No. 5 – (Russo) James Franklin; (Evans) Dan Mullen. I could have gone with Franklin, but as I wrote recently about current SEC head coaches, I think Mullen does more with less than maybe anyone on this list. Career Winning – Franklin 67.8 percent; Mullen 63.8 percent.
No. 6 – (Russo) Kirby Smart; (Evans) James Franklin. Kirby has proved he can recruit and can hire coaching talent. He is, no doubt, trending up, but is still learning how to be a head coach. Career Winning – 78.6 percent.
No. 7 – We agree on Lincoln Riley as maybe the sharpest young mind in college football. Career Winning 85.7 percent.
No. 8 – Another agreement on Gary Patterson. The TCU coach was a major upgrade for the Horned frogs when Dennis Franchione left many years ago. He has been solid since. Career Winning 71.1 percent
No. 9 – (Russo) Dan Mullen; (Evans) Ed Orgeron. Coach O has a Natty which puts him inside my Top 10. His Career Winning of 60.9 percent is weak, but at LSU the wins have grown to 81.6 percent.
No. 10 – (Russo) Jimbo Fisher; (Evans) Kirby Smart. Both guys have been discussed above, so let’s move on.
No. 11 – Another agreed selection of Mike Leach. The guy can coach, as proven by two places where he won, despite those programs not being accustomed to winning. Career Winning 60.7 percent.
No. 12 – Bingo! Another match with Kyle Whittingham. I admit my support for Whittingham was somewhat begrudging. Career Winning 67.2 percent.