Tier 1: Resources abound, but winning titles is the benchmark
15. Auburn, SEC
Current head coach: Gus Malzahn (fourth year)
2015 rank: 13 | 2015 record: 7-6
Auburn has the desire and money to compete with anyone. But there's that elephant in the ... state. "It's a good job," an agent told Insider, "but it's so influenced by what's going on in Tuscaloosa."
The bright side: If you ask AD Jay Jacobs or the administration for something, chances are you're going to get it. The Jordan-Hare Stadium game-day experience is off the charts. In an era of waning student interest, Auburn's student section is as into the game as any. Alabama is an underrated high school football state, and Auburn's proximity to Atlanta is a bonus. The Tigers just signed the No. 1 player in Georgia, Derrick Brown, which is a coup but also a telling sign of Auburn's visibility in the state. Auburn's recruiting classes over the past seven years have been ranked No. 8 on average. That alone gives the program a fighting chance every year in the difficult SEC West.
The challenge: One former Auburn coach told Insider that the Tigers community is tight-knit and also highly political. Big-money donors often want input, but they do not always share the same vision as the school's leadership. "They talk a lot about being 'all-in' and the Auburn family, but there are so many people who want a voice there," the coach said. "It can be a very divided place." Those competing voices can also crank up the pressure on a staff, especially in light of rival Alabama's continued success. A national championship trophy in 2010 doesn't seem quite as shiny when Bama keeps taking home newer ones. Those at Auburn say the coaches don't really get caught up in petty comparisons, and the administration mostly doesn't either, but the boosters sure do. That envy can -- and has, at times -- create an undue burden. That'll be a concern as long as Nick Saban is coaching.
14. Texas A&M, SEC
Current head coach: Kevin Sumlin (fifth year)
2015 rank: 11 (tie) | 2015 record: 8-5
The panelist who ranked the Aggies lowest, at No. 18, cited what he called the "B.S. factor." "What does the coach have to put up with?" he said. Put another way, it's a matter of leadership stability. Do your bosses make your job harder or easier? A&M is not the only example of this -- you'll see the "B.S. factor" as a theme for some of the schools in this top tier.
The bright side: Texas A&M might have the most passionate fans in college football -- sometimes to a fault. No fan base is as hungry to be elite, and that sentiment applies to the school's donors and administration. In an era in which most schools are shrinking stadiums and choosing to add luxury suites over increasing capacity, Texas A&M pushed for both. Kyle Field was revamped with the stunning price tag of $450 million -- $125 million of which was raised the week the project was announced. If the goal was to have the best total football complex in the sport, it was accomplished. Being the only SEC school in Texas has its clear recruiting benefits. As our recruiting reporters pointed out in December, the state has produced 3,559 Power 5-bound recruits in the past decade.
The challenge: As is the case with Auburn, there has often been an inferiority complex for administrators and donors when it comes to rival Texas, and anyone who says otherwise is being delusional. But unlike in the Auburn-Alabama feud, Texas has been in the dumps the past few seasons, and the schools are now in different leagues. The teams do not even play each other. The bigger, more legitimate concern for A&M is figuring out a way to be more competitive in the SEC West. It looked for a time like Sumlin had figured that out, but the Aggies have leveled at eight wins a season; they don't seem to be closing on Alabama the same way that, say, Ole Miss is. One Power 5 coach suggested that is been related to the erosion of the team's offensive line play. Others have talked about a general lack of discipline. A&M clearly has the money and drive to be successful, but it would be a daunting job to take, given the pressure and competition in the division. Let's be clear, though: Plenty of coaches would jump at the chance.
13. Oregon, Pac-12
Current head coach: Mark Helfrich (fourth year)
2015 rank: 11 (tie) | 2015 record: 9-4
One of our panelists is evidently a Nike guy; he had the Ducks at No. 4. The rest of us were more skeptical about the program's direction, a sentiment voiced more and more by coaches and agents.
The bright side: The facilities are held in great renown. Eugene has become the Pac-12's preeminent game-day atmosphere since renovations in the early 2000s. Former Nike head Phil Knight has his fingerprints all over the two-year-old football facility, the so-called "Death Star." In fairness: For all its gaudy features, some coaches are critical of the building's design. The locker room, for example, is on a higher floor in the building and not all that convenient to the weight room and practice fields. It's ornate, sometimes ridiculously so, but it's not entirely functional. The brand's image is that Oregon is essentially Nike's college team. That's generally appealing to high school kids, and the apparel company hosts arguably the biggest high school prospect camp of the year, The Opening, each July at the Beaverton headquarters.
The challenge: Geography is a huge hurdle. Eugene is about 100 miles south of Portland, which isn't exactly a college football hub. "It's so isolated, man," a Power 5 coach told Insider. "It's about players. For them to win, they've got to go down and win in L.A. They've still got to beat USC. What hurts Oregon is an improved UCLA." He added that coaches' eyebrows have been raised by the number of transfers Oregon continues to take, including FCS-level quarterbacks in consecutive years. Oregon has flirted in the past decade with the sport's highest level. But is it realistic to think a school in Eugene, Oregon, can maintain that standard, even with Nike's backing?
12. Michigan, Big Ten
Current head coach: Jim Harbaugh (second year)
2015 rank: 14 | 2015 record: 10-3
Jim Harbaugh's impact has been nothing short of profound. In the past year, he has made Michigan football a year-round fixture in the news cycle. His most recent exploit was to call out new Georgia coach Kirby Smart. The man is a headline machine.
The bright side: Any coach to follow Harbaugh would inherit a significantly more visible program than before his arrival. That would help the regional and national recruiting approach, which is necessary because the in-state crop will take the Wolverines only so far. Additionally, interim AD Jim Hackett guided the Wolverines through a tricky time. His full-time replacement, Warde Manuel, will begin in March. This means leadership is in a far better place than it was a couple years ago. The Big House included, most of Michigan's facilities are quite good. Hackett revealed to reporters earlier this month that, along with Harbaugh, he will assess what needs work in the vision for the future. A new weight room, for instance, is being discussed. But there is no need for any large-scale project. The indoor facility, which opened in 2009, was the most recent big addition.
