses. And that's not to mention the off-the-field stuff like learning how to evaluate and hire coordinators, fill out your coaching and support staffs, and make solid connections with donors, alumni, and your community. It would be fair to assume that when Texas Tech made the hire of McGuire, it would reasonably take Joey 3-5 years to get all the other things under control before tangible results would be seen on the field. Joey had little true exposure to this new college realm before being hired. In his first 3 seasons, should there be expectations of slow adjustment? Fair. Maybe some losing seasons as Joey figured things out? Fair. Best season in 15 years? Surely not anytime soon. Winning conference record 3 straight seasons for the first time since 1995-1997? Don’t get ahead of yourself.

Joey McGuire’s first 3 seasons have come with adjustments and growing pains, but they have also come with lots and lots of unexpected winning, considering the circumstances. Joey McGuire’s first 3 season winning percentage of .605 puts him in the upper-level of college coaches at similar points in their careers. Factor in Joey’s resume before being hired, and Joey McGuire is one of the winningest coaches over the past 25 years. The numbers show, McGuire has reached the rarest of air regarding laying his program’s foundation for a significant future of winning.

Should McGuire be fired for not winning enough? This notion is stupid. Should this next year be a “make-or-break” year for McGuire? Again, absolutely dumb. Should Tech fans – who just experienced the first 8-win regular season in 15 years – hold their coach/school to a higher standard of excellence (“Surely we can win more than 8 games in year 3!”)? That’s fair, but compared to the entire landscape of college football, Joey McGuire is almost 1 of 1… do you really want to attempt to go find a better guy, when Joey’s first 3 seasons show that he is already a winner unlike any other coach out there? I don’t.

Now let's get to the actual numbers.

The list goes Coach name, Held lower-level (FCS or G5) HC position before becoming Power conference HC, number of years as a coordinator before becoming Power conference HC, number of total years of college coaching experience (HC/coordinator, position coach) before becoming Power conference HC, win percentage in first 3 years of coaching, total number of games, and what school they were at where they got their Power conference start.

In true @Brandon Bohannon style, here’s a long list of random numbers and names.

Among 110 Power conference coaches (current P5 HCs + notable coaches) over the past 25 years, McGuire ranks T-32nd in win percentage. Among current Power conference coaches, McGuire ranks T-22nd.

  1. Curt Cignetti (Yes/0/40/.917 - 12 games) - Indiana
T-1. Rhett Lashlee (Yes/11/16/.917 – 12 games) - SMU
2. Ryan Day (No/5/15/.886 – 40 games) - Ohio State
3. Dan Lanning (No/3/12/.868 – 38 games) - Oregon
4. Lincoln Riley (No/7/11/.857 – 42 games) - Oklahoma
5. Kalen DeBoer (Yes/6/22/.850 – 40 games) - Washington/Alabama
T-5. Chip Kelly (No/7/17/.850 - 40 games) - Oregon
6. David Shaw (No/4/5/.829 - 41 games) - Stanford
7. Jim Tressel (Yes/0/26/.821 - 39 games) - Ohio State
8. Bob Stoops (No/8/17/.816 - 38 games) - Oklahoma
9. Mark Richt (No/8/15/.800 - 40 games) - Georgia
10. Urban Meyer (Yes/0/19/.795 - 39 games) - Florida
11. Marcus Freeman (No/6/11/.789 - 38 games) - Notre Dame
12. Mario Cristobal (Yes/1/20/.775 – 40 games) - Oregon
13. Pete Carroll (No/4/11/.763 - 38 games) - USC
14. Kirby Smart (No/8/15/.762 – 42 games) - Georgia
15. Jimbo Fisher (No/13/22/.756 - 41 games) - Florida State
16. Fran Brown (No/1/12/.750 – 12 games) - Syracuse
17. Mike Norvell (Yes/5/14/.718 – 39 games) - Florida State
T-17. Brian Kelly (Yes/0/24/.718 – 39 games) - Notre Dame
T-17. Bret Bielema (No/4/12/.718 – 39 games) - Wisconsin
T-17. Kevin Sumlin (Yes/3/24/.718 - 39 games) - Texas A&M
18. Bo Pelini (No/5/6/.707 - 41 games) - Nebraska
19. Bobby Petrino (Yes/7/13/.703 - 37 games) - Louisville/Arkansas
20. Josh Heupel (Yes/7/17/.692 – 39 games) - Tennessee
21. Bobby Bowden (Yes/4/18/.676 - 34 games ) - Florida State
22. Gus Malzahn (Yes/6/7/.675 – 40 games) - Auburn
23. Chris Peterson (Yes/5/25/.659 - 41 games) - Washington
24. Lane Kiffin (No/2/9/.658 – 38 games) - Tennessee/USC
25. Chris Klieman (Yes/0/33/.650 – 40 games) - Kansas State
26. Mike Elko (No/13/23/.649 – 37 games) - Duke/Texas A&M
27. Paul Johnson (Yes/12/25/.641 - 39 games) - Georgia Tech
28. Tom Herman (Yes/10/19/.625 - 40 games) - Texas
T-28. Kalani Sitake (Yes/6/21/.625 – 24 games) - BYU
29. Todd Graham (Yes/4/9/.615 - 39 games) - Pittsburgh/Arizona State
T-29. James Franklin (No/5/14/.615 – 39 games) - Vanderbilt
T-29. Hugh Freeze (Yes/1/6/.615 – 39 games) - Ole Miss
30. Bill O’Brien (No/4/14/.611 – 36 games) - Penn State/Boston College
31. Dabo Swinney (No/0/16/.610 – 41 games) - Clemson
32. Joey McGuire (No/0/5/.605 – 38 games) - Texas Tech
T-32. P.J. Fleck (Yes/0/10/.605 – 38 games) - Minnesota
T-32. Gary Patterson (Yes/9/29/.605 - 38 games) - TCU
33. Manny Diaz (No/13/21/.595 – 37 games) - Miami/Duke
34. Mike Leach (No/11/11/.590 - 39 games) - Texas Tech
T-34. Eliah Drinkwitz (Yes/5/8/.590 – 39 games) - Missouri
35. Steve Spurrier (No/3/5/.588 - 34 games) - Duke
36. Sherrone Moore (No/3/15/.583 – 12 games) - Michigan
37. Brent Venables (No/22/29/.579 – 38 games) - Oklahoma
38. Les Miles (No/3/18/.568 - 37 games) - Oklahoma State
T-38. Mel Tucker (No/4/12/.568 - 37 games) - Colorado/Michigan State
39. Mark Dantonio (Yes/8/26/.564 - 39 games) - Michigan State
40. Tommy Tuberville (No/2/14/.559 - 34 games) - Ole Miss
41. Scott Satterfield (Yes/3/21/.553 – 38 games) - Louisville
T-41. Pat Narduzzi (No/14/25/.553 – 38 games) - Pittsburgh
T-41. Dan Mullen (No/4/16/.553 - 38 games) - Mississippi State
T-41 Larry Fedora (Yes/7/21/.553 - 38 games) - North Carolina
42. Brent Key (No/2/21/.545 – 33 games) - Georgia Tech
43. Kenny Dillingham (No/5/6/.542 - 23 games) - Arizona State
T-43. Deion Sanders (Yes/0/3/.542 – 23 games) - Colorado
44. Dave Aranda (No/10/24/.538 – 39 games) - Baylor
45. Nick Saban (Yes/5/16/.528 - 36 games) - Michigan State
46. Shane Beamer (No/0/21/.526 – 38 games) - South Carolina
T-46. Sam Pittman (No/0/26/.526 – 38 games) - Arkansas
T-46. Justin Wilcox (No/11/16/.526 – 38 games) - California
47. Pat Fitzgerald (No/0/8/.514 - 37 games) - Northwestern
48. Matt Campbell (Yes/2/9/.500 – 38 games) - Iowa State
T-48. Steve Sarkisian (No/2/7/.500 – 38 games) - Washington
T-48. Kliff Kingsbury (No/2/5/.500 - 38 games) - Texas Tech
T-48. Paul Chryst (No/12/15/.500 - 38 games) - Pittsburgh
49. Matt Rhule (Yes/4/19/.487 – 39 games) - Baylor
50. Kyle Whittingham (Yes/10/26/.486 – 37 games) - Utah
T-50. Billy Napier (Yes/3/19/.486 – 37 games) - Florida
T-50. Dino Babers (Yes/5/32/.486 - 37 games) - Syracuse
51. Willie Taggart (Yes/2/18/.485 - 33 games) - Oregon/Florida State
52. David Braun (No/4/8/.480 - 25 games) - Northwestern
T-52. Luke Fickell (Yes/11/24/.480 – 25 games) - Wisconsin
53. Mike Gundy (No/5/15/.474 – 38 games) - Oklahoma State
T-53. Mike Locksley (Yes/10/23/.474 – 37 games) - Maryland
T-53. Dave Doeren (Yes/6/15/.474 – 38 games) - NC State
T-53. Dana Holgersen (No/6/18/.474 - 38 games) - West Virginia
54. Gary Pinkel (Yes/7/27/.472 - 36 games) - Missouri
55. Frank Beamer (Yes/0/15/.471 - 34 games) - Virginia Tech
56. Jim Harbaugh (Yes/0/3/.459 - 37 games) - Stanford
57. Matt Wells (Yes/1/21/.450 - 20 games *COVID Year Excluded) - Texas Tech
58. Lance Leipold (Yes/0/34/.447 – 38 games) - Kansas
T-58. Jeff Brohm (Yes/3/15/.447 – 38 games) - Purdue
59. Brent Pry (No/17/27/.444 – 36 games) - Virginia Tech
60. Neal Brown (Yes/7/16/.432 – 37 games) - West Virginia
T-60. Jedd Fisch (No/4/8/.432 – 37 games) - Arizona
61. Greg Schiano (Yes/5/20/.421 – 38 games) - Rutgers
62. DeShaun Foster (No/0/10/.417 – 12 games) - UCLA
63. Art Briles (Yes/0/8/.405 - 37 games) - Baylor
T-63. Rich Rodriguez (Yes/0/12/.405 - 37 games) - Michigan
64. Bill Snyder (No/10/16/.394 - 33 games) - Kansas State
65. Sonny Dykes (Yes/5/15/.378 – 37 games) - California
T-65. Jonathan Smith (No/6/16/.378 – 37 games) - Oregon State
66. Dave Clawson (Yes/6/24/.351 – 37 games) - Wake Forest
67. Mark Stoops (No/10/17/.333 – 36 games) - Kentucky
T-67. Scott Frost (Yes/4/13/.333 - 36 games) - Nebraska
T-67. Willie Fritz (Yes/0/40/.333 – 12 games) - Houston
T-67. Brent Brennan (Yes/1/26/.333 – 12 games) - Arizona
68. Tony Elliott (No/7/16.324 – 34 games) - Virginia
69. Kirk Ferentz (Yes/0/14/.314 – 35 games) - Iowa
70. Ed Orgeron (No/0/18/.286 - 35 games) - Ole Miss
71. Clark Lea (No/3/15/.250 – 36 games) - Vanderbilt
T-71. Troy Taylor (Yes/3/13/.250 – 24 games) - Stanford
72. Mack Brown (Yes/4/12/.242 – 33 games) - North Carolina
73. Ryan Walters (No/7/13/.208 – 24 games) - Purdue
74. Chad Morris (Yes/5/8/.182 - 22 games) - Arkansas
75. Jeff Lebby (No/6/16/.167 – 12 games) - Mississippi State

