Kirk Herbstreit reveals his top performing coaches from Week 12

Week 12 is complete, with the college football season coming to a close. While it may have not been the most exciting slate on paper, there were plenty of great results out there for teams across the country. Upsets occurred, while others gained clarity on their potential conference championship or College Football Playoff pictures.

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit revealed his top-performing coaches from Week 12, keeping the process pretty simple. Usually, there are a few assistants thrown in there, giving love to specific units. This time, Herbstreit looked at great team wins and gave credit to seven different head coaches out there.

All but one of the head coaches come from a Power Five conference. However, the Group of Five school might have had the most impressive win of them all, coming in at No. 1 for Kirk Herbstreit.

1. New Mexico State HC Jerry Kill

For the first time in program history, New Mexico State got a win against a Power Five school. And of all teams, it was the Auburn Tigers with Hugh Freeze on the opposing sideline.

This was not a normal upset win where the underdog squeaked one out. It was a three-touchdown difference where the Aggies dominated the time of possession as well. A great win for Kill and his squad to improve to 9-3 on the season.

2. Arizona HC Jedd Fisch

When Fisch took over, Arizona was one of the worst programs in the Power Five. A true rebuild was going to commence and it’s maybe taken a shorter amount of time than thought.

Arizona has eight wins for the first time since 2014, with the latest coming against Utah. It’s the sixth game against a ranked opponent in seven games, with four of them resulting in wins.

3. Clemson HC Dabo Swinney

When Swinney told the people to buy Clemson stock, he may have been on to something. After reaching a new low, there has been a jolt of energy, and beating North Carolina is another boost for the Tigers.

For the second time in three weeks, Clemson has beaten a ranked team. A comfortable 11-point win against an impressive UNC squad continues to build momentum for what possibly could have been a sunk season.

4. Kansas State HC Chris Klieman

Nothing beats getting an in-state rivalry win this late in the season. Especially in the Sunflower Showdown, where both teams are progressing well as programs.

Klieman has Kansas State playing good football at the right time, still being in the Big 12 Championship race. Going on the road against Kansas may be the most impressive of what has been a great set of wins for the Wildcats.

5. UCLA HC Chip Kelly

UCLA began the week by reading reports of Kelly being fired at the end of the season, wanting to go a new direction in the Big Ten. Had the Bruins come out flat and potentially playing uninspired, you would have not been too surprised.

But they responded and took it to their rival, the USC Trojans. While there are plenty of problems on the other side of town, maybe Kelly earned himself some more time with UCLA.

6. Virginia HC Tony Elliott

Not too long ago, people were wondering if Duke had a real opportunity to make a run at the ACC Championship. Sure, quarterback injuries have hampered them but Mike Elko‘s squad is still considered a quality one in the conference.

Virginia was able to take them down and earn their third win of the season. Tough times have certainly been there for the Hoos but getting this type of win is another step in the right direction.

7. Northwestern HC David Braun

Fresh off getting the full-time head coaching job, Braun was able to do what many thought would be impossible this season for Northwestern. They will be playing in the postseason and have an opportunity to finish with a winning record.

Northwestern dominated the preseason headlines due to a hazing scandal. Pat Fitzgerald was fired and everyone thought the Wildcats were trending down. Beating Purdue in front of the home crowd must have been an incredible feeling for Braun.

Kirk Herbstreit will be back next week, giving out some credit for getting rivalry wins. Coaches can really earn some money by performing well in the most important games of the season.