Analyzing the 2024 College Football Head Coach Rankings: A Focus on the Journey of Luke Fickell
The lower end of the ranking was populated with familiar names, primarily unproven former assistants. This group includes UCLA Head Coach (HC) DeShaun Foster at No. 68, Syracuse HC Fran Brown at No. 67, Mississippi State HC Jeff Lebby at No. 66, and Purdue HC Ryan Walters at No. 65. Foster, Lebby, and Brown were all hired this offseason following their successful tenures as the UCLA running backs coach, Oklahoma offensive coordinator, and Georgia DBs coach, respectively. Interestingly, none of these three have prior head coaching experience.
The contrast between this bottom tier and the top group is stark. As expected, Kirby Smart, Dan Lanning, Dabo Swinney, and Ryan Day are among the top-ranked coaches. Notably, the top group is no longer led by college football legend Nick Saban, signaling a shift in the landscape of college football leadership.
One coach who has garnered particular attention is Wisconsin HC Luke Fickell. Prior to the 2023 season, Fickell was ranked No. 9 on CBS’ list. This high ranking came two years after he led Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff and shortly after he took over at Wisconsin amidst high expectations.
However, the Badgers’ 7-6 record in the 2023 season, including losses to Indiana and Northwestern, predictably cooled the national sentiment towards the program and Fickell. Despite the challenging season, Fickell’s leadership and coaching abilities remain highly respected.
As we enter 2024, the focus shifts to where Fickell ranks among CBSSports’ top 25 coaches in college football. His journey, marked by significant achievements and occasional setbacks, serves as a testament to his resilience and commitment to the sport. His ability to navigate the challenges of the 2023 season and lead his team into the new year will undoubtedly factor into his ranking.
In conclusion, the annual college football head coach ranking by CBSSports provides valuable insights into the leadership landscape of college football. The ranking reflects not only the coaches’ past achievements but also their potential for future success. As fans and followers of the sport, we eagerly anticipate the release of the top 25 rankings and look forward to another exciting year of college football.