Joey is ranked #20 among Power conference coaches over the past 25 years who had no prior non-Power coaching experience before becoming HCs at a power school. 7 of the 19 coaches ahead of McGuire had significant NFL experience (Ryan Day, Lane Kiffin, David Shaw, Bo Pelini, Bill O’Brien, Pete Carroll, James Franklin) before becoming college HCs. 12 of the other 19 had no less than 11 years of college coaching experience (compared to McGuire’s 5) and the 12 coaches average 6.5 years of college coordinator experience compared to Joey’s 0.

  1. Ryan Day (No/5/15/.886 – 40 games) - Ohio State
  2. Dan Lanning (No/3/12/.868 – 38 games) - Oregon
  3. Lincoln Riley (No/7/11/.857 – 42 games) - Oklahoma
  4. Chip Kelly (No/7/17/.850 - 40 games) - Oregon
  5. David Shaw (No/4/5/.829 - 41 games) - Stanford
  6. Bob Stoops (No/8/17/.816 - 38 games) - Oklahoma
  7. Mark Richt (No/8/15/.800 - 40 games) - Georgia
  8. Marcus Freeman (No/6/11/.789 - 38 games) - Notre Dame
  9. Pete Carroll (No/4/11/.763 - 38 games) - USC
  10. Kirby Smart (No/8/15/.762 – 42 games) - Georgia
  11. Jimbo Fisher (No/13/22/.756 - 41 games) - Florida State
  12. Fran Brown (No/1/12/.750 – 12 games) - Syracuse
  13. Bret Bielema (No/4/12/.718 – 39 games) - Wisconsin
  14. Bo Pelini (No/5/6/.707 - 41 games) - Nebraska
  15. Lane Kiffin (No/2/9/.658 – 38 games) - Tennessee/USC
  16. Mike Elko (No/13/23/.649 – 37 games) - Duke/Texas A&M
  17. James Franklin (No/5/14/.615 – 39 games) - Vanderbilt
  18. Bill O’Brien (No/4/14/.611 – 36 games) - Penn State/Boston College
  19. Dabo Swinney (No/0/16/.610 – 41 games) - Clemson
  20. Joey McGuire (No/0/5/.605 – 38 games) - Texas Tech
  21. Manny Diaz (No/13/21/.595 – 37 games) - Miami/Duke
  22. Mike Leach (No/11/11/.590 - 39 games) - Texas Tech
  23. Steve Spurrier (No/3/5/.588 - 34 games) - Duke
  24. Sherrone Moore (No/3/15/.583 – 12 games) - Michigan
  25. Brent Venables (No/22/29/.579 – 38 games) - Oklahoma
  26. Les Miles (No/3/18/.568 - 37 games) - Oklahoma State
  27. Mel Tucker (No/4/12/.568 - 37 games) - Colorado/Michigan State
  28. Tommy Tuberville (No/2/14/.559 - 34 games) - Ole Miss
  29. Pat Narduzzi (No/14/25/.553 – 38 games) - Pittsburgh
  30. Dan Mullen (No/4/16/.553 - 38 games) - Mississippi State
  31. Brent Key (No/2/21/.545 – 33 games) - Georgia Tech
  32. Kenny Dillingham (No/5/6/.542 - 23 games) - Arizona State
  33. Dave Aranda (No/10/24/.538 – 39 games) - Baylor
  34. Shane Beamer (No/0/21/.526 – 38 games) - South Carolina
T-34. Sam Pittman (No/0/26/.526 – 38 games) - Arkansas
T-34. Justin Wilcox (No/11/16/.526 – 38 games) - California
35. Pat Fitzgerald (No/0/8/.514 - 37 games) - Northwestern
36. Steve Sarkisian (No/2/7/.500 – 38 games) - Washington
T-36. Kliff Kingsbury (No/2/5/.500 - 38 games) - Texas Tech
T-36. Paul Chryst (No/12/15/.500 - 38 games) - Pittsburgh
37. David Braun (No/4/8/.480 - 25 games) - Northwestern
38. Mike Gundy (No/5/15/.474 – 38 games) - Oklahoma State
39. Brent Pry (No/17/27/.444 – 36 games) - Virginia Tech
40. Jedd Fisch (No/4/8/.432 – 37 games) - Arizona
41. DeShaun Foster (No/0/10/.417 – 12 games) - UCLA
42. Bill Snyder (No/10/16/.394 - 33 games) - Kansas State
43. Jonathan Smith (No/6/16/.378 – 37 games) - Oregon State
44. Mark Stoops (No/10/17/.333 – 36 games) - Kentucky
45. Tony Elliott (No/7/16.324 – 34 games) - Virginia
46. Ed Orgeron (No/0/18/.286 - 35 games) - Ole Miss
47. Clark Lea (No/3/15/.250 – 36 games) - Vanderbilt
48. Ryan Walters (No/7/13/.208 – 24 games) - Purdue
49. Jeff Lebby (No/6/16/.167 – 12 games) - Mississippi State

Joey McGuire is 13th (out of 34) among current HCs who did not have any prior HC experience before taking over a Power conference program, regardless of college experience. Among current coaches, only Dabo Swinney matches Joey with the same number of years of coordinator experience before being hired (0) and only won 2 more games than McGuire did in his first 3 years.

