First-Year College Football Coaches Primed for Big Things in 2015
Rebuilding mode? What's that?
Just because a head coach is entering his first year with a new program doesn't mean he can't hit the ground running. While it takes time for every new coach to put his stamp on things and get players to buy in, some inherit good situations. With the right fit and perhaps a little bit of luck, first-year coaches don't have to settle for losing seasons or tempered expectations.
Certainly, that holds true for the upcoming season.
Which first-year coaches are primed for big things in 2015? We have five in the following slides who take over ready-to-win rosters. Coaches are selected based on returning players, upcoming schedules and realistic goals.
Pat Narduzzi
1 of 5
Pat Narduzzi's promotion from Michigan State's defensive coordinator to a head coach has been long-awaited. He inherits a fairly young Pitt roster with one of the ACC's best running back-wide receiver combos: James Conner and Tyler Boyd.
Last year, those two combined for about 53 percent of Pitt's total offensive yards and nearly two-thirds of the team's touchdowns. Both are the ACC's returning leaders in their respective categories.
And while quarterback Chad Voytik might not be the ACC's most prolific passer given the run-heavy offense he's operated in, he's also on the underrated side.
The Panthers lose seven seniors from last year's team but return plenty of sophomores and juniors. There's a lot of returning talent.
The last time Pitt won more than eight games was in 2009 when the Panthers went 10-3 under Dave Wannstedt in the old Big East conference. There's an invitingly achievable bar that's been set, and the Panthers play in the wide-open ACC Coastal Division. The circumstances are such that Narduzzi could do some damage in year one.
Realistic Goal: 8-9 Wins
Paul Chryst
2 of 5
Staying with coaches who have Pitt ties, new Wisconsin head honcho Paul Chryst could have a nice first year with the Badgers.
Yes, this team loses running back Melvin Gordon, who led the country with 2,587 yards on the ground and 29 touchdowns. However, Corey Clement had nearly 1,000 yards as a backup and averaged 6.46 yards per carry. Provided the Badgers can put together another stout offensive line, Wisconsin's rushing attack should be just fine.
Philosophically, not much should change. Wisconsin is built to run the ball, and that fits into Chryst's game plan. There are a lot of returning starters elsewhere, and the Big Ten West Division isn't as top-heavy as its East counterpart.
Despite head-coaching turnover, the Badgers have dominated their division in recent years, appearing in three of the first four Big Ten championship games. It wouldn't be surprising to see Chryst get Wisconsin back there in year one.
Realistic Goal: Big Ten West Title
Mike Bobo
3 of 5
Former Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was—we'll say—an interesting hire for Colorado State. Long term, we'll see how well Bobo meshes with his new program.
Right away, though, Bobo could have an excellent year with the Rams in 2015.
Bobo inherits a veteran group that won 10 games last year in a Mountain West conference that was better than advertised. For context, four teams out of the Mountain Division, including CSU, won at least 10 games.
Replacing quarterback Garrett Grayson and running back Dee Hart on offense will be a challenge, but Biletnikoff Award finalist and All-American receiver Rashard Higgins is back. The Rams also get arguably their two toughest games—against Minnesota and Boise State—at home.
Realistic Goal: 8-10 Wins
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Mike Riley
4 of 5
It may have felt in some ways like former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini never accomplished much. Yet, the Cornhuskers were among the most consistent teams in college football under Pelini. Winning nine and 10 games per season may not be what Husker fans truly wanted, but that's not a feat to scoff at either.
Even with a new coach in Mike Riley, formerly at Oregon State, a nine- or 10-win season isn't out of the conversation. "I think Mike is perfect for this place," former Texas coach Mack Brown said recently (via Brian Christopherson, the Lincoln Journal-Star). "He's so much like a Frank Solich and a Tom Osborne, because he's humble, he's smart, he's polite. But at the same time, he's going to do a good job coaching football."
Riley inherits a good situation, too. Playmaker Ameer Abdullah is gone, as is veteran receiver Kenny Bell. However, there's a lot to feel good about with this team, which is filled with juniors and seniors.
The big question—besides fielding a stout defense without star edge-rusher Randy Gregory—is the development of quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr., specifically as it relates to Riley's more pro-style offense. Armstrong has good playmaking ability with his feet but is still growing as a passer.
However, Riley has coached up great quarterbacks and running backs, and he's more than good enough to adapt to his team's strengths. Imani Cross has been Abdullah's backup but should be ready to be the feature back.
Realistic Goal: Big Ten West Title
Tom Herman
5 of 5
Former Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman was perhaps the hottest coaching name toward the end of last season. Houston scooped up a good one after firing Tony Levine, and Fox Sports analyst Bruce Feldman thinks Herman can make the biggest impact of any first-year coach.
"Tony Levine left behind a bunch of very good players on both sides of the ball," Feldman writes. "From talking to folks close to the program, this figures to be the most talented Cougars squad in a generation."
The Cougars have to settle on a quarterback. Incumbent starter Greg Ward Jr. and Utah transfer Adam Schulz are the leading candidates. The offense also has to replace its top two receivers, Deontay Greenberry and Markeith Ambles.
However, there's a lot of talent returning, especially on defense. Keep in mind that defense finished No. 15 in the nation in points allowed per game, too. Feldman predicts 10 wins wouldn't be a stretch, and the schedule indeed isn't overly daunting. Whatever the win total, Herman has a good chance to compete for an American Athletic Conference championship right away.
Realistic Goal: American Athletic Conference Title
Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football. All quotes cited unless obtained firsthand. All stats courtesy of cfbstats.com.
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