Brian Kelly, Cincinnati (10-3): Kelly is exhibit one in how conference realignment can drive the growth of a program. That being said, it would be hard to envision Kelly settling into the Queen City. A guy who cut his teeth in Division II, it is difficult to tell what type of challenge he would like to take on next. Whatever it is, he'll do well.
Mario Cristobal, FIU (1-11): With all the positive publicity Florida's smaller programs got (UCF, USF, FAU), FIU flat-out stunk in Cristobal's first season. He recruited well and a new stadium is on the way, but Cristobal may be too raw of a sideline man to have success in this situation.
Rob Akey, Idaho (1-11): A hire like Akey is a great reason why things in the panhandle aren't as pleasant as they are in the high desert. Some proud football teams used to run out of the Kibbie Dome tunnel, but that hasn't been the case for years. My advice to Idaho: NEXT.
Bill Lynch, Indiana (7-6): It was without question a special season for the Hoosiers and one that should be remembered for years to come. The bowl berth forced the administration to take the interim tag off Lynch.
Ironically, Terry Hoeppner's death gave birth to a great opportunity for Lynch, whose career had seemed to pass him by. He'll likely have to bite off more than he can chew. If Kellen Lewis isn't eligible this fall, things could get ugly quick at IU.
Gene Chzik, Iowa State (3-9): The highly sought-after Chzik came to Iowa State with little fanfare, proving that it's nearly impossible for a program like Iowa State to make a big splash with a hire. Nonetheless, Chzik is a fantastic hire for this program.
Chzik's year was a classic first year of a tough rebuilding process: over the course of a lot of lumps, the team had some pretty high moments. Chzik's first year in Ames looked much more like Ron Zook's second year at Illinois than his first. The only concern for Chzik is that he joined the Big 12 North at a time when it's never been tougher and has never had better coaches.
Derek Dooley, Louisiana Tech (5-7): Bill Belichick's biography is called "The Education of a Coach." Dooley will likely be able to someday pen a book called "The Education of an SEC Coach." He had a successful first year on the field and took on the dual role of Athletic Director this offseason. He'll be in dad's old league in a few years.
Steve Kragthorpe, Louisville (6-6): Louisville acted quickly in hiring the highly-regarded Kragthorpe. Nobody could have expected the disappointment he would bring to Derby City. Kragthorpe did more damage to his career in one season than anyone in memory. He's retooled his coordinators—but Kragthorpe is gasping for air.
Randy Shannon, Miami (5-7):
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