  1. Ryan Day (No/5/15/.886 – 40 games) - Ohio State
  2. Dan Lanning (No/3/12/.868 – 38 games) - Oregon
  3. Lincoln Riley (No/7/11/.857 – 42 games) - Oklahoma
  4. Marcus Freeman (No/6/11/.789 - 38 games) - Notre Dame
  5. Kirby Smart (No/8/15/.762 – 42 games) - Georgia
  6. Fran Brown (No/1/12/.750 – 12 games) - Syracuse
  7. Bret Bielema (No/4/12/.718 – 39 games) - Wisconsin
  8. Lane Kiffin (No/2/9/.658 – 38 games) - Tennessee/USC
  9. Mike Elko (No/13/23/.649 – 37 games) - Duke/Texas A&M
  10. James Franklin (No/5/14/.615 – 39 games) - Vanderbilt
  11. Bill O’Brien (No/4/14/.611 – 36 games) - Penn State/Boston College
  12. Dabo Swinney (No/0/16/.610 – 41 games) - Clemson
  13. Joey McGuire (No/0/5/.605 – 38 games) - Texas Tech
  14. Manny Diaz (No/13/21/.595 – 37 games) - Miami/Duke
  15. Sherrone Moore (No/3/15/.583 – 12 games) - Michigan
  16. Brent Venables (No/22/29/.579 – 38 games) - Oklahoma
  17. Pat Narduzzi (No/14/25/.553 – 38 games) - Pittsburgh
  18. Brent Key (No/2/21/.545 – 33 games) - Georgia Tech
  19. Kenny Dillingham (No/5/6/.542 - 23 games) - Arizona State
  20. Dave Aranda (No/10/24/.538 – 39 games) - Baylor
  21. Shane Beamer (No/0/21/.526 – 38 games) - South Carolina
T-21. Sam Pittman (No/0/26/.526 – 38 games) - Arkansas
T-21. Justin Wilcox (No/11/16/.526 – 38 games) - California
22. Steve Sarkisian (No/2/7/.500 – 38 games) - Washington
23. David Braun (No/4/8/.480 - 25 games) - Northwestern
24. Mike Gundy (No/5/15/.474 – 38 games) - Oklahoma State
25. Brent Pry (No/17/27/.444 – 36 games) - Virginia Tech
26. Jedd Fisch (No/4/8/.432 – 37 games) - Arizona
27. DeShaun Foster (No/0/10/.417 – 12 games) - UCLA
28. Jonathan Smith (No/6/16/.378 – 37 games) - Oregon State
29. Mark Stoops (No/10/17/.333 – 36 games) - Kentucky
30. Tony Elliott (No/7/16.324 – 34 games) - Virginia
31. Clark Lea (No/3/15/.250 – 36 games) - Vanderbilt
32. Jeff Lebby (No/6/16/.167 – 12 games) - Mississippi State

Joey McGuire ranks #6 among all coaches over the past 25 years who had less than 10 years of college experience (Head coach, coordinator, assistant, grad) before becoming the leaders of their own Power program. Three of the 6 coaches ahead of McGuire were previous HCs at lower college levels before getting their big promotions. While the other 3 coaches had significant NFL experience before becoming college HCs.

  1. David Shaw (No/4/5/.829 - 41 games) - Stanford
  2. Bo Pelini (No/5/6/.707 - 41 games) - Nebraska
  3. Gus Malzahn (Yes/6/7/.675 – 40 games) - Auburn
  4. Lane Kiffin (No/2/9/.658 – 38 games) - Tennessee/USC
  5. Todd Graham (Yes/4/9/.615 - 39 games) - Pittsburgh/Arizona State
T-5. Hugh Freeze (Yes/1/6/.615 – 39 games) - Ole Miss
6. Joey McGuire (No/0/5/.605 – 38 games) - Texas Tech
7. Eliah Drinkwitz (Yes/5/8/.590 – 39 games) - Missouri
8. Steve Spurrier (No/3/5/.588 - 34 games) - Duke
9. Kenny Dillingham (No/5/6/.542 - 24 games) - Arizona State
T-9. Deion Sanders (Yes/0/3/.542 – 24 games) - Colorado
10. Pat Fitzgerald (No/0/8/.514 - 37 games) - Northwestern
11. Matt Campbell (Yes/2/9/.500 – 38 games) - Iowa State
T-11. Steve Sarkisian (No/2/7/.500 – 38 games) - Washington
T-11. Kliff Kingsbury (No/2/5/.500 - 38 games) - Texas Tech
12. Jim Harbaugh (Yes/0/3/.459 - 37 games) - Stanford
13. Jedd Fisch (No/4/8/.432 – 37 games) - Arizona
14. Art Briles (Yes/0/8/.405 - 37 games) - Baylor
15. Chad Morris (Yes/5/8/.182 - 22 games) - Arkansas
16. Jeff Lebby (No/6/16/.167 – 12 games) - Mississippi State

Joey McGuire ranks #7 (out of 21) among coaches over the past 25 years with 0 college-level coordinator experience, regardless of if they held a HC position at a non-power conference beforehand. Of the 6 coaches ahead of McGuire on the list, 5 of the coaches spent no less than 4 years as HCs at either G5 or FCS schools. 2 of the 4 coaches in front of McGuire either played for (Curt Cignetti) or won (Chris Klieman - 4 times) FCS National Championships. Brian Kelly had 3, 10+ win seasons at Cincinnati and Urban Meyer secured 2, 10+ win seasons at Utah. Kelly and Meyer each had 12-0 seasons as well. 5 out of the 6 coaches not only got their feet wet in leading entire programs at the college level, but they also learned how to win and win big at their respective stops before taking over more high-profile power conference jobs. 9 of the coaches BEHIND McGuire also spent time learning how to lead college programs at the non-Power conference level but did not enjoy the same initial success as McGuire and others.

  1. Curt Cignetti (Yes/0/40/.917 - 12 games) - Indiana
  2. Urban Meyer (Yes/0/19/.795 - 39 games) - Florida
  3. Mario Cristobal (Yes/1/20/.775 – 40 games) - Oregon
  4. Brian Kelly (Yes/0/24/.718 – 39 games) - Notre Dame
  5. Chris Klieman (Yes/0/33/.650 – 40 games) - Kansas State
  6. Dabo Swinney (No/0/16/.610 – 41 games) - Clemson
  7. Joey McGuire (No/0/5/.605 – 38 games) - Texas Tech
T-7. P.J. Fleck (Yes/0/10/.605 – 38 games) - Minnesota
8. Deion Sanders (Yes/0/3/.542 – 23 games) - Colorado
9. Shane Beamer (No/0/21/.526 – 38 games) - South Carolina
10. Sam Pittman (No/0/26/.526 – 38 games) - Arkansas
11. Pat Fitzgerald (No/0/8/.514 - 37 games) - Northwestern
12. Frank Beamer (Yes/0/15/.471 - 34 games) - Virginia Tech
13. Jim Harbaugh (Yes/0/3/.459 - 37 games) - Stanford
14. Lance Leipold (Yes/0/34/.447 – 38 games) - Kansas
15. DeShaun Foster (No/0/10/.417 – 12 games) - UCLA
16. Art Briles (Yes/0/8/.405 - 37 games) - Baylor
17. Rich Rodriguez (Yes/0/12/.405 - 37 games) - Michigan
18. Willie Fritz (Yes/0/40/.333 – 12 games) - Houston
19. Kirk Ferentz (Yes/0/14/.314 – 35 games) - Iowa
20. Ed Orgeron (No/0/18/.286 - 35 games) - Ole Miss

Joey McGuire ranks #6 (out of 15) among current coaches with no coordinator experience, regardless of holding a non-power conference HC position beforehand. Again, 4 out of the 5 coaches ahead of Joey spent significant time learning (and winning) at their lower-level college programs. McGuire has won at a higher clip than 5 out of the 8 coaches below him that actually held HC positions at lower-level programs before getting their big promotions.

  1. Curt Cignetti (Yes/0/40/.917 - 12 games) - Indiana
  2. Mario Cristobal (Yes/1/20/.775 – 40 games) - Oregon
  3. Brian Kelly (Yes/0/24/.718 – 39 games) - Notre Dame
  4. Chris Klieman (Yes/0/33/.650 – 40 games) - Kansas State
  5. Dabo Swinney (No/0/16/.610 – 41 games) - Clemson
  6. Joey McGuire (No/0/5/.605 – 38 games) - Texas Tech
T-6. P.J. Fleck (Yes/0/10/.605 – 38 games) - Minnesota
7. Deion Sanders (Yes/0/3/.542 – 23 games) - Colorado
8. Shane Beamer (No/0/21/.526 – 38 games) - South Carolina
9. Sam Pittman (No/0/26/.526 – 38 games) - Arkansas
10. Lance Leipold (Yes/0/34/.447 – 38 games) - Kansas
11. DeShaun Foster (No/0/10/.417 – 12 games) - UCLA
12. Rich Rodriguez (Yes/0/12/.405 - 37 games) - Michigan
13. Willie Fritz (Yes/0/40/.333 – 12 games) - Houston
14. Kirk Ferentz (Yes/0/14/.314 – 35 games) - Iowa

Among coaches with similar college experience as that of McGuire before taking over their first college Power program (less than 7 total years of college coaching exposure), McGuire ranks T-5th (out of 11) among Power conference coaches over the last 25 years in win percentage, ahead of coaches like Jim Harbaugh, Art Briles, Rich Rodriguez, Deion Sanders, Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Campbell, and Chad Morris. All 4 coaches ahead of McGuire had college coordinator experience, Hugh Freeze has only one more win than McGuire in 1 more game played and one coach (Malzahn) had 5 less wins in Year 3 than in Year 1; whereas McGuire has maintained a winning consistency (8,7, 8) in his 3 years. Malzahn and Hugh Freeze also had .500 or worse conference records in 5 out of 6 seasons and McGuire just notched his 3rd winning conference season in his first 3 years (All while playing one more conference game each year to boot).

