Which CFB head coach will have the most success with new team?

The college football head coach hiring frenzy has come and gone. As the dust settles, we are beginning to look forward to the 2023 season to project which coach will have the most success with their new school.

Hugh Freeze, Auburn

Freeze went 39-25 during his time at Ole Miss from 2012-16, but the entire period is marred by his off-the-field issues, which led to his hiring at Liberty, one of the largest Christian university in the nation — ironic, right? His expertise on the field can’t be disputed, though. Freeze went 31-15 at Liberty; he can win. Auburn is going to either look like geniuses or the biggest clowns in the room with this hire. As we saw in a down 2022 for the SEC, LSU and Brian Kelly took a ragtag bunch to Atlanta for the conference championship; it’s not impossible to think Freeze could put together an impressive debut season.

Deion Sanders, Colorado