The challenge: Harbaugh is quickly closing the divide, it would seem, but Michigan has fallen well behind Ohio State and Michigan State in terms of on-field performance. The fierce competition between those programs -- and maybe Penn State too -- will make it difficult for a school to dominate the division and become a perennial power. The Big Ten East is more likely to change hands each year, as it has the past two, depending who hosts the big games and who gets hot in the second half of the season. There had been questions from agents about Michigan's commitment to football versus academics, but a prospective coach has to feel more confident after seeing Harbaugh and Manuel come on board.
11. Notre Dame
Current head coach: Brian Kelly (seventh year)
2015 rank: 10 | 2015 record: 10-3
Brian Kelly has averaged 9.8 wins the past four seasons, thereby resurrecting college football's iconic program. Expectations are extremely high for such a uniquely visible national program. Given the academic hurdles, is that fair?
The bright side: From the gold helmets to Touchdown Jesus, there's no bigger brand in college football. If a quiet decade with Charlie Weis, Ty Willingham and Bob Davie running things didn't alter that, Notre Dame isn't going away. For a prestigious academic school, there is still strong financial commitment to football. The "Campus Crossroads" project to overhaul Notre Dame Stadium and the surrounding area -- a $400 million construction job -- is about halfway to completion and is expected to be done by summer 2017. Opposing coaches figure that the partnership with the ACC should, in most years, make the schedule just a little bit easier than it had been prior to the arrangement. Sure, there are now sometimes games against FSU and Clemson, but Wake Forest and Syracuse also rotate on the schedule.
The challenge: Kelly has made it no secret that he does not care for the school's admissions policy. He was so displeased a year ago that many agents and coaches thought 2015 would be his last season in South Bend. It's enough to wear on any staff, though you have to arrive at Notre Dame with some realistic understanding of the school's standards. It's necessary for Notre Dame to recruit nationally, but that has never been a problem. It remains to be seen whether Notre Dame's independence will hurt it if it's on the playoff bubble and up against major conference champions. "It's going to be really hard for Notre Dame to get in the playoff if they don't go undefeated," one Power 5 coach told Insider. "They've got to have other people fail." But another coach wondered if the committee would really exclude the Irish if it came down to it. "That's a lot of attention they'd miss out on," he said.
10. Clemson, ACC
Current head coach: Dabo Swinney (ninth year)
2015 rank: 16 | 2015 record: 14-1
One of our panelists made a case that Clemson -- relative to pressure, resources and path to the title game -- just might be the most desirable job in the country.
The bright side: AD Dan Radakovich has continued a remarkable level of support for the program. When Dabo Swinney was promoted, the school essentially provided him a blank check for assistant coaches. The hires of respected coordinators Chad Morris and Brent Venables, whose contracts were on par with those of Alabama's top assistants, paved the road to last year's run to the national championship game. The campus itself and area surrounding it are stunningly beautiful. There are lakes everywhere, and it doesn't take long to get into the mountains. Atlanta is about 90 minutes away, which makes it the hub for Clemson's recruiting efforts. The current staff has done well in North Florida, as well.
The challenge: Sharing a division with Florida State is No. 1. As in the Big Ten, the ACC's best teams are all on one side. Clemson has historically received more institutional support than FSU; it just does not have access to Florida recruits the way the Seminoles do. The emphasis on regional recruiting is necessary for Clemson, given that the Palmetto State has a limited number of high-end recruits. That makes it more difficult to have a great class every year. (With the eighth- and fourth-ranked classes the past two signing days, the current staff seems to be managing OK.) South Carolina proved to be a thorn for the Tigers when Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks reeled off an unprecedented five consecutive victories in the rivalry. When that program is right, it provides one last hurdle for Clemson's ultimate goals, and the Gamecocks under Will Muschamp might complicate Clemson's regional and in-state recruiting.
9. Georgia, SEC
Current head coach: Kirby Smart (first year)
2015 rank: 8 | 2015 record: 10-3
You better believe Georgia got the attention of virtually every coach and agent in the country when it fired a coach who had averaged 9.7 wins over 15 seasons in the SEC. But there's a faction that understood that Mark Richt's dismissal was based on a lack of championships. "One SEC title in 10 years? With those [recruits] around there?" one coach told Insider the past fall. "Let me have a shot at that."
The bright side: Georgia has become very heavily recruited, but the state's flagship school is always going to have an upper hand in Atlanta and beyond. The worst thing that could happen to UGA is if Georgia Tech became a bigger player in the recruiting realm, but that is highly unlikely anytime soon. Georgia and Florida are best-suited to lead in the SEC East, given their proximity to top-end recruits. The Georgia staff can fall out of bed and land a top-10 class. Athens is an energetic, dynamic city, and the adjacent campus rolls through the North Georgia hills. The game-day environment at Sanford Stadium is electric, and a long-awaited indoor facility is finally on the way.
The challenge: Those close to the program say the administration had fought back for years against many of Richt's requests, including some facilities upgrades and raises for certain assistants. Toward the end, the staff and administrators had grown quite weary of one another. That's a huge reason, Insider was told, that Richt was nearly fired after the 2014 season -- and why he was let go after the 2015 season. Ironically, UGA just broke ground on the indoor structure Richt had wanted for about a decade. Maybe Kirby Smart -- or a hypothetical new coach -- will not have to fight many of the battles Richt waged on their behalf.
8. Oklahoma, Big 12
Current head coach: Bob Stoops (18th year)
2015 rank: 9 | 2015 record: 11-2
As long as Texas is down, this might be too low for the Sooners. But how long will Texas stay down? That's a central question for most of the Big 12, including Oklahoma.
The bright side: Bob Stoops has repeatedly said that the best part of his job is the cohesion among himself, AD Joe Castiglione and president David Boren. The three have worked together the entirety of Stoops' tenure, beginning in 1999. Questions surrounding leadership can be a detractor, even at elite-level places. Oklahoma does not deal with the "B.S. factor." Along with that administrative harmony, resources are plentiful. Memorial Stadium is in the middle of a $160 million renovation project that will include dramatic improvements to the team's facility in the south end zone. The weight room will triple in size, and an indoor facility is part of the remodel. Norman is a slightly-above-average college town, but Oklahoma City is a rapidly growing mid-major American city.