  1. David Shaw (No/4/5/.829 - 41 games) - Stanford
  2. Bo Pelini (No/5/6/.707 - 41 games) - Nebraska
  3. Gus Malzahn (Yes/6/7/.675 – 40 games) - Auburn
  4. Hugh Freeze (Yes/1/6/.615 – 39 games) - Ole Miss
  5. Joey McGuire (No/0/5/.605 – 38 games) - Texas Tech
  6. Steve Spurrier (No/3/5/.588 - 34 games) - Duke
  7. Kenny Dillingham (No/5/6/.542 - 23 games) - Arizona State
T-7. Deion Sanders (Yes/0/3/.542 – 23 games) - Colorado
8. Kliff Kingsbury (No/2/5/.500 - 38 games) - Texas Tech
9. Jim Harbaugh (Yes/0/3/.459 - 37 games) - Stanford
10. Chad Morris (Yes/5/5/.182 - 22 games) - Arkansas

Among current HCs with less than 7 years of college coaching experience/exposure, McGuire jumps to 2nd out of 4, only behind Hugh Freeze, who posted a 10-2 season at Arkansas State before getting the Ole Miss job.

  1. Hugh Freeze (Yes/1/6/.615 – 39 games) - Ole Miss
  2. Joey McGuire (No/0/5/.605 – 38 games) - Texas Tech
  3. Kenny Dillingham (No/5/6/.542 - 24 games) - Arizona State
  4. Deion Sanders (Yes/0/3/.542 – 24 games) - Colorado

Below is a more in-depth breakdown by conference. Some of the numbers represented are experience BEFORE becoming a lower-level head coach and not before they became a Power conference head coach. Some of the conference coaches are listed in order of win percentage, some are not. It got too tedious...

UCF: Gus Malzahn (.675 – 40 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 6 years as Offensive Coordinator (1 year at Arkansas, 2 years co-OC at Tulsa, 3 years at Auburn)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 6 years
Non-Power 5:
  • Arkansas State (Sun Belt):
    • 2012: 9-3 (7-1)
Power-5:
  • Auburn (SEC):
    • 2013: 12-2 (7-1)
    • 2014: 8-5 (4-4)
    • 2015: 7-6 (2-6)
  • Arkansas State (9-3) → Auburn (68-35) → UCF (28-24)
Non-Power 5 (First Season):
  • Record: 9-3 (7-1)
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 27-13 (13-11); 1-2 (lost BCS championship in Year 1)
  • Win Percentage: .675 – 40 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Years at First HC Gig: 1 (Left for a better job – Auburn)
Total HC Record: 105-60 (.636)

Kansas State: Chris Klieman (.650 – 40 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: None (Lower-level coordinator experience at D2 and D3 schools; Head Coach at FCS North Dakota State – 3 National Championships in 4 years)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 28 years
Non-Power 5:
  • North Dakota State (FCS):
    • 2014: 15-1 (7-1)
    • 2015: 13-2 (7-1)
    • 2016: 12-2 (7-1)
Power 5:
  • Kansas State (Big 12):
    • 2019: 8-5 (5-4)
    • 2020: 4-6 (4-5)
    • 2021: 8-5 (4-5)
    • 2022: 10-4 (7-2) – Big 12 Champs
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 40-5 (21-3); 2-1 in bowl games (2 National Championships)
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 26-14 (16-11); 1-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .650 – 40 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4 (10-4)
Years at First HC Gig: 5 years (Left for better job – Kansas State)
Total HC Record: 46-27 (.630)

BYU: Kalani Sitake (.625 – 24 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 6 years as DC (5 at Utah, 1 at Oregon State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach/GA): 14 years
Non-Power 5:
  • BYU (Independent):
    • 2016: 9-4
    • 2017: 4-9
    • 2018: 7-6
Power 4:
  • BYU (Big 12):
    • 2023: 5-7 (2-7)
    • 2024: 10-2 (7-2)
Independent (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 20-19
  • Bowl Record: 2-0
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 5
Power 4 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 15-9 (9-9)
  • Win Percentage: .625 – 24 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Years at 1st HC Gig: 9 years (and counting)
Total HC Record: 70-42 (.625) – 112 games

Texas Tech: Joey McGuire (.605 – 38 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: None
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 5 years
Non-Power 5:
  • N/A
Power 5:
  • Texas Tech (Big 12):
    • 2022: 8-5 (5-4)
    • 2023: 7-6 (5-4)
    • 2024: 8-4 (6-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 23-15 (16-11)
  • Win Percentage: .605 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at 1st HC Gig: 3 years (and counting)
Total HC Record: 23-15 (.605)

​

Cincinnati: Scott Satterfield (.553 – 38 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 3 years (2 years at FIU, 1 year at Appalachian State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 15 years
Non-Power 5:
  • Appalachian State (Sun Belt):
    • 2014: 7-5 (6-2)
    • 2015: 11-2 (7-1)
    • 2016: 10-3 (7-1)
Power 5:
  • Louisville (ACC):
    • 2019: 8-5 (5-3)
    • 2020: *4-7
    • 2021: 6-7 (4-4)
    • 2022: 7-5 (4-4)
  • Appalachian State (51-24) → Louisville (25-24) → Cincinnati (8-16)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 28-10 (20-4); 2-0 in bowl games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 21-17 (13-11); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .553 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 5 years (Left for better job – Louisville)
Total HC Record: 80-54 (.597)

​

Arizona State: Kenny Dillingham (.542 - 23 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach

  • Major Coordinator Experience: 5 years as OC (1 at Memphis, 1 at Auburn, 2 at Florida State, 1 at Oregon)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach/GA): 6 years
Non-Power 5:
  • NONE
Power-5:
  • Arizona State (Pac-12/Big 12):
    • 2023: 3-9 (2-7)
    • 2024: 10-2 (7-2)
Power-5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 13-11 (9-9)
  • Win Percentage: .542 – 24 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Years at 1st HC Gig: 2 years (and counting)
Total HC Record: 13-11 (.542)

Colorado: Deion Sanders (.542 – 23 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: NONE
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): NONE
Non-Power 5 (Jackson State – SWAC):
  • 2020: COVID Year – 4-3
  • 2021: 11-2 (8-0)
  • 2022: 12-1 (8-0)
Power-5 (Colorado – Pac-12/Big 12):
  • 2023: 4-8 (1-8)
  • 2024: 9-3 (7-2)
Non-Power 5 (First 2 Seasons):
  • Record: 23-3 (16-0)
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 13-11 (8-10)
  • Win Percentage: .542 – 23 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Left for a better job – Colorado)
Total HC Record: 40-17 (.702)

Baylor: Dave Aranda (.538 – 39 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 10 years as Defensive Coordinator (2 years at Hawaii, 1 year at Utah State, 3 years at Wisconsin, 4 years at LSU)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 24 years
Non-Power 5:
  • NONE
Power-5 (Baylor – Big 12):
  • 2020: * (COVID Year, 2-7)
  • 2021: 12-2 (7-2)
  • 2022: 6-7 (4-5)
  • 2023: 3-9 (2-7)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 21-18 (13-14); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .538 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2 (12-2)
Years at First HC Gig: 5 years (and counting)
Total HC Record: 29-29 (.500)

​

Iowa State: Matt Campbell (.500 – 38 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 2 years as OC at Toledo
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 5 years
Non-Power 5:
  • Toledo (MAC):
    • 2012: 9-4 (6-2)
    • 2013: 7-5 (5-3)
    • 2014: 9-4 (7-1)
Power 5:
  • Iowa State (Big 12):
    • 2016: 3-9 (2-7)
    • 2017: 8-5 (5-4)
    • 2018: 8-5 (6-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 25-13 (18-6); 2-0 in bowl games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 19-19 (13-14); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .500 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 5 years
Total HC Record: 96-65 (.596)

