Ranking the 12 Greatest Football Managers for 2026

1. Willie Fritz, Houston

YoIt didn’t take long for Willie Fritz to lead Houston to a 10-win season.

Having that level of success at a program like Houston is distinguishable.

Imagine what you would do in a school with more resources.

2. Kalani Sitake, BYU

TO Proven culture builder with a solid foundation.

BYU football is a growing power in the Big 12.

It is difficult to achieve consistent success. Kalani Sitake knows how to get the job done.

3. Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State

tThe Sun Devils are flying under the radar this offseason.

There are no real expectations and the hype is minimal.

But don’t be surprised if ASU exceeds expectations this year.

4. Sonny Dykes, TCU

tTheir run to the National Championship in 2022 was historic.

But with an up-and-down career, Sonny Dykes will be judged by what happens next.

TCU has the resources to compete. The onus is on Dykes to keep the promise.

5. Joey McGuire, Texas Tech

the crushing loss to Oregon in the Playoffs is a stain on Joey McGuire’s resume.

Combined with the Brendan Sorsby disaster, it’s been an ugly stretch for Texas Tech.

With so much money to compete, the results should be better.

6. Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia

TO failed. That’s what some would say about Rich Rod.

The truth is that he is one of the best coaches in college football.

He will get it going again in West Virginia.

7. Brent Brennan, Arizona

tThis season could change the trajectory of Brent Brennan’s career.

After nine victories in 2025, expectations increase. Both coordinators return along with a senior quarterback.

The stars may be aligning for Arizona.

8. Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati

METROomentum is forming in Cincinnati.

The Bearcats are becoming competitive in league play after stumbling in their first seasons in the Big 12.

It takes time to build a consistent foundation. Once this is implemented, the expectations of continuous improvement are real.

9. Dave Aranda, Baylor

W.Eager to try fourth down on a regular basis, Dave Aranda is one of a kind.

But Baylor has been underperforming lately. Expectations for this year are low.

The Bears could be in for another season of mediocrity.

10. Lance Leipold, Kansas

YoIt’s not easy to win in a place like Kansas.

Lance Leipold makes the most of the resources at his disposal.

With the bar artificially low, the main challenge is staying consistent.

11. Scott Frost, UCF

W.Without the benefit of the doubt, Scott Frost enters a critical year.

He led UCF to five wins in 2025. If he can make a bowl appearance this season, his job will be secure.

However, Frost’s track record as a coach doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.

12. Deion Sanders, Colorado

dosmelled is going in the wrong direction.

The hype around the program has faded. Once the favorites of the college football world, reality has set in.

All it takes is one season to regain momentum.

13. Jimmy Rogers, Iowa State

TOAfter spending one season at Washington State, Jimmy Rogers took advantage of the opportunity Iowa State gave him.

He led the Cougars to a respectable 6-6 record in his first year as an FBS coach.

Praised for their results at the FCS level, the Cyclones could have hit a home run.

14. Eric Morris, Oklahoma State

tFormer North Texas coach takes over at Oklahoma State. He spent three years at Denton, compiling a coaching record of 22-16.

Enter a big stage in Stillwater.

Keep an eye on the Pokes. The potential for a surprising season is real.

15. Morgan Scalley, Utah

FFirst-year coaches are wild cards.

Utah has enough talent to compete in the Big 12. However, regime changes are never easy.

How Morgan Scalley approaches the first year will be fundamental.

16. Collin Klein, Kansas State

myIn his first year as head coach, expectations outside of Manhattan are low.

Without any experience to judge, it’s hard to hurt Collin Klein and Kansas State’s season.

Perhaps the Wildcats will outperform under his leadership.