College Football Coaches’ Performance Assessment: Evaluating Year 3-to-Year 4 Transitions
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, coaches face immense pressure to deliver immediate results. With the advent of the transfer portal and other roster construction strategies, the traditional four-year grace period for coaches to establish their programs has been significantly shortened. As coaches enter their fourth year, a comprehensive evaluation of their performance and trajectory becomes crucial in determining their long-term success.
Grading the 2020-2021 Coaching Cycle
To assess the performance of college football coaches at the end of their third season, we delve into the achievements and challenges faced by eight prominent coaches who took the helm of their respective programs in 2020:
Arizona: Jedd Fisch
Jedd Fisch’s tenure at Arizona concluded with a respectable 16-21 record. While the Wildcats showed steady improvement during his three-year tenure, culminating in a 10-win season and a third-place finish in the Pac-12, his departure for Washington left a sense of unfinished business. Nonetheless, Fisch’s efforts in rebuilding the program and laying the foundation for future success earned him a solid grade of B.
Illinois: Bret Bielema
Bret Bielema’s 18-19 record at Illinois may not seem impressive at first glance, but a closer examination reveals his positive impact on the program. Bielema’s astute coaching hires and player development efforts have laid the groundwork for future success. The Illini’s eight-win season in 2022 showcased their potential and Bielema’s ability to elevate the program. Despite a slightly below .500 winning percentage, Bielema’s performance merits a grade of B-.
Kansas: Lance Leipold
Lance Leipold’s transformation of Kansas football has been nothing short of remarkable. Inheriting a program that had not appeared in a bowl game since 2009, Leipold has guided the Jayhawks to two bowl appearances in just three years. Moreover, Kansas secured its first ranking in the final AP Top 25 poll since 2007 under Leipold’s leadership. While his overall record of 17-21 may not be eye-catching, the context of his achievements and the trajectory of the program warrant an A- grade.
South Carolina: Shane Beamer
Shane Beamer has revitalized South Carolina football, leading the Gamecocks to their first eight-win season since 2017 and their first final ranking in the AP Top 25 since the Steve Spurrier era. Beamer’s ability to secure signature victories against Tennessee, Texas A&M, Auburn, Clemson, and Kentucky (twice) has endeared him to the fan base. Despite a disappointing 5-7 record in 2023, his overall body of work earns him a grade of B.
Tennessee: Josh Heupel
Josh Heupel’s arrival at Tennessee in 2021 was met with skepticism, given the program’s struggles and the NCAA scandal it was embroiled in. However, Heupel has exceeded expectations, rebuilding the Volunteers in his image and delivering memorable moments for the fan base. With no losing seasons, an 11-win peak in 2022, and a resurgent recruiting operation, Tennessee is poised to compete in the revamped SEC. Heupel’s transformative impact earns him a well-deserved A grade.
Texas: Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian has guided Texas through a period of transition and revitalization during his first three seasons at the helm. After a challenging debut season, Sarkisian has instilled a winning culture and bolstered the program’s roster through strategic recruiting. The Longhorns’ championship aspirations materialized in 2023, culminating in a road victory over Alabama. With Arch Manning now in the fold, Texas is poised to make a significant impact in the new-look SEC. Sarkisian’s efforts merit an A grade.
UCF: Gus Malzahn
Gus Malzahn has maintained a strong profile at UCF, accumulating the third-highest win total among coaches in this cycle. His consistent bowl appearances and two nine-win campaigns are testaments to his ability to sustain success. Despite a step back during the Knights’ transition to the Big 12, Malzahn’s 9-2 record in nonconference regular season play since his arrival indicates his capacity to navigate challenging schedules. His overall performance earns him a B grade.
Vanderbilt: Clark Lea
Clark Lea’s tenure at Vanderbilt has been marked by incremental progress and a renewed sense of competitiveness. In 2023, Lea snapped the program’s double-digit overall losing streak, secured the program’s first SEC win since 2019, and defeated Florida for the first time since 2013. While the Commodores fell short of bowl eligibility in 2023, Lea’s efforts in rebuilding the program and attracting talent through the transfer portal suggest a brighter future. He receives a C- grade for his efforts.
Conclusion
The evaluation of college football coaches’ performance at the end of their third season provides valuable insights into their ability to establish a winning culture, develop talent, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the sport. The coaches discussed in this assessment have demonstrated varying degrees of success, but each has made a significant impact on their respective programs. As they enter their fourth year, their continued growth and adaptation will be crucial in determining their long-term legacy in the world of college football.