Les Miles, Nick Saban and the Top 10 College Football Coaches in 2011

Les Miles, Nick Saban and Joe Paterno: The list of current great college coaches is full of big names. 

But, who is currently the best coach in college football? 

This list only takes into account recent seasons (sorry JoePa), with an emphasis on the 2011 season. national championships are important, but BCS bowl berths and perennial competitiveness count even more. 

So, who comes out on top? Let’s take a look at the 10 best coaches in college football right now.

No. 10: Mack Brown, Texas

The Longhorns have been going through a rebuilding phase after losing to Alabama in the 2010 BCS Championship game.

But, after a 5-7 finish last season, Brown has his troops on the verge of the Top 25 again. Once he finds a quarterback he can develop, the Longhorns will be in great shape.

That’ll make the Red River Rivalry more interesting again.

No. 9: Steve Spurrier, South Carolina

Spurrier’s Gamecocks always have a lot of potential, but always seem to come up just short of a BCS bowl game.

This year though, despite dealing with the suspension of QB Stephen Garcia and a season-ending injury to star RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina is ranked 10th in the country with a 7-1 record.

If Spurrier can get this Gamecocks unit to a BCS bowl, it’ll be his best coaching job yet.

No. 8: Bob Stoops, Oklahoma

Stoops would be higher on this list, but his Sooner teams always seems to lose in BCS bowl games.

From 2003-2008, the Sooners lost every BCS bowl game they were in, a couple of which they were favored to win.

But, you have to give Stoops credit for consistently having his team in a position to make BCS bowls.

Even after an upsetting loss against Texas Tech earlier this season, the Sooners have an outside shot at the national championship game and are still good bets to make a BCS bowl game.

No. 7: Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State

Gundy has turned the Cowboys into perennial players on the national level.

This year especially, he has a chance to do something special.

If he can keep his troops focused, the Cowboys have a chance to make it to the national championship game this year.

All they have to do is beat Oklahoma in December.

No. 6: Joe Paterno, Penn State

The all-time wins leader in Division I history just keeps working his magic.

This year’s Nittany Lions have no business being 8-1, with one loss against Alabama.

But, thanks to an outstanding defense and some very ugly wins, Penn State is in control of its own destiny in the Big Ten and could make a BCS bowl game.

No. 5: Chip Kelly, Oregon

The Ducks have been dealing with some injuries and suspensions this year as well, but just keep chugging along.

They are 7-1 and have a huge showdown against Stanford coming up this month.

A win in that game, and the Ducks get back into the national title and Rose Bowl picture. 

Plus, his blur offense is just fun to watch.

No. 4: Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech

Beamer is one of the most underrated coaches in college football. He never seems to get the credit he deserves for consistently having the Hokies at the top of the ACC.

They’re there once again this year, and if they win a potential rematch in the ACC Championship game against Clemson, they’ll earn the ACC’s automatic BCS bowl bid.

That would be the fifth BCS bowl for Virginia Tech since 2000.

No. 3: Chris Petersen, Boise State

Petersen does nothing but win at Boise State. Whatever team the Broncos are playing, Petersen has his troops ready.

They have a “take on all-comers” approach, but the problem is that big schools don’t really want to play the Broncos.

The Broncos have played in the Fiesta Bowl twice and have won it both times.

They’re in line for a third trip to the Fiesta Bowl if they win out and don’t make it to the national championship.

No. 2: Nick Saban, Alabama

Saban has been successful everywhere he’s been (NFL not included).

He has two national championships under his belt and is looking to stay on track for No. 3 by beating LSU on Saturday.

He’s the best defensive coach in the country and always has his teams in the Top 25.

No. 1: Les Miles, LSU

Miles, aka the “Mad Hatter,” is 70-17 in his LSU career.

He’s won a national championship and has his Tigers ranked No. 1 in the country right now, heading into Saturday’s showdown against No. 2 Alabama.

The thing that gives Miles the edge over Saban is his willingness to call trick plays and go for it on fourth down.

That aggressive nature will help against one of the stingiest defenses in the country, and it has helped him sustain his success at LSU.