Utah: Kyle Whittingham (.486 – 37 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 10 years as Utah DC
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach/GA): 20 years
Non-Power 5:
  • Utah (MWC):
    • 2005: 7-5 (4-4)
    • 2006: 8-5 (5-3)
    • 2007: 9-4 (5-3)
Power 5:
  • Utah (Pac-12):
    • 2011: 8-5 (4-5)
    • 2012: 5-7 (3-6)
    • 2013: 5-7 (2-7)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 24-14 (14-10)
  • Bowl Record: 3-0
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 18-19 (9-18)
  • Bowl Record: 1-0
  • Win Percentage: .486 – 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 5
Years at 1st HC Gig: 20 years (and counting)
Total HC Record: 166-85 (.661) – 251 games

​

Oklahoma State: Mike Gundy (.474 – 38 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 5 years as Offensive Coordinator (5 years at Oklahoma State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 15 years
Non-Power 5:
  • NONE
Power-5 (Oklahoma State – Big 12):
  • 2005: 4-7 (1-7)
  • 2006: 7-6 (3-5)
  • 2007: 7-6 (4-4)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 18-20 (8-16); 2-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .474 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 6 (11-2)
Years at First HC Gig: 20 years (and counting)
Total HC Record: 169-86 (.663)

Kansas: Lance Leipold (.447 – 38 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: None (Head Coach and 6-time National Champion at D3 Wisconsin-Whitewater)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 28 years at D2, D3, and NAIA stops
Non-Power 5:
  • Buffalo (MAC):
    • 2015: 5-7 (3-5)
    • 2016: 2-10 (1-7)
    • 2017: 6-6 (4-4)
Power 5:
  • Kansas (Big 12):
    • 2021: 2-10 (1-8)
    • 2022: 6-7 (3-6)
    • 2023: 9-4 (5-4)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 13-23 (8-16)
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4 (10-4)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 17-21 (9-18); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .447 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 6 years
Total HC Record: 58-60 (.492)

​

West Virginia: Neal Brown (.432 – 37 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 7 years (2 years at Troy, 3 years at Texas Tech, 2 years at Kentucky)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 12 years
Non-Power 5:
  • Troy (Sun Belt):
    • 2015: 4-8 (3-5)
    • 2016: 10-3 (6-2)
    • 2017: 11-2 (7-1)
Power-5:
  • West Virginia (Big 12):
    • 2019: 5-7 (3-6)
    • 2020: COVID Year (6-4)
    • 2021: 6-7 (4-5)
    • 2022: 5-7 (3-6)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 25-13 (16-8); 2-0 in bowl games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 16-21 (10-17); 0-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .432 – 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: NONE
Years at First HC Gig: 4 years (Left for better job – West Virginia)
Total HC Record: 71-50 (.587)

TCU: Sonny Dykes (.378 – 37 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 5 years (Co-Offensive Coordinator at Texas Tech for 2 years, Offensive Coordinator at Arizona for 3 years)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 12 years
Non-Power 5:
  • Louisiana Tech (WAC):
    • 2010: 5-7 (4-4)
    • 2011: 8-5 (6-1)
    • 2012: 9-3 (4-2)
Power-5:
  • California (Pac 12):
    • 2013: 1-11 (0-9)
    • 2014: 5-7 (3-6)
    • 2015: 8-5 (4-5)
  • Louisiana Tech (22-15) → Cal (19-30) → SMU (30-18) → TCU (26-13)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 22-15 (14-7); 1-0 in bowl games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 6 (SMU 10-3)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 14-23 (7-20); 1-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .378 – 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 5 (TCU 13-2)
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Left for a better job – California)
Total HC Record: 95-76 (.556)

Arizona: Brent Brennan (.333 – 12 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 1 year (Co-OC at San Jose State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 19 years
Non-Power 5:
  • San Jose State (MWC):
    • 2017: 2-11 (1-7)
    • 2018: 1-11 (1-7)
    • 2019: 5-7 (2-6)
Power-5:
  • Arizona (Big 12):
    • 2024: 4-8 (2-7)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 8-29 (4-20)
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 4-8 (2-7)
  • Win Percentage: .333 – 12 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 7 years
Total HC Record: 38-54 (.413)

Houston: Willie Fritz (.333 – 12 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: NONE (JUCO DC for 4 years)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 27 years (JUCO HC for 4 years - 2 NJCAA National Championships; D2 HC - 13 years)
Non-Power 5:
  • Georgia Southern (Sun Belt):
    • 2014: 9-3 (8-0)
    • 2015: 9-4 (6-2)
  • Tulane (American):
    • 2016: 4-8 (1-7)
Power 5:
  • Houston (Big 12):
    • 2024: 4-8 (3-6)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 22-15 (15-9); 1-0 in bowl games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 9
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 4-8 (3-6)
  • Win Percentage: .333 – 12 games
Years at First HC Gig: 2 years
Total HC Record: 75-60 (.556)

Alabama: Kalen DeBoer (Yes/6/20/.850 – 40 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 6 years as OC (3 years at Eastern Michigan, 2 years at Fresno State, 1 year at Indiana)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 20 years (including HC stint at NAIA level)
Non-Power 5
  • Fresno State (MWC):
    • 2020: *3-3 (3-3) - COVID Year
    • 2021: 9-3 (6-2)
Power 5
  • Washington (Pac-12):
    • 2022: 11-2 (7-2)
    • 2023: 14-1 (9-0) – Lost National Championship
  • Alabama (SEC):
    • 2024: 9-3 (5-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 2 Seasons):
  • Record: 9-3 (6-2)
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 34-6 (20-5); 2-1 in bowl games (Lost National Championship in Year 2)
  • Win Percentage: .850 – 40 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1 (11-2)
Years at First HC Gig: 2 years (Left for better job - Washington)
Total HC Record: 45-12 (.789)

Georgia: Kirby Smart (No/8/15/.762 – 42 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 8 years as DC at Alabama
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 15 years (+1 year as safeties coach in the NFL)
Non-Power 5:
  • None
Power 5:
  • Georgia (SEC):
    • 2016: 8-5 (4-4)
    • 2017: 13-2 (7-1) – Lost National Championship
    • 2018: 11-3 (7-1)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 32-10 (18-6); 3-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .762 – 42 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2 (13-2)
Years at First HC Gig: 9 years (and counting)
Total HC Record: 103-18 (.851)

LSU: Brian Kelly (Yes/0/18/.718 – 39 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: None
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 18 years (13 years as a D2 HC)
Non-Power 5

Central Michigan (MAC)
  • 2004: 4-7 (3-5)
  • 2005: 6-5 (5-3)
  • 2006: 9-4 (7-1)
Power 5

Notre Dame (Independent)
  • 2010: 8-5
  • 2011: 8-5
  • 2012: 12-1 – Lost National Championship
Central Michigan (19-16) → Cincinnati (34-6) → Notre Dame (113-40) → LSU (28-11)

Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 19-16 (15-9)
  • Win Percentage: .543
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4 (Cincinnati, 10-3)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 28-11; 1-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .718 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 3 (12-1)
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Left for better job – Cincinnati)
Total HC Record: 193-73 (.726)

Tennessee: Josh Heupel (Yes/7/14/.692 – 39 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 7 years as OC (4 years as co-OC at Oklahoma, 2 years at Missouri, 1 year at Utah State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 14 years
Non-Power 5
  • UCF (American):
    • 2018: 12-1 (8-0)
    • 2019: 10-3 (6-2)
    • 2020: *6-4 (5-3) COVID Year
Power 5
  • Tennessee (SEC):
    • 2021: 7-6 (4-4)
    • 2022: 11-2 (6-2)
    • 2023: 9-4 (4-4)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 28-8 (19-5); 1-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .778 – 36 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1 (12-1)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 27-12 (14-10); 2-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .692 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2 (11-2)
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years
Total HC Record: 64-21 (.753)


Ole Miss: Lane Kiffin (No/2/9/.658 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 2 years as OC at USC
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 9 years (not including 2 years as NFL HC)
Non-Power 5
None

Power 5

Tennessee (SEC)
  • 2009: 7-6 (4-4)
USC (Pac-12)
  • 2010: 8-5 (5-4)
  • 2011: 10-2 (7-2)
Tennessee (7-6) → USC (28-15) → Florida Atlantic (27-13) → Ole Miss (43-18)

Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 25-13 (16-10); 0-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .658 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 3 (10-2 at USC)
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years
Total HC Record: 104-52 (.667)

Texas A&M: Mike Elko (No/13/23/.649 – 37 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 13 years as DC (5 years at Bowling Green, 3 years at Wake Forest, 1 year at Notre Dame, 4 years at Texas A&M)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 23 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • Duke (ACC):
    • 2022: 9-4 (5-3)
    • 2023: 7-5 (4-4)
  • Texas A&M (SEC):
    • 2024: 8-4 (5-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 24-13 (14-10); 1-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .649 – 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 2 years (Left for better job – Texas A&M)
Total HC Record: 24-13 (.649)

