Troy Calhoun, Air Force (9-4): The hiring was hailed in this space when it happened, but Calhoun exceeded even the loftiest of expectations. Calhoun came from the Jim Grobe School of Football, then got his "PhD in football" in the NFL. To top it off, he's a cadet. His team finished second in the nation in rushing in his first season.
With Paul Johnson gone from Navy, the Commander-in-Chief trophy will return to Colorado Springs for an extended period of time, just as it did for much of the Fisher DeBerry tenure. Calhoun will likely stay at Air Force for an extended period of time. A BCS bowl berth could be in the future—and what a story that would be.
Nick Saban, Alabama (7-6): Some would argue that Saban's struggles in his return to the SEC are a testament to just how tough the league has gotten since he left—the embarrassing loss to Louisiana-Monroe refutes that argument. Saban locked up a solid recruiting class and will ultimately be in the mix annually in the SEC. Just don't expect him to wipe that slick smile off Tommy Tuberville's face too soon.
Dennis Erickson, Arizona State (10-3): The white-haired wonder is up to his old tricks. He built on a solid foundation laid by Dirk Koetter (we'll see him again). His hiring was criticized for being short-sighted, but he may just set up the Sun Devils to take off in the coming years.
Stan Brock, Army (3-9): If Navy and Air Force have taught us anything, it is that Army could win if they hired a creative and intelligent coach—something Brock is not. Bobby Ross was criticized for delaying his retirement to force the hiring of Brock. If true, he handcuffed Army football for years. Unfortunately, the only thing the Black Knights have to look forward to in their clash with Navy is singing their Alma Mater after getting beat.
Jeff Jagodzinkski, Boston College (11-3): Coach Jag played in the ACC title game and produced a Heisman candidate QB, but those results could be misleading. Last year's BC team was likely the best Tom O'Brien team moving forward. That isn't necessarily a knock on Jag, but rather a caution to take a wait and see approach with him.
He came in with the reputation as being an expert in the NFL's zone running attack, yet his first BC team finished 106th nationally in rushing—that is a knock.
Butch Jones, Central Michigan (8-6): Jones was a questionable hire, but did manage to win a MAC title in year one. Dan LeFevour may graduate as the most statistically impressive QB in college football history, so Jones should muster better than an 8-6 season in the MAC.
Jones came in with a profile of a guy who could learn on the job. We'll see if he's a quick enough study to cash in on LeFevour's tremendous talents.
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