The challenge: It has gotten tougher for schools outside Texas -- even one with as much history and clout as Oklahoma -- to land Lone Star State prospects. The number of Texans on the OU roster has vacillated more in recent classes than it did in Stoops' early years. Oklahoma proved in 2015 that it remains a leader in the Big 12, but it's such a deep league these days. The national title in 2000 put a great deal of pressure on Stoops to win another, which he has failed to do. The playoff run in 2015 calmed some antsy fans, but it's worth noting the level of expectation at OU. If you're a coach going to Oklahoma, know that fans expect to regularly win titles. But that's the case with most programs in this part of the list.
7. LSU, SEC
Current head coach: Les Miles (12th year)
2015 rank: 6 | 2015 record: 9-3
It's another "B.S. factor" team, with one of our panelists voting LSU 17th. He clearly didn't appreciate the way Les Miles was treated late the past season. Miles' teams have won an average of 10.2 games since he arrived in 2005, but they have not finished higher than third in the SEC West since 2012, and that is a sore spot among Louisianans with money and pull in the LSU community.
The bright side: Coaches outside the state talk about how improbable -- and sometimes impossible -- it is for them to get Louisiana high school stars to leave the state. They say those kids are often ostracized if they choose to leave home. They're told not to expect jobs, should they come back after their football careers; it's that serious to locals. And that's all to LSU's advantage. The Tigers do not want for talent; they've registered four straight top-10 classes, including the country's third- and second-ranked groups two of the past three Februarys. The No. 3 class came this year, just after Miles was pushed to the brink of termination. LSU fans are uber-passionate, almost terrifyingly so, but visitors usually come home with tales of friendly tailgates and absurdly good food. Those in Baton Rouge take good care of out-of-towners.
The challenge: Any coach has to be alarmed by how Miles was done by AD Joe Alleva and some of LSU's boosters. Miles could easily be back in the same position again if the Tigers do not supplant Alabama in 2016. Nick Saban has set an almost unfair bar for many of the SEC West schools, but LSU is the one that feels it most because it is closest to Bama in terms of recruiting prowess and resources. When LSU falls short, it resonates much more loudly to those fans and donors than when another program does. Every win and loss is magnified in the effort to keep pace. The turning point had to be 2011, when LSU won the regular-season game and the SEC championship, yet lost the national title to the Tide.
6. Florida, SEC
Current head coach: Jim McElwain (second year)
2015 rank: 5 | 2015 record: 10-4
One panelist voted Florida No. 1, arguing that the school's administrative support has dramatically improved in recent years. For the longest time, Florida -- and Georgia too -- was much like Wisconsin in the Big Ten: Administrators didn't understand why they needed to spend if the program had an established track record of winning. The reality of what it takes to sustain success in the SEC seems to be setting in for UF's leaders. Look at Richt: Just being good in the SEC East doesn't guarantee your future. A program in that conference has to be on par with the West's standard too.
The bright side: California, Florida and Texas are the three premier recruiting states, with Georgia a close fourth. Florida ought to reap the benefits as the state's flagship program. Now that Jim McElwain has shown that the Gators again have an offensive pulse, skill players will lead UF back to where it wants to be. If the job were open tomorrow, another offensive-minded coach would be the priority. Including an athletic dorm, an academic center and an indoor facility, Florida has hit the giddy-up button on facilities. Officials are trying to figure out where to add a structure to replace the current football offices and infrastructure housed in the corner of the stadium. The present setup is rather dark and unimpressive. What sufficed in Steve Spurrier's day -- or even Urban Meyer's -- doesn't fly now.
The challenge: AD Jeremy Foley is a key figure in every aspect of evaluating this job, both positively and negatively. Foley, 63, worked his way up from the ticket office to take over as AD in 1992. He's widely respected among the country's ADs and coaches. He is the king of the castle, and he makes sure to let every Florida coach know it. That can lead to friction. Insiders say Muschamp had his share of run-ins, and McElwain has already encountered a handful. Those close to UF said one of McElwain's more recent heart-to-hearts came after Arkansas coach Bret Bielema insinuated that McElwain's staff was engaging in unsavory recruiting tactics. Foley met with McElwain soon after Bielema's comment and demanded to know what was going on. McElwain fired back, wondering why Foley wasn't taking his side. Florida is a job most coaches would covet, but coaches notice things such as that.
5. Florida State, ACC
Current head coach: Jimbo Fisher (seventh year)
2015 rank: 7 | 2015 record: 10-3
FSU also received a first-place vote from a panelist. Like Florida, FSU is seen as a school with increasing administrative support in a recruit-rich environment.
The bright side: Jimbo Fisher has done his best to turn FSU into "the Alabama of the ACC." He has come the closest to replicating Nick Saban's success by leveraging a lighter schedule and better in-state talent than Bama enjoys. Coaches talk often about how difficult replacing a legend can be, yet Fisher has done about as well as anyone in that department since he took over for Bobby Bowden. Now that FSU has better institutional support, as evidenced by improving facilities such as an indoor complex, it's scary how effective it can be in the recruiting game. FSU had the top-ranked class this year and ranked second in 2015 and third in 2014. Its talent level is currently as strong as that of any program in America. Because it doesn't deal with the football-obsessed SEC West, there are reasons to believe FSU might have college football's most sustainable program. That's important to note when considering reports that Fisher thought about leaving FSU for LSU before deciding in November to stay put. "If they were both playing in the SEC, you'd have to pick LSU," a Power 5 coach told Insider. "But they aren't both playing in the SEC."
The challenge: There aren't too many. The support of FSU's leadership could always subside, but that's a concern for any program. The state is so heavily recruited, but no one has more recent on-field momentum and cachet than FSU. Heck, it has had three first-round quarterbacks since 2011. Tallahassee is a well-below-average college setting, but that has not seemed to preclude FSU's recruiting abilities the past few years.
4. USC, Pac-12
Current head coach: Clay Helton (first year)
2015 rank: 3 | 2015 record: 8-6
Coaching turmoil ... NCAA sanctions ... more coaching turmoil ... the Trojans are still standing. They're still in the top five. They're Teflon. This is as resilient a program as perhaps we've ever seen, built largely on the biggest college brand on the West Coast.
