In light of Nick Saban’s fourth BCS title, the second in a row and third in the last four seasons, there is no disputing that he is king of the college ranks. But if you wanted to line up everyone else where do they all belong? We'll answer that here as we rank then top 10 current coaches in the college game.
First, here are some excellent coaches who just missed the cut, yet deserved a mention: Bret Bielema of Arkansas, Mack Brown of Texas, Dave Doeren of N.C. State, and Gary Patterson of Texas Christian.
10. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech: 216-104-2 record, 20 Bowl appearances: Beamer had a streak of eight straight 10-plus win seasons snapped this year with a 7-6 record though he led the Hokies to their 20th straight bowl appearance anyway. Included in those 20 bowl trips are four trips apiece to the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
9. Les Miles, LSU: 113-42 record, 1 National Title, 11 Bowl appearances: Miles’ Tigers went 1-1 last year against Alabama and were a top team again this past season, and Miles himself has finally stepped out of the enormous shadow left at LSU by predecessor Nick Saban. His teams have gone 34-6 the past three seasons in the incredibly tough SEC.
8. Brian Kelly, Notre Dame: 81-33 record, 6 Bowl appearances: Kelly wasted no time in turning Cincinnati into a national power, compiling a 34-6 record there, before coming to Notre Dame and leading them to a title-game shot this past season—his third at the school. With the looks of his team this year, combined with top recruiting classes with the Irish, and a great record at previous stops, it would appear that Notre Dame will be at the top of the rankings for many years to come.
7. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina: 208-77-2 record, 1 National Title, 19 Bowl appearances: Spurrier has now compiled back-to-back 11-win seasons at once-lowly South Carolina, of all places, while coaching in the ever-difficult SEC. That in itself is an accomplishment. Of course, what he did at Florida (122-27-1 in 12 seasons) speaks for itself.