Ole Miss: Hugh Freeze (Yes/1/5/.615 – 39 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 1 year as OC (Arkansas State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 5 years (incl. 2 years as HC at NAIA school)
Non-Power 5

Arkansas State (Sun Belt)
  • 2011: 10-2 (8-0)
Power 5

Ole Miss (SEC)
  • 2012: 7-6 (3-5)
  • 2013: 8-5 (3-5)
  • 2014: 9-4 (5-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 10-2 (8-0)
  • Win Percentage: .833
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 24-15 (11-13); 2-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .615 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4 (10-3)
Years at First HC Gig: 1 year (Left for better job – Ole Miss)
Total HC Record: 94-56 (.627)

Missouri: Elijah Drinkwitz (Yes/5/7/.590 – 39 games)

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 5 years as OC (3 years at NC State, 1 year at Boise State, 1 year as Co-OC at Arkansas State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 7 years
Non-Power 5
  • Appalachian State (Sun Belt)
    • 2019: 12-1 (7-1)
Power 5
  • Missouri (SEC)
    • 2020: 5-5 (5-5)
    • 2021: 6-7 (3-5)
    • 2022: 6-7 (3-5)
    • 2023: 11-2 (6-2)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 12-1 (7-1)
  • Win Percentage: .923
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 23-16 (12-12); 0-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .590 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4 (11-2)
Years at First HC Gig: 4 years (Left for better job – Missouri)
Total HC Record: 49-25 (.662)

Oklahoma: Brent Venables (No/22/29/.579 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 22 years as DC (10 years at Clemson, 8 years at Oklahoma, 4 years as co-DC at Oklahoma)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach/GA): 29 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • Oklahoma (Big 12/SEC):
    • 2022: 6-7 (3-6)
    • 2023: 10-3 (7-2)
    • 2024: 6-6 (2-6)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons):
  • Record: 22-16 (12-13); 0-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .579 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2 (10-3)
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years and counting
Total HC Record: 22-16 (.579)

South Carolina: Shane Beamer (No/0/21/.526 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: None
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 21 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5

South Carolina (SEC)
  • 2021: 7-6 (3-5)
  • 2022: 8-5 (4-4)
  • 2023: 5-7 (3-5)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 20-18 (10-14); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .526 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 4 years and counting
Total HC Record: 28-21 (.571)

Arkansas: Sam Pittman (No/0/26/.526 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: NONE (Lifetime OL coach)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 26 years
Non-Power 5
  • NONE
Power 5
  • Arkansas (SEC)
    • 2020: *3-7 (3-7)
    • 2021: 9-4 (4-4)
    • 2022: 7-6 (3-5)
    • 2023: 4-8 (1-7)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 20-18 (8-16); 2-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .526 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 5 years and counting
Total HC Record: 29-31 (.483)

Texas: Steve Sarkisian (No/2/7/.500 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 2 years
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 7 years (not including 1 year in the NFL as QB coach)
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5

Washington (Pac-12)
  • 2009: 5-7 (4-5)
  • 2010: 7-6 (5-4)
  • 2011: 7-6 (5-4)
Washington (34-29) → USC (12-6) → Texas (36-15)

Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 19-19 (14-13); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .500 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 10 (Texas, 12-2 in 2023)
Years at First HC Gig: 5 years
Total HC Record: 81-50 (.618)

Florida: Billy Napier (Yes/3/15/.486 – 37 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 3 years as OC (2 years at Clemson, 1 year at Arizona State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 15 years
Non-Power 5

Louisiana (Sun Belt)
  • 2018: 7-7 (5-3)
  • 2019: 11-3 (7-1)
  • 2020: 10-1 (7-1) – COVID Year
  • 2021: 12-1 (8-0)
Power 5

Florida (SEC)
  • 2022: 6-7 (3-5)
  • 2023: 5-7 (3-5)
  • 2024: 7-5 (4-4)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 30-11 (20-4)
  • Win Percentage: .732
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 18-19 (10-14); 0-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .486 – 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 4 years (Left for better job – Florida)
Total HC Record: 58-31 (.652)


Kentucky: Mark Stoops (No/10/17/.333 – 36 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time College Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 10 years as DC (6 years at Arizona, 3 years at Florida State, 1 year as co-DC at Houston)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 17 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5

Kentucky (SEC)
  • 2013: 2-10 (0-8)
  • 2014: 5-7 (2-6)
  • 2015: 5-7 (2-6)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 12-24 (4-20)
  • Win Percentage: .333 – 36 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 6 (10-3)
Years at First HC Gig: 12 years and counting
Total HC Record: 67-72 (.482)

Vanderbilt: Clark Lea (No/3/15/.250 – 36 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 3 years as a DC at Notre Dame
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 15 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5

Vanderbilt (SEC)
  • 2021: 2-10 (0-8)
  • 2022: 5-7 (2-6)
  • 2023: 2-10 (0-8)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 9-27 (2-22)
  • Win Percentage: .250 – 36 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 4 years and counting
Total HC Record: 15-32 (.319)

Mississippi State: Jeff Lebby (No/6/16/.167 – 12 games)​

Prior to being a First-Time College Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 6 years as OC (2 years at Oklahoma, 2 years at Ole Miss, 1 year at UCF, 1 year at Southeastern)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 16 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5

Mississippi State (SEC)
  • 2024: 2-10 (0-8)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 2-10 (0-8)
  • Win Percentage: .167 – 12 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 1 year and counting
Total HC Record: 2-10 (.167)

Indiana: Curt Cignetti (Yes/0/33/.917 - 12 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: None
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 33 years (including 6 years as a D2 HC)

Non-Power 5
Elon (FCS)
  • 2017: 8-4 (6-2)
  • 2018: 6-5 (4-3)
James Madison (FCS)
  • 2019: 14-2 (8-0) (Lost FCS National Championship)
Power 5
Indiana (Big Ten)
  • 2024: 11-1 (7-1)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 28-11 (18-5); Lost FCS National Championship in Year 3
  • Win Percentage: .718 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 3
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 11-1 (7-1); 0-0 in bowl games (as of 2024)
  • Win Percentage: .917 – 12 games (as of 2024)
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Years at First HC Gig: 2 years (Left for better job – James Madison)
Total HC Record: 30-5 (.857)

Ohio State: Ryan Day (No/5/15/.886 – 40 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 5 years (2 years at Ohio State, 2 years at Boston College, 1 year at Temple)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 15 years (not including 2 years as NFL position coach)
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • Ohio State (Big Ten)
    • 2019: 13-1 (9-0)
    • 2020: *7-1 (5-0)
    • 2021: 11-2 (8-1)
    • 2022: 11-2 (8-1)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 35-5 (25-2); 2-3 in bowl games (Lost National Championship in Year 2)
  • Win Percentage: .886 – 40 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Years at First HC Gig: 6 years and counting
Total HC Record: 66-9 (.880)

Oregon: Dan Lanning (No/3/12/.868 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 3 years as DC at Georgia
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 12 years (including 1 year as a recruiting coordinator at Arizona State)

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Oregon (Big Ten/Pac 12)
  • 2022: 10-3 (7-2)
  • 2023: 12-2 (8-1)
  • 2024: 12-0 (8-0) (as of Dec. 2024)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 33-5 (23-3); 2-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .868 – 38 games (as of Dec. 2024)
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years and counting
Total HC Record: 33-5 (.868)

USC: Lincoln Riley (No/7/11/.857 – 42 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 7 years as OC (5 years at East Carolina, 2 years at Oklahoma)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 11 years

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Oklahoma (Big 12)
  • 2017: 12-2 (8-1)
  • 2018: 12-2 (8-1)
  • 2019: 12-2 (8-1)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 36-6 (24-3); 0-3 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .857 – 42 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Years at First HC Gig: 5 years (Left for better job – USC)
Total HC Record: 80-23 (.777)

Illinois: Bret Bielema (No/4/12/.718 – 39 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: 4 years as DC (2 years at Wisconsin, 2 years as co-DC at Kansas State)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 12 years

Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
Wisconsin (Big Ten)
  • 2006: 12-1 (7-1)
  • 2007: 9-4 (5-3)
  • 2008: 7-6 (3-5)
Wisconsin (68-24) → Arkansas (29-34) → Illinois (27-22)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 28-11 (15-9); 1-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .718 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Years at First HC Gig: 7 years (Left for better job – Arkansas)
Total HC Record: 123-80 (.606)


Penn State: James Franklin (No/5/14/.615 – 39 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 5 years as OC (3 years at Maryland, 2 years at Kansas State)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 14 years (not including 1 year as NFL position coach)
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • Vanderbilt (SEC)
    • 2011: 6-7 (2-6)
    • 2012: 9-4 (5-3)
    • 2013: 9-4 (4-4)
Vanderbilt (24-15) → Penn State (99-40)

Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • Win Percentage: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 24-15 (11-13); 2-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .615 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 6 (Penn State 11-3)
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Left For Better Job – Penn State)
Total HC Record: 122-55 (.689)

Minnesota: P.J. Fleck (Yes/0/6/.605 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: None
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 6 years (not including 1 year as NFL position coach)
Non-Power 5
  • Western Michigan (MAC)
    • 2013: 1-11 (1-7)
    • 2014: 8-5 (6-2)
    • 2015: 8-5 (6-2)
Power 5
  • Minnesota (Big Ten)
    • 2017: 5-7 (2-7)
    • 2018: 7-6 (3-6)
    • 2019: 11-2 (7-2)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 17-21 (13-11); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .447 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4 (13-1 – Lost in Cotton Bowl)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 23-15 (12-15); 2-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .605 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Years at First HC Gig: 4 years (Better Job – Minnesota)
Total HC Record: 86-61 (.585)


Michigan: Sherrone Moore (No/3/15/.583 – 12 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 3 years as Michigan OC
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 15 years

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Michigan (Big Ten)
  • 2024: 7-5 (5-4) (as of Dec. 2024)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 7-5 (5-4)
  • Win Percentage: .583 – 12 games (as of Dec. 2024)
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 1 year and counting
Total HC Record: 7-5 (.583)

Nebraska: Matt Rhule (Yes/4/15/.487 – 39 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 4 years as OC at Temple
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 15 years (not including 1 year in NFL as position coach)

Non-Power 5
Temple (American)
  • 2013: 2-10 (1-7)
  • 2014: 6-6 (4-4)
  • 2015: 10-4 (7-1)
Power 5
Baylor (Big 12)
  • 2017: 1-11 (1-8)
  • 2018: 7-6 (4-5)
  • 2019: 11-3 (8-1)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 18-20 (12-12); 0-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .474 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 3
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 19-20 (13-14); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .487 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 3
Years at First HC Gig: 4 years (Left for better job – Baylor)
Total HC Record: 58-55 (.513)

Northwestern: David Braun (No/4/8/.480 - 25 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: 4 years as DC at North Dakota State (plus 4 years as DC at D2 and NAIA schools)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 8 years (not including lower-level DC stints)

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Northwestern (Big Ten)
  • 2023: 8-5 (5-4)
  • 2024: 4-8 (2-7)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 12-13 (7-11); 0-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .480 – 25 games (as of Dec. 2024)
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 2 years and counting
Total HC Record: 12-13

Wisconsin: Luke Fickell (Yes/11/18/.480 – 25 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 11 years as co-DC at Ohio State
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 18 years

Non-Power 5
Cincinnati (American)
  • 2017: 4-8 (2-6)
  • 2018: 11-2 (6-2)
  • 2019: 11-3 (7-1)
Power 5
Wisconsin (Big Ten)
  • 2023: 7-6 (5-4)
  • 2024: 5-7 (3-6)
(Interim stint in 2011 at Ohio State went 6-7)

Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 26-13 (15-9); 2-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .667 – 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 12-13 (8-10); 0-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .480 – 25 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 6 years (Left for better job – Wisconsin)
Total HC Record: 76-37 (.673)

Maryland: Mike Locksley (Yes/4/13/.474 – 37 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: 4 years as OC at Illinois
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 13 years

Non-Power 5
New Mexico (MWC)
  • 2009: 1-11 (1-7)
  • 2010: 1-11 (1-7)
  • 2011: 0-4 (0-1) (fired mid-season)
Power 5
Maryland (Big Ten)
  • 2019: 3-9 (1-8)
  • 2021: 7-6 (3-6)
  • 2022: 8-5 (4-5)
(2020 COVID season not included: 2-3)

Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 2-26 (1-15); 0-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .071 – 28 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 18-20 (8-19); 2-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .474 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 2.5 years (Fired for performance)
Total HC Record: 35-66 (.357)

Washington: Jedd Fisch (No/4/8/.432 – 37 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 4 years as OC (2 years at Miami, 1 year at Minnesota, 1 year at UCLA; 2 years as Jacksonville Jaguars OC not included)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 8 years (not including 13 years as NFL position coach/assistant and OC)

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Arizona (Pac-12)
  • 2021: 1-11 (1-8)
  • 2022: 5-7 (3-6)
  • 2023: 10-3 (7-2)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 16-21 (11-16); 0-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .432 – 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 3
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Left for better job – Washington)
Total HC Record: 23-27 (.460)

Rutgers: Greg Schiano (Yes/2/9/.421 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 2 years as DC at Miami
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 9 years (not including 3 years as NFL position coach)

Non-Power 5
Rutgers (Big East)
  • 2001: 2-9 (0-7)
  • 2002: 1-11 (0-7)
  • 2003: 5-7 (2-5)
Power 5
Rutgers (Big Ten)
(COVID year not included: 3-6)
  • 2021: 5-8 (2-7)
  • 2022: 4-8 (1-8)
  • 2023: 7-6 (3-6)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 8-27 (2-19); 0-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .229 – 35 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 6 (11-2)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 16-22 (6-21); 0-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .421 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 11 years (Left for better job – Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Total HC Record: 93-100 (.482)

UCLA: DeShaun Foster (No/0/10/.417 – 12 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: None
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 10 years

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
UCLA (Big Ten)
  • 2024: 5-7 (3-6) (as of Dec. 2024)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 5-7 (3-6)
  • Win Percentage: .417 – 12 games (as of Dec. 2024)
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 1 year and counting
Total HC Record: 5-7 (.417)

Michigan State: Jonathan Smith (No/6/16/.378 – 37 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 6 years as OC (4 years at Washington, 2 years at FCS Montana)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 16 years

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Oregon State (Pac-12)
  • 2018: 2-10 (1-8)
  • 2019: 5-7 (4-5)
  • 2021: 7-6 (5-4) (2020 COVID season went 2-5)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 14-23 (10-17); 0-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .378 – 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 5 (10-3)
Years at First HC Gig: 6 years (Left for better job – Michigan State)
Total HC Record: 39-41 (.488)

Iowa: Kirk Ferentz (Yes/0/10/.314 – 35 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: None
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 10 years
Non-Power 5
  • Maine (FCS)
    • 1990: 3-8 (2-6)
    • 1991: 3-8 (2-6)
    • 1992: 6-5 (4-4)
Power 5
  • Iowa (Big Ten)
    • 1999: 1-10 (0-8)
    • 2000: 3-9 (3-5)
    • 2001: 7-5 (4-4)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 12-21 (8-16)
  • Win Percentage: .364 – 33 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 11-24 (7-17); 1-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .314 – 35 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4 (11-2)
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Better Job – NFL OL Coach)
Total HC Record: 203-123 (.623)

Ryan Walters (No/7/13/.208 – 24 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach

Major Coordinator Experience: 7 years as DC (5 years at Missouri, 2 years at Illinois)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 13 years

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Purdue (Big Ten)
  • 2023: 4-8 (3-6)
  • 2024: 1-11 (0-8)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 5-19 (3-14); 0-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .208 – 24 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 2 years (Fired for performance)
Total HC Record: 5-19 (.208)

Miami: Mario Cristobal (Yes/0/9/.775 – 40 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: None
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 9 years

Non-Power 5
FIU (Sun Belt)
  • 2007: 1-11 (1-6)
  • 2008: 5-7 (3-4)
  • 2009: 3-9 (3-5)
Power 5
Oregon (Pac-12)
  • 2018: 9-4 (5-4)
  • 2019: 12-2 (8-1)
  • 2021: 10-3 (7-2) (2020 COVID season: 4-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 9-27 (7-15)
  • First 10-Win Season: None
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 31-9 (20-7); 2-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .775 – 40 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Years at First HC Gig: 6 years (Fired for performance)
Total HC Record: 84-74 (.532)

Clemson: Dabo Swinney (No/0/16/.610 – 41 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: None
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 16 years (including 7-game stint as interim HC)

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Clemson (ACC)
  • 2009: 9-5 (6-2)
  • 2010: 6-7 (4-4)
  • 2011: 10-4 (6-2)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 25-16 (16-8); 1-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .610 – 41 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 3
Years at First HC Gig: 17 years and counting
Total HC Record: 179-45 (.799)

NC State: Dave Doeren (Yes/6/13/.474 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: 6 years as DC (3 years at Wisconsin, 2 years as co-DC at Wisconsin, 1 year as co-DC at Kansas)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 13 years

Non-Power 5
Northern Illinois (MAC)
  • 2011: 11-3 (7-1)
  • 2012: 12-1 (8-0)
Power 5
NC State (ACC)
  • 2013: 3-9 (0-8)
  • 2014: 8-5 (3-5)
  • 2015: 7-6 (3-5)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 23-4 (15-1)
  • Win Percentage: .852 – 27 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 18-20 (6-18); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .474 – 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: None
Years at First HC Gig: 2 years (Left for better job – NC State)
Total HC Record: 109-68 (.616)