The bright side: Clay Helton is the school's third full-time guy since 2009, yet USC just signed the country's No. 11 class. When Insider met with Helton, then the program's interim, in November, he said he wasn't overly concerned about how the Trojans would recruit amid more change. Why would he be? If there's such a thing as recruiting autopilot, USC is the beta test. "They get whoever they want," an agent told Insider. "I've literally heard a USC coach say it's really the only job in the country where you don't have to recruit." You've still got to win games, obviously, but that's a heck of a starting point. Outgoing AD Pat Haden will stay on to study ways to improve the Coliseum experience. Closer to the heart of campus, improvements to Heritage Hall and the addition of the $70 million McKay Center have given the Trojans a more modern hub.
The challenge: Haden, a Trojans legend whose administrative career was a mixed bag, recently announced his retirement. The search for his replacement is expected to last several months and as long as a year. That surely isn't a comforting thought for Helton entering his first full year, nor would it be for a hypothetical incoming staff. Mike Garrett and Haden have not left with the best reputations, so the next USC AD might want to put his stamp on the athletic department. Los Angeles is one busy place, and USC football -- even if it is the most recognized college football program in the region -- is still behind both NBA teams in terms of interest. The return of the NFL's Rams provides only more competition, and the Chargers or Raiders coming to L.A. would mean an even more divided fan focus. Even when the Trojans win big, they're often not the biggest story in town.
3. Texas, Big 12
Current head coach: Charlie Strong (third year)
2015 rank: 1 | 2015 record: 5-7
Texas is another "B.S. factor" culprit, and one panelist ranked it No. 8. On the flipside, one coach was quick to mention that recent leadership concerns aside, the gig would be highly desirable if UT were to open again anytime soon.
The bright side: Texas is best positioned to attract the state's abundant talent. Despite all sorts of turmoil, including a mystery of an offense, Charlie Strong's 2016 recruiting class jumped 22 spots in the final week to finish at No. 10. There's an element of USC's "autopilot" with UT, but the end of Mack Brown's stay proved there is more to coaching than merely signing big-name prospects. Strong now has to prove the same to earn another season. If Texas' administration could redo the hire, it would almost certainly hire someone who runs a Baylor-type spread system. Heck, the leaders probably wish they had just hired Baylor's Art Briles. If only UT didn't insist that Briles formally interview for the job. Austin is one of the fastest-growing mid-major cities in the country. UT's facilities are already among the best in the country, and Texas' donors are intent on keeping it that way. The school's leaders have earmarked roughly $750 million to update the stadium and its periphery in the next decade.
The challenge: "I don't know why they're not better," one former Power 5 coach told Insider. We'll tell you why, Coach. The Longhorns are down two spots due to the constant "clutter" associated with this job. One person close to the program told Insider that even new hoops coach Shaka Smart can't believe how politically layered everything is on the "40 Acres." It's an accelerated version of Auburn; if you're a major donor at Texas, you think your input should shape the program's direction. Ultimately, employees of the school, including the coaching staff, wind up disagreeing, and chaos ensues. Those in Austin say stopgap AD Mike Perrin -- the former UT athlete brought on after Steve Patterson was fired following a clumsy, tone-deaf term -- has been a unifying voice. There's also a relatively new president (Greg Fenves) and chancellor (William McRaven) at UT. There are reasons to believe this new leadership can help minimize the clutter. Texas football should not fret too much about the rise of programs such as Baylor and TCU. With the right coaching staff -- and the right leaders supporting it -- it should not take a back seat to anyone in the country. Texas is free to stop being its own worst enemy.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes, Big Ten
Current head coach: Urban Meyer (fifth year)
2015 rank: 4 | 2015 record: 12-1
It seems like a distant memory now, but the program was wobbling when Urban Meyer took over in 2012. He's a mere 50-4 since. Even so, Jim Harbaugh banging a bunch of pots together has gotten everyone's attention and taken away from the fact that Meyer's program has shown no signs of slowing down.
The bright side: A hypothetical new staff would be smart to not change many things from the way Meyer is doing them, especially when it comes to recruiting. Meyer brought Big Ten recruiting into the millennium by kicking down the doors Harbaugh is now walking through. The Buckeyes are annually signing talent-rich Ohio's best prospects, and they're also winning recruiting battles around the country. OSU's 13 ESPN 300 signees in 2016 are from seven different states. OSU has added a total of 36 ESPN 300 recruits in the past three classes; that's a pretty clear sign the program isn't going to wilt, despite the number of players turning pro. This would be an enviable roster to inherit. "That's a top, top job," a Power 5 coach told Insider. "Everybody in Big Ten country recruits Ohio, but they still dominate the state, and now they have a pipeline to the South." The Horseshoe is one of the best game-day atmospheres in the country, and the team's on-campus facilities receive continual upgrades to stay up-to-date.
The challenge: If Meyer were to leave, Harbaugh and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio would prove rather pesky. They're two totally different types of adversaries too. The vigorous competition suggests the Big Ten East is likely to regularly change hands, but Ohio State is presently in the best spot to win the division (and league) more than it loses it. Meyer would be very difficult to replace, but many coaches would opt to take on the challenge. There are too many elements in place to not try.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide, SEC
Current head coach: Nick Saban (10th year)
2015 rank: 2 | 2015 record: 14-1
One of our panelists boldly placed Alabama sixth and said he would want no part in replacing Nick Saban. (Dabo Swinney, you listening?)
The bright side: Bama's average signing day ranking the past eight years: 1.7. That includes four consecutive No. 1 classes from 2012 through 2015. The 2016 bunch finished a "disappointing" second behind FSU. "They get whoever they want," an agent told Insider. Surely a new staff could leverage some of that mojo and continue what Saban has built, both in-state and regionally. If not, one need not apply. One of the country's largest weight rooms and a bowled-in Bryant-Denny Stadium are among the upgrades since Saban's arrival in 2007. Every time Alabama's facility improvements come up, coaches and ADs are quick to point out that the late Mal Moore was instrumental in those changes. The SEC West is brutally difficult, but if you're going to enter at some point, why not enter at the top?
The challenge: For any hypothetical new staff, the biggest hurdle, clearly, would be replacing Saban. Even 10-win seasons would be met with a shrug -- and then something more aggressive -- if rings and trophies weren't part of the equation. Whoever it ultimately is, the next coach in Tuscaloosa will face constant comparisons in all sorts of ways. If said coach is headstrong and confident, it won't matter. If not, he'll wilt under the pressure. Even Saban and his wife, Ms. Terry, have acknowledged that the weight of winning has weighed on them. That's with four national titles and a 100-18 record to their credit.
