College Football: Today's Top Five Coaches

As the 2008 season approaches, many teams are vying to play for the BCS Championship in Miami.  One of the most important determining factors for these teams is the man who is running the show.

Here's a look at the five coaches who are the best men to lead their respective schools to the 2008 BCS Championship in Miami come January 2009.

5. Mark Richt, Georgia - BCS Championships: None

Although Richt has yet to reach, let alone win, the BCS Championship Game, he has led Georgia to great success in his tenure.  The winner of two SEC Championships and three appearances in the Sugar Bowl, Georgia fields its most talented team in recent memory, looking to make a push for the second national title in school history.

Along with being a great leader, Richt is a great motivator, spurring a phenomenal run by the ‘Dawgs at the end of last season, sparked by "The Celebration" during their clash with rival Florida.

During his time at Georgia, Richt has overseen a defense that has improved every season since his arrival.  He has been a great recruiter, bringing in Georgia stars such as QB David Greene, WR Reggie Brown, and Heisman hopeful HB Knowshon Moreno.

Richt is determined to lead the "Dawgs through the nation's toughest schedule to win the SEC Championship and possibly win his first BCS Championship as a head coach.

Previous Success: Mark Richt was the offensive coordinator under Bobby Bowden at Florida State from 1990-2000.  Richt coached Heisman Trophy winners QB Charlie Ward (1993) and QB Chris Weinke (1999) and helped the Seminoles win the 1993 and 1999 National Championships.

4. Jim Tressel, Ohio State - BCS Championships: 1 (2002)

Although Tressel has had the misfortune of running into SEC juggernauts Florida and LSU the past two years in the BCS title game, he is still one of the best coaching minds in the game today.

A two-time winner of the Woody Hayes Award, Tressel coached 2006 Heisman Trophy winner QB Troy Smith and holds a 73-16 record at Ohio State, as well as a 6-1 mark against archrival Michigan.  In addition, Tressel has won four Big Ten Championships and has had two different winning streaks of 19 games, in 2002-2003 and 2005-2006, respectively.

Ohio State looks to win their fourth straight Big Ten Championship and to make a third appearance in the BCS title game in as many years.  This time around, Tressel will make sure the Buckeyes walk away national champions.

Previous Success: Jim Tressel was the head football coach at Division I-AA Youngstown State from 1986-2000.  During his tenure at Youngstown State, Tressel led the Penguins to four national championships, the most recent title coming in 1997.  Youngstown State made an impressive 10 trips to the playoffs in Tressel’s 15 seasons as head coach.

3. Urban Meyer, Florida - BCS Championships: 1 (2006)

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