Ranking The Top 10 College Football Head Coaches Ahead of the 2023 Season
College football season is less than 100 days away, and many of the best coaches in the sport will be back on the sidelines starting in September.
There are some coaches that stand out above the rest heading into the 2023 season.
Here's a look into 10 of the current best and where each of them stand:
1. Kirby Smart, Georgia.
There's no question that Georgia has impressed many as college football's potential next dynasty team.
2. Nick Saban, Alabama.
The past two years have been difficult by Alabama standards, but Nick Saban is one of the most well-known coaches in college football. He has the magic that the Crimson Tide needs to potentially make the College Football Playoff in 2023.
3. Dabo Swinney, Clemson.
After winning ten and eleven games but having no playoff appearances in that time, many people are starting to question Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. This speaks volumes about how great of a coach he is. With potential star Cade Klubnik and new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, don't be surprised to see the Tigers back in the CFP.
4. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
Fans once wanted him fired for not beating the arch-rival and failing to win the national championship. Harbaugh has made Michigan the team to beat in the Big 10.
5. Brian Kelly, LSU
After an impressive run at Notre Dame, Kelly decided to shock the world and go down South to Baton Rogue. He did not disappoint by winning the toughest division in college football in year one. Do not be shocked if the Tigers find their way into the College Football Playoff.
6. Kyle Whittingham, Utah
This is not a flashy name, but it's hard to argue what he has done at Utah: back-to-back Pac-12 titles and Rose Bowl appearances, along with beating the next guy on our list twice.
7. Lincoln Riley, USC
Another shocking move in the offseason following the 2021 season was Lincoln Riley's decision to leave an elite Oklahoma program to go West and revive a crumbling USC program. Riley restored USC in what seemed like 24 hours, and now the Trojans bring back the Heisman trophy winner for the 2023 season.
8. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
Many thought they would never see a Group of Five team get a berth in the College Football Playoff. Fickell proved everyone wrong by leading Cincinnati to the Promised Land in 2021; he now takes charge of a Wisconsin program with more resources and talent. The Badgers could win the Big 10 West this year.
9. Josh Heupel, Tennessee
Tennessee fans had something to be loud and proud about this past season thanks to second-year head coach Josh Heupel. Heupel brought UT fans their biggest win in Rocky Top in a decade with their big victory over Alabama. The Vols lost their star quarterback Hendon Hooker, but have an arguably more-talented player this year in Joe Milton.
10. Ryan Day, Ohio State
Perhaps the toughest coach to name to this list was Ohio State coach Ryan Day. Day has been standing on third base from the moment he became the head coach of the Buckeyes, and he has yet to move.
At times it looked like he was going backwards, but with only six losses in his head coaching tenure, it's hard to say he doesn't deserve a spot, although it's reasonable to see reason for skepticism.