Current head coach: Gus Malzahn (fourth year)
2015 rank: 13 | 2015 record: 7-6
Auburn has the desire and money to compete with anyone. But there's that elephant in the ... state. "It's a good job," an agent told Insider, "but it's so influenced by what's going on in Tuscaloosa."
The bright side: If you ask AD Jay Jacobs or the administration for something, chances are you're going to get it. The Jordan-Hare Stadium game-day experience is off the charts. In an era of waning student interest, Auburn's student section is as into the game as any. Alabama is an underrated high school football state, and Auburn's proximity to Atlanta is a bonus. The Tigers just signed the No. 1 player in Georgia, Derrick Brown, which is a coup but also a telling sign of Auburn's visibility in the state. Auburn's recruiting classes over the past seven years have been ranked No. 8 on average. That alone gives the program a fighting chance every year in the difficult SEC West.
The challenge: One former Auburn coach told Insider that the Tigers community is tight-knit and also highly political. Big-money donors often want input, but they do not always share the same vision as the school's leadership. "They talk a lot about being 'all-in' and the Auburn family, but there are so many people who want a voice there," the coach said. "It can be a very divided place." Those competing voices can also crank up the pressure on a staff, especially in light of rival Alabama's continued success. A national championship trophy in 2010 doesn't seem quite as shiny when Bama keeps taking home newer ones. Those at Auburn say the coaches don't really get caught up in petty comparisons, and the administration mostly doesn't either, but the boosters sure do. That envy can -- and has, at times -- create an undue burden. That'll be a concern as long as Nick Saban is coaching.
Current head coach: Kevin Sumlin (fifth year)
2015 rank: 11 (tie) | 2015 record: 8-5
The panelist who ranked the Aggies lowest, at No. 18, cited what he called the "B.S. factor." "What does the coach have to put up with?" he said. Put another way, it's a matter of leadership stability. Do your bosses make your job harder or easier? A&M is not the only example of this -- you'll see the "B.S. factor" as a theme for some of the schools in this top tier.
The bright side: Texas A&M might have the most passionate fans in college football -- sometimes to a fault. No fan base is as hungry to be elite, and that sentiment applies to the school's donors and administration. In an era in which most schools are shrinking stadiums and choosing to add luxury suites over increasing capacity, Texas A&M pushed for both. Kyle Field was revamped with the stunning price tag of $450 million -- $125 million of which was raised the week the project was announced. If the goal was to have the best total football complex in the sport, it was accomplished. Being the only SEC school in Texas has its clear recruiting benefits. As our recruiting reporters pointed out in December, the state has produced 3,559 Power 5-bound recruits in the past decade.
The challenge: As is the case with Auburn, there has often been an inferiority complex for administrators and donors when it comes to rival Texas, and anyone who says otherwise is being delusional. But unlike in the Auburn-Alabama feud, Texas has been in the dumps the past few seasons, and the schools are now in different leagues. The teams do not even play each other. The bigger, more legitimate concern for A&M is figuring out a way to be more competitive in the SEC West. It looked for a time like Sumlin had figured that out, but the Aggies have leveled at eight wins a season; they don't seem to be closing on Alabama the same way that, say, Ole Miss is. One Power 5 coach suggested that is been related to the erosion of the team's offensive line play. Others have talked about a general lack of discipline. A&M clearly has the money and drive to be successful, but it would be a daunting job to take, given the pressure and competition in the division. Let's be clear, though: Plenty of coaches would jump at the chance.
Current head coach: Mark Helfrich (fourth year)
2015 rank: 11 (tie) | 2015 record: 9-4
One of our panelists is evidently a Nike guy; he had the Ducks at No. 4. The rest of us were more skeptical about the program's direction, a sentiment voiced more and more by coaches and agents.
The bright side: The facilities are held in great renown. Eugene has become the Pac-12's preeminent game-day atmosphere since renovations in the early 2000s. Former Nike head Phil Knight has his fingerprints all over the two-year-old football facility, the so-called "Death Star." In fairness: For all its gaudy features, some coaches are critical of the building's design. The locker room, for example, is on a higher floor in the building and not all that convenient to the weight room and practice fields. It's ornate, sometimes ridiculously so, but it's not entirely functional. The brand's image is that Oregon is essentially Nike's college team. That's generally appealing to high school kids, and the apparel company hosts arguably the biggest high school prospect camp of the year, The Opening, each July at the Beaverton headquarters.
The challenge: Geography is a huge hurdle. Eugene is about 100 miles south of Portland, which isn't exactly a college football hub. "It's so isolated, man," a Power 5 coach told Insider. "It's about players. For them to win, they've got to go down and win in L.A. They've still got to beat USC. What hurts Oregon is an improved UCLA." He added that coaches' eyebrows have been raised by the number of transfers Oregon continues to take, including FCS-level quarterbacks in consecutive years. Oregon has flirted in the past decade with the sport's highest level. But is it realistic to think a school in Eugene, Oregon, can maintain that standard, even with Nike's backing?
Current head coach: Jim Harbaugh (second year)
2015 rank: 14 | 2015 record: 10-3
Jim Harbaugh's impact has been nothing short of profound. In the past year, he has made Michigan football a year-round fixture in the news cycle. His most recent exploit was to call out new Georgia coach Kirby Smart. The man is a headline machine.
The bright side: Any coach to follow Harbaugh would inherit a significantly more visible program than before his arrival. That would help the regional and national recruiting approach, which is necessary because the in-state crop will take the Wolverines only so far. Additionally, interim AD Jim Hackett guided the Wolverines through a tricky time. His full-time replacement, Warde Manuel, will begin in March. This means leadership is in a far better place than it was a couple years ago. The Big House included, most of Michigan's facilities are quite good. Hackett revealed to reporters earlier this month that, along with Harbaugh, he will assess what needs work in the vision for the future. A new weight room, for instance, is being discussed. But there is no need for any large-scale project. The indoor facility, which opened in 2009, was the most recent big addition.
