The legendary Wildcat linebacker took a nice step forward in '08, going 6-6 and leading the Big Ten in total offense. Unfortunately, he had to replace both his offensive coordinator (Garrick McGee, took Arkansas QB job) and defensive coordinator (Greg Colby, fired).
Northwestern was without an athletic director during the hiring process, so this was a tough task for the young Fitzgerald. He made a couple of solid choices in Mick McCall (BGSU offensive coordinator) and Mike Hankwitz (Wisconsin defensive coordinator). Fitzgerald will need time and Northwestern will afford him that.
NU eventually hired Northern Illinois' AD Jim Phillips, a rising star. Coupled with Fitzgerald's energetic yet stoic personality, Northwestern may have found the right combo to win in a challenging environment.
Todd Graham, Rice (7-6, ---)
Graham got a lot of credit for taking Rice to their first bowl game since 1961. Tulsa liked what he did too, so they hired their old defensive coordinator back as head coach.
Chuck Long, San Diego State (3-9, 4-8)
The former Heisman finalist appeared to be ready for his own head gig after a long and successful tenure as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator. Last season's successful offense was wasted due to a horrid defense. That offensive unit was ravaged by graduation, including NFL draft pick QB Kevin O'Connell.
Long could be the first of this group to be shown the door.
Al Golden, Temple (1-11, 4-8)
Only at a place like Temple is a 4-8 season cause for celebration. People at Temple weren't the only ones who were impressed with Golden's work—he interviewed for the UCLA job.
Golden, one of two Virginia coordinators in this coaching class, and Gill could have the MAC East flipped upside down in just three or four years. Golden is eyeing the head job at his alma mater, Penn State, but is likely a long shot.
Bret Bielema, Wisconsin (11-1, 9-4)
Bielema took over as part of a succession plan to replace the legendary Barry Alvarez after serving as defensive coordinator. His 11-1 season was outshined by only Peterson among first-year coaches in '06. Wisconsin was kept out of a BCS bowl due to the rule preventing a conference from sending three schools to bowls.
Bielema has Wisconsin best suited to crash Ohio State and Michigan's party atop the Big Ten.
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