Mack Brown (Yes/3/8/.242 – 33 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: 3 years as OC (2 years at Iowa State, 1 year at LSU)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 8 years

Non-Power 5
Appalachian State (FCS)
  • 1983: 6-5 (4-3)
Tulane (IND)
  • 1985: 1-10
  • 1986: 4-7
Power 5
North Carolina (ACC)
  • 1988: 1-10 (1-6)
  • 1989: 1-10 (0-7)
  • 1990: 6-4-1 (3-3-1)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 11-22 (4-3)
  • First 10-Win Season: None
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 8-24-1 (4-16-1)
  • Win Percentage: .242 - 33 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 6 (10-3)
Years at First HC Gig: 1 year (Left for OC job at Oklahoma)
Total HC Record: 282-149-1 (.654)

Duke: Manny Diaz (No/13/21/.595 – 37 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: 13 years as DC (4 years at Middle Tennessee State, 3 years at UT, 3 years at Miami, 2 years at Mississippi State, 1 year at Louisiana Tech)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 21 years

Non-Power 5
NONE

Power 5
Miami (ACC)
  • 2019: 6-7 (4-4)
  • 2020: 8-3 (7-2)
  • 2021: 7-5 (5-3)
Duke (ACC)
  • 2023: 9-3 (5-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 22-15 (14-10); 0-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .595 - 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Fired for performance)
Total HC Record: 29-18 (.617)

Florida State: Mike Norvell (Yes/5/10/.718 – 39 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
Major Coordinator Experience: 5 years as OC (4 years at Arizona State, 1 year as co-OC at Pittsburgh)
Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 10 years

Non-Power 5
Memphis (American)
  • 2016: 8-5 (5-3)
  • 2017: 10-3 (7-1)
  • 2018: 8-6 (5-3)
Power 5
Florida State (ACC)
  • 2020: 3-6 (COVID Year)
  • 2021: 5-7 (4-4)
  • 2022: 10-3 (5-3)
  • 2023: 13-1 (8-0)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 26-14 (17-7); 0-3 in bowl games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 28-11 (17-7); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .718 - 39 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Years at First HC Gig: 4 years (Left for better job)
Total HC Record: 71-42 (.628)

Pittsburgh: Pat Narduzzi (No/14/25/.553 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 14 years (8 years at Michigan State, 3 years at Cincinnati, 2 years at FCS Rhode Island, 1 year at Miami Ohio)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 25 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5

Pittsburgh (ACC)
  • 2015: 8-5 (6-2)
  • 2016: 8-5 (5-3)
  • 2017: 5-7 (3-5)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 21-17 (14-10); 0-2 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .553 - 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 7 (11-3)
Years at First HC Gig: 10 years and counting
Total HC Record: 72-54 (.571)

Georgia Tech: Brent Key (No/2/21/.545 – 33 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 2 years as OC at UCF
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 21 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • 2022: 4-4 (4-3) – Interim
  • 2023: 7-6 (5-3)
  • 2024: 7-5 (5-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 18-15 (14-9); 1-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .545 - 33 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years and counting
Total HC Record: 18-15 (.545)

Virginia Tech: Brent Pry (No/17/27/.444 – 36 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 17 years as DC (6 years at Penn State, 5 years at Louisiana Lafayette, 3 years as Vanderbilt co-DC, 2 years as Penn State co-DC, 1 year at Georgia Southern)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 27 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • 2022: 3-8 (1-6)
  • 2023: 7-6 (5-3)
  • 2024: 6-6 (4-4)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 16-20 (10-13); 1-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .444 - 36 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years and counting
Total HC Record: 16-20

Wake Forest: Dave Clawson (Yes/5/9/.351 – 37 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 5 years as OC (3 years at FCS Villanova, 2 years at FCS Fordham)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 9 years
Non-Power 5
  • Fordham (FCS):
    • 1999: 0-11 (0-6)
    • 2000: 3-8 (1-5)
    • 2001: 7-4 (5-2)
  • Fordham (29-29) → Richmond (29-20) → Bowling Green (32-31)
Power 5
  • Wake Forest (ACC):
    • 2014: 3-9 (1-7)
    • 2015: 3-9 (1-7)
    • 2016: 7-6 (3-5)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 10-23 (6-13)
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 4 (10-3)
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 13-24 (5-19); 1-0 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .351 - 37 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 8 (11-3)
Years at First HC Gig: 5 years (Left for better job - Richmond)
Total HC Record: 99-100 (.497)

Syracuse: Fran Brown (No/1/12/.750 – 12 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 1 year as co-DC at Temple
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 12 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • 2024: 9-3 (5-3)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 9-3 (5-3)
  • Win Percentage: .750 - 12 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 1 year and counting
Total HC Record: 9-3

Louisville: Jeff Brohm (Yes/3/12/.447 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 3 years as OC (1 year at Louisville, 1 year at Florida Atlantic, 1 year at Western Kentucky)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 12 years
Non-Power 5
  • Western Kentucky (C-USA):
    • 2014: 8-5 (4-4)
    • 2015: 12-2 (8-0)
    • 2016: 10-3 (7-1)
Power 5
  • Purdue (Big 10):
    • 2017: 7-6 (4-5)
    • 2018: 6-7 (5-4)
    • 2019: 4-8 (3-6)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 30-10 (19-5)
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 17-21 (12-15); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .447 - 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 7 (2024 at Louisville: 10-4)
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Left for better job – Purdue)
Total HC Record: 83-52 (.615)

California: Justin Wilcox (No/11/16/.526 – 38 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 11 years as DC (4 years at Boise State, 2 years at Tennessee, 2 years at Washington, 2 years at USC, 1 year at Wisconsin)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 16 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • 2017: 5-7 (2-7)
  • 2018: 7-6 (4-5)
  • 2019: 8-5 (4-5)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 20-18 (10-17); 1-1 in bowl games
  • Win Percentage: .526 - 38 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 8 years and counting
Total HC Record: 42-48 (.467)

SMU: Rhett Lashlee (Yes/11/14/.917 – 12 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 11 years as OC (4 years at Auburn, 2 years at Miami, 2 years at SMU, 1 year at Arkansas State, 1 year at FCS Samford)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 14 years
Non-Power 5
  • 2022: 7-6 (5-3)
  • 2023: 11-3 (8-0)
Power 5
  • 2024: 11-1 (8-0)
Non-Power 5 (First 2 Seasons)
  • Record: 18-9 (13-3); 0-2 in bowl games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 2
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 11-1 (8-0)
  • Win Percentage: .917 - 12 games
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 1
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years and counting
Total HC Record: 28-10 (.737)

Virginia: Tony Elliott (No/7/16.324 – 34 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 7 years as OC at Clemson (5 years as co-OC)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 16 years
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • 2022: 3-7 (1-6)
  • 2023: 3-9 (2-6)
  • 2024: 5-7 (3-5)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 11-23 (6-17)
  • Win Percentage: .324 - 34 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years and counting
Total HC Record: 11-23

Stanford: Troy Taylor (Yes/3/9/.250 – 24 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 3 years as OC (2 years at Utah, 1 year as co-OC at FCS Eastern Washington)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 9 years
Non-Power 5
  • Sacramento State (FCS):
    • 2019: 9-4 (7-1)
    • 2021: 9-3 (8-0)
    • 2022: 12-1 (8-0)
Power 5
  • Stanford (Pac 12/ACC):
    • 2023: 3-9 (2-7)
    • 2024: 3-9 (2-6)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 30-8 (23-1)
  • First 10-Win Season: Year 3
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 6-18 (4-13)
  • Win Percentage: .250 - 24 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 3 years (Left for better job – Stanford)
Total HC Record: 6-18 (.250)

Boston College: Bill O’Brien (No/4/14/.611 – 36 games)​

Prior to Being a First-Time D1 Head Coach
  • Major Coordinator Experience: 4 years as OC (2 years at Duke, 2 years at Georgia Tech)
  • Total College Coaching Experience (Coordinator/Position Coach): 14 years (not including 5 years as NFL OC/position coach)
Non-Power 5
  • None
Power 5
  • Penn State (Big 10):
    • 2012: 8-4 (6-2)
    • 2013: 7-5 (4-4)
  • Boston College (ACC):
    • 2024: 7-5 (4-4)
Non-Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: N/A
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Power 5 (First 3 Seasons)
  • Record: 22-14 (14-10)
  • Win Percentage: .611 – 36 games
  • First 10-Win Season: N/A
Years at First HC Gig: 2 years (Left for NFL HC job)
Total HC Record: 22-14 (.611)
 
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