The challenge: Harbaugh is quickly closing the divide, it would seem, but Michigan has fallen well behind Ohio State and Michigan State in terms of on-field performance. The fierce competition between those programs -- and maybe Penn State too -- will make it difficult for a school to dominate the division and become a perennial power. The Big Ten East is more likely to change hands each year, as it has the past two, depending who hosts the big games and who gets hot in the second half of the season. There had been questions from agents about Michigan's commitment to football versus academics, but a prospective coach has to feel more confident after seeing Harbaugh and Manuel come on board.
Current head coach: Brian Kelly (seventh year)
2015 rank: 10 | 2015 record: 10-3
Brian Kelly has averaged 9.8 wins the past four seasons, thereby resurrecting college football's iconic program. Expectations are extremely high for such a uniquely visible national program. Given the academic hurdles, is that fair?
The bright side: From the gold helmets to Touchdown Jesus, there's no bigger brand in college football. If a quiet decade with Charlie Weis, Ty Willingham and Bob Davie running things didn't alter that, Notre Dame isn't going away. For a prestigious academic school, there is still strong financial commitment to football. The "Campus Crossroads" project to overhaul Notre Dame Stadium and the surrounding area -- a $400 million construction job -- is about halfway to completion and is expected to be done by summer 2017. Opposing coaches figure that the partnership with the ACC should, in most years, make the schedule just a little bit easier than it had been prior to the arrangement. Sure, there are now sometimes games against FSU and Clemson, but Wake Forest and Syracuse also rotate on the schedule.
The challenge: Kelly has made it no secret that he does not care for the school's admissions policy. He was so displeased a year ago that many agents and coaches thought 2015 would be his last season in South Bend. It's enough to wear on any staff, though you have to arrive at Notre Dame with some realistic understanding of the school's standards. It's necessary for Notre Dame to recruit nationally, but that has never been a problem. It remains to be seen whether Notre Dame's independence will hurt it if it's on the playoff bubble and up against major conference champions. "It's going to be really hard for Notre Dame to get in the playoff if they don't go undefeated," one Power 5 coach told Insider. "They've got to have other people fail." But another coach wondered if the committee would really exclude the Irish if it came down to it. "That's a lot of attention they'd miss out on," he said.
Current head coach: Dabo Swinney (ninth year)
2015 rank: 16 | 2015 record: 14-1
One of our panelists made a case that Clemson -- relative to pressure, resources and path to the title game -- just might be the most desirable job in the country.
The bright side: AD Dan Radakovich has continued a remarkable level of support for the program. When Dabo Swinney was promoted, the school essentially provided him a blank check for assistant coaches. The hires of respected coordinators Chad Morris and Brent Venables, whose contracts were on par with those of Alabama's top assistants, paved the road to last year's run to the national championship game. The campus itself and area surrounding it are stunningly beautiful. There are lakes everywhere, and it doesn't take long to get into the mountains. Atlanta is about 90 minutes away, which makes it the hub for Clemson's recruiting efforts. The current staff has done well in North Florida, as well.
The challenge: Sharing a division with Florida State is No. 1. As in the Big Ten, the ACC's best teams are all on one side. Clemson has historically received more institutional support than FSU; it just does not have access to Florida recruits the way the Seminoles do. The emphasis on regional recruiting is necessary for Clemson, given that the Palmetto State has a limited number of high-end recruits. That makes it more difficult to have a great class every year. (With the eighth- and fourth-ranked classes the past two signing days, the current staff seems to be managing OK.) South Carolina proved to be a thorn for the Tigers when Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks reeled off an unprecedented five consecutive victories in the rivalry. When that program is right, it provides one last hurdle for Clemson's ultimate goals, and the Gamecocks under Will Muschamp might complicate Clemson's regional and in-state recruiting.
Current head coach: Kirby Smart (first year)
2015 rank: 8 | 2015 record: 10-3
You better believe Georgia got the attention of virtually every coach and agent in the country when it fired a coach who had averaged 9.7 wins over 15 seasons in the SEC. But there's a faction that understood that Mark Richt's dismissal was based on a lack of championships. "One SEC title in 10 years? With those [recruits] around there?" one coach told Insider the past fall. "Let me have a shot at that."
The bright side: Georgia has become very heavily recruited, but the state's flagship school is always going to have an upper hand in Atlanta and beyond. The worst thing that could happen to UGA is if Georgia Tech became a bigger player in the recruiting realm, but that is highly unlikely anytime soon. Georgia and Florida are best-suited to lead in the SEC East, given their proximity to top-end recruits. The Georgia staff can fall out of bed and land a top-10 class. Athens is an energetic, dynamic city, and the adjacent campus rolls through the North Georgia hills. The game-day environment at Sanford Stadium is electric, and a long-awaited indoor facility is finally on the way.
The challenge: Those close to the program say the administration had fought back for years against many of Richt's requests, including some facilities upgrades and raises for certain assistants. Toward the end, the staff and administrators had grown quite weary of one another. That's a huge reason, Insider was told, that Richt was nearly fired after the 2014 season -- and why he was let go after the 2015 season. Ironically, UGA just broke ground on the indoor structure Richt had wanted for about a decade. Maybe Kirby Smart -- or a hypothetical new coach -- will not have to fight many of the battles Richt waged on their behalf.
Current head coach: Bob Stoops (18th year)
2015 rank: 9 | 2015 record: 11-2
As long as Texas is down, this might be too low for the Sooners. But how long will Texas stay down? That's a central question for most of the Big 12, including Oklahoma.
The bright side: Bob Stoops has repeatedly said that the best part of his job is the cohesion among himself, AD Joe Castiglione and president David Boren. The three have worked together the entirety of Stoops' tenure, beginning in 1999. Questions surrounding leadership can be a detractor, even at elite-level places. Oklahoma does not deal with the "B.S. factor." Along with that administrative harmony, resources are plentiful. Memorial Stadium is in the middle of a $160 million renovation project that will include dramatic improvements to the team's facility in the south end zone. The weight room will triple in size, and an indoor facility is part of the remodel. Norman is a slightly-above-average college town, but Oklahoma City is a rapidly growing mid-major American city.
