ESPN ranks top 10 coaches in college football

ESPN ranked the top 10 coaches in college football as spring practices were underway across the country.

We are that much closer to college football this fall. A new season will be upon us and there are 10 coaches who stand out among the rest.

Let’s dive into ESPN’s list of the top 10 coaches in college football going into the 2024 season.

1. Kirby Smart, Georgia

With Nick Saban retired, more on that in a second, Smart takes the mantle per ESPN. The two-time national champion nearly had a third in a row last season.

Georgia is the dominant program right now and probably the favorite to win it all in 2024. Smart’s on field decisions and recruiting is immaculate right now.

2. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama

DeBoer is Saban’s replacement. Not too shabby right? He led Washington to the national championship game last season and now gets Alabama resources.

Sure, Washington was going into the Big Ten while he was still there and is now in a “Power Two” conference, if you will. But now DeBoer has a true arsenal at his disposal where he can prove his worth.

3. Kyle Whittingham, Utah

The guy everyone always respects. It’s hard not to like Whittingham, especially with the way he coached his team to two straight Pac-12 titles and nearly pulled off an unbelievable run last year amid so many injuries.

The Utes are in the Big 12 now and Whittingham will coach, arguably, the best team in the conference. You don’t last two decades at a program for no reason.

4. Dabo Swinney, Clemson

Sure, there’s been a lot of criticism surrounding Swinney since winning his last national title. If Clemson falls down the hole further in 2024, it could be warranted.

But, a nice end to the 2023 season showed that with a couple of tweaks, Clemson would be back in the title picture. With the expanded playoff, Swinney could get the Tigers right in position to make some noise. You don’t win 170 games by accident.

5. Mike Norvell, Florida State

Norvell’s only gotten better year after year. Last year was his peak, he just didn’t get a chance to prove it in the College Football Playoff despite an undefeated record.

But with high profile transfers and tremendous recruiting, Norvell has Florida State back in the spotlight. He’s earned his spot in the top five of ESPN’s list.

6. Dan Lanning, Oregon

It’s only been two years of Lanning so far, but they’ve been great. Coming from the Smart coaching tree, Lanning proved himself, especially last year.

The bugaboo was Washington, twice. However, Oregon should definitely be one of the favorites in the Big Ten this season. His team has talent all over the field.

7. Steve Sarkisian, Texas

Sarkisian got over the hump and led Texas to the Big 12 title and the College Football Playoff. In an epic game, the Longhorns fell short to Washington in the CFP Semifinals.

However, Sarkisian got the monkey of Texas’ proverbial back and it springboarded the program forward as it begins its SEC tenure in 2024. Now, the real challenge is here.

8. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss

This era of Lane Kiffin is so awesome to watch isn’t it? His hilarious takes on Twitter, entertaining press conferences, laissez faire attitude and it all translates to winning.

Kiffin just gets it. He’s won double digit games multiple times at Ole Miss when this school is well behind the arms race within the SEC. An expanded playoff with Ole Miss in it? It can definitely happen and we need it.

9. Lance Leipold, Kansas

Leipold’s job cannot be understated. His ability to resurrect Kansas should go down in history. This team is a legitimate contender within the Big 12.

Now with Texas and Oklahoma gone, it’s certainly wide open. He’s won everywhere he’s been and he continued that trend with the Jayhawks. Leipold is easily a top 10 coach.

10. Ryan Day, Ohio State

Day is at the backend of the list going into 2024, but make no mistake, a ton of programs would want him as their coach. He’s won a lot. Just not the big one.

He made a significant change once he lost BIll O’Brien as his OC. Bringing in Chip Kelly was a radical move considering the latter is his former boss and was the head coach at UCLA just a few months ago. If Day can conquer Michigan again and finally win a national title, he’ll sky rocket up the coaching list.

It’s an early look but one that is subject to change. We’ll see how these top 10 coaches pan out in their respective situations come the fall.