The challenge: It has gotten tougher for schools outside Texas -- even one with as much history and clout as Oklahoma -- to land Lone Star State prospects. The number of Texans on the OU roster has vacillated more in recent classes than it did in Stoops' early years. Oklahoma proved in 2015 that it remains a leader in the Big 12, but it's such a deep league these days. The national title in 2000 put a great deal of pressure on Stoops to win another, which he has failed to do. The playoff run in 2015 calmed some antsy fans, but it's worth noting the level of expectation at OU. If you're a coach going to Oklahoma, know that fans expect to regularly win titles. But that's the case with most programs in this part of the list.
Current head coach: Les Miles (12th year)
2015 rank: 6 | 2015 record: 9-3
It's another "B.S. factor" team, with one of our panelists voting LSU 17th. He clearly didn't appreciate the way Les Miles was treated late the past season. Miles' teams have won an average of 10.2 games since he arrived in 2005, but they have not finished higher than third in the SEC West since 2012, and that is a sore spot among Louisianans with money and pull in the LSU community.
The bright side: Coaches outside the state talk about how improbable -- and sometimes impossible -- it is for them to get Louisiana high school stars to leave the state. They say those kids are often ostracized if they choose to leave home. They're told not to expect jobs, should they come back after their football careers; it's that serious to locals. And that's all to LSU's advantage. The Tigers do not want for talent; they've registered four straight top-10 classes, including the country's third- and second-ranked groups two of the past three Februarys. The No. 3 class came this year, just after Miles was pushed to the brink of termination. LSU fans are uber-passionate, almost terrifyingly so, but visitors usually come home with tales of friendly tailgates and absurdly good food. Those in Baton Rouge take good care of out-of-towners.
The challenge: Any coach has to be alarmed by how Miles was done by AD Joe Alleva and some of LSU's boosters. Miles could easily be back in the same position again if the Tigers do not supplant Alabama in 2016. Nick Saban has set an almost unfair bar for many of the SEC West schools, but LSU is the one that feels it most because it is closest to Bama in terms of recruiting prowess and resources. When LSU falls short, it resonates much more loudly to those fans and donors than when another program does. Every win and loss is magnified in the effort to keep pace. The turning point had to be 2011, when LSU won the regular-season game and the SEC championship, yet lost the national title to the Tide.
Current head coach: Jim McElwain (second year)
2015 rank: 5 | 2015 record: 10-4
One panelist voted Florida No. 1, arguing that the school's administrative support has dramatically improved in recent years. For the longest time, Florida -- and Georgia too -- was much like Wisconsin in the Big Ten: Administrators didn't understand why they needed to spend if the program had an established track record of winning. The reality of what it takes to sustain success in the SEC seems to be setting in for UF's leaders. Look at Richt: Just being good in the SEC East doesn't guarantee your future. A program in that conference has to be on par with the West's standard too.
The bright side: California, Florida and Texas are the three premier recruiting states, with Georgia a close fourth. Florida ought to reap the benefits as the state's flagship program. Now that Jim McElwain has shown that the Gators again have an offensive pulse, skill players will lead UF back to where it wants to be. If the job were open tomorrow, another offensive-minded coach would be the priority. Including an athletic dorm, an academic center and an indoor facility, Florida has hit the giddy-up button on facilities. Officials are trying to figure out where to add a structure to replace the current football offices and infrastructure housed in the corner of the stadium. The present setup is rather dark and unimpressive. What sufficed in Steve Spurrier's day -- or even Urban Meyer's -- doesn't fly now.
The challenge: AD Jeremy Foley is a key figure in every aspect of evaluating this job, both positively and negatively. Foley, 63, worked his way up from the ticket office to take over as AD in 1992. He's widely respected among the country's ADs and coaches. He is the king of the castle, and he makes sure to let every Florida coach know it. That can lead to friction. Insiders say Muschamp had his share of run-ins, and McElwain has already encountered a handful. Those close to UF said one of McElwain's more recent heart-to-hearts came after Arkansas coach Bret Bielema insinuated that McElwain's staff was engaging in unsavory recruiting tactics. Foley met with McElwain soon after Bielema's comment and demanded to know what was going on. McElwain fired back, wondering why Foley wasn't taking his side. Florida is a job most coaches would covet, but coaches notice things such as that.
Current head coach: Jimbo Fisher (seventh year)
2015 rank: 7 | 2015 record: 10-3
FSU also received a first-place vote from a panelist. Like Florida, FSU is seen as a school with increasing administrative support in a recruit-rich environment.
The bright side: Jimbo Fisher has done his best to turn FSU into "the Alabama of the ACC." He has come the closest to replicating Nick Saban's success by leveraging a lighter schedule and better in-state talent than Bama enjoys. Coaches talk often about how difficult replacing a legend can be, yet Fisher has done about as well as anyone in that department since he took over for Bobby Bowden. Now that FSU has better institutional support, as evidenced by improving facilities such as an indoor complex, it's scary how effective it can be in the recruiting game. FSU had the top-ranked class this year and ranked second in 2015 and third in 2014. Its talent level is currently as strong as that of any program in America. Because it doesn't deal with the football-obsessed SEC West, there are reasons to believe FSU might have college football's most sustainable program. That's important to note when considering reports that Fisher thought about leaving FSU for LSU before deciding in November to stay put. "If they were both playing in the SEC, you'd have to pick LSU," a Power 5 coach told Insider. "But they aren't both playing in the SEC."
The challenge: There aren't too many. The support of FSU's leadership could always subside, but that's a concern for any program. The state is so heavily recruited, but no one has more recent on-field momentum and cachet than FSU. Heck, it has had three first-round quarterbacks since 2011. Tallahassee is a well-below-average college setting, but that has not seemed to preclude FSU's recruiting abilities the past few years.
Current head coach: Clay Helton (first year)
2015 rank: 3 | 2015 record: 8-6
Coaching turmoil ... NCAA sanctions ... more coaching turmoil ... the Trojans are still standing. They're still in the top five. They're Teflon. This is as resilient a program as perhaps we've ever seen, built largely on the biggest college brand on the West Coast.
The bright side: Clay Helton is the school's third full-time guy since 2009, yet USC just signed the country's No. 11 class. When Insider met with Helton, then the program's interim, in November, he said he wasn't overly concerned about how the Trojans would recruit amid more change. Why would he be? If there's such a thing as recruiting autopilot, USC is the beta test. "They get whoever they want," an agent told Insider. "I've literally heard a USC coach say it's really the only job in the country where you don't have to recruit." You've still got to win games, obviously, but that's a heck of a starting point. Outgoing AD Pat Haden will stay on to study ways to improve the Coliseum experience. Closer to the heart of campus, improvements to Heritage Hall and the addition of the $70 million McKay Center have given the Trojans a more modern hub.
The challenge: Haden, a Trojans legend whose administrative career was a mixed bag, recently announced his retirement. The search for his replacement is expected to last several months and as long as a year. That surely isn't a comforting thought for Helton entering his first full year, nor would it be for a hypothetical incoming staff. Mike Garrett and Haden have not left with the best reputations, so the next USC AD might want to put his stamp on the athletic department. Los Angeles is one busy place, and USC football -- even if it is the most recognized college football program in the region -- is still behind both NBA teams in terms of interest. The return of the NFL's Rams provides only more competition, and the Chargers or Raiders coming to L.A. would mean an even more divided fan focus. Even when the Trojans win big, they're often not the biggest story in town.
Current head coach: Charlie Strong (third year)
2015 rank: 1 | 2015 record: 5-7
Texas is another "B.S. factor" culprit, and one panelist ranked it No. 8. On the flipside, one coach was quick to mention that recent leadership concerns aside, the gig would be highly desirable if UT were to open again anytime soon.
The bright side: Texas is best positioned to attract the state's abundant talent. Despite all sorts of turmoil, including a mystery of an offense, Charlie Strong's 2016 recruiting class jumped 22 spots in the final week to finish at No. 10. There's an element of USC's "autopilot" with UT, but the end of Mack Brown's stay proved there is more to coaching than merely signing big-name prospects. Strong now has to prove the same to earn another season. If Texas' administration could redo the hire, it would almost certainly hire someone who runs a Baylor-type spread system. Heck, the leaders probably wish they had just hired Baylor's Art Briles. If only UT didn't insist that Briles formally interview for the job. Austin is one of the fastest-growing mid-major cities in the country. UT's facilities are already among the best in the country, and Texas' donors are intent on keeping it that way. The school's leaders have earmarked roughly $750 million to update the stadium and its periphery in the next decade.
The challenge: "I don't know why they're not better," one former Power 5 coach told Insider. We'll tell you why, Coach. The Longhorns are down two spots due to the constant "clutter" associated with this job. One person close to the program told Insider that even new hoops coach Shaka Smart can't believe how politically layered everything is on the "40 Acres." It's an accelerated version of Auburn; if you're a major donor at Texas, you think your input should shape the program's direction. Ultimately, employees of the school, including the coaching staff, wind up disagreeing, and chaos ensues. Those in Austin say stopgap AD Mike Perrin -- the former UT athlete brought on after Steve Patterson was fired following a clumsy, tone-deaf term -- has been a unifying voice. There's also a relatively new president (Greg Fenves) and chancellor (William McRaven) at UT. There are reasons to believe this new leadership can help minimize the clutter. Texas football should not fret too much about the rise of programs such as Baylor and TCU. With the right coaching staff -- and the right leaders supporting it -- it should not take a back seat to anyone in the country. Texas is free to stop being its own worst enemy.
Current head coach: Urban Meyer (fifth year)
2015 rank: 4 | 2015 record: 12-1
It seems like a distant memory now, but the program was wobbling when Urban Meyer took over in 2012. He's a mere 50-4 since. Even so, Jim Harbaugh banging a bunch of pots together has gotten everyone's attention and taken away from the fact that Meyer's program has shown no signs of slowing down.
The bright side: A hypothetical new staff would be smart to not change many things from the way Meyer is doing them, especially when it comes to recruiting. Meyer brought Big Ten recruiting into the millennium by kicking down the doors Harbaugh is now walking through. The Buckeyes are annually signing talent-rich Ohio's best prospects, and they're also winning recruiting battles around the country. OSU's 13 ESPN 300 signees in 2016 are from seven different states. OSU has added a total of 36 ESPN 300 recruits in the past three classes; that's a pretty clear sign the program isn't going to wilt, despite the number of players turning pro. This would be an enviable roster to inherit. "That's a top, top job," a Power 5 coach told Insider. "Everybody in Big Ten country recruits Ohio, but they still dominate the state, and now they have a pipeline to the South." The Horseshoe is one of the best game-day atmospheres in the country, and the team's on-campus facilities receive continual upgrades to stay up-to-date.
The challenge: If Meyer were to leave, Harbaugh and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio would prove rather pesky. They're two totally different types of adversaries too. The vigorous competition suggests the Big Ten East is likely to regularly change hands, but Ohio State is presently in the best spot to win the division (and league) more than it loses it. Meyer would be very difficult to replace, but many coaches would opt to take on the challenge. There are too many elements in place to not try.
Current head coach: Nick Saban (10th year)
2015 rank: 2 | 2015 record: 14-1
One of our panelists boldly placed Alabama sixth and said he would want no part in replacing Nick Saban. (Dabo Swinney, you listening?)
The bright side: Bama's average signing day ranking the past eight years: 1.7. That includes four consecutive No. 1 classes from 2012 through 2015. The 2016 bunch finished a "disappointing" second behind FSU. "They get whoever they want," an agent told Insider. Surely a new staff could leverage some of that mojo and continue what Saban has built, both in-state and regionally. If not, one need not apply. One of the country's largest weight rooms and a bowled-in Bryant-Denny Stadium are among the upgrades since Saban's arrival in 2007. Every time Alabama's facility improvements come up, coaches and ADs are quick to point out that the late Mal Moore was instrumental in those changes. The SEC West is brutally difficult, but if you're going to enter at some point, why not enter at the top?
The challenge: For any hypothetical new staff, the biggest hurdle, clearly, would be replacing Saban. Even 10-win seasons would be met with a shrug -- and then something more aggressive -- if rings and trophies weren't part of the equation. Whoever it ultimately is, the next coach in Tuscaloosa will face constant comparisons in all sorts of ways. If said coach is headstrong and confident, it won't matter. If not, he'll wilt under the pressure. Even Saban and his wife, Ms. Terry, have acknowledged that the weight of winning has weighed on them. That's with four national titles and a 100-18 record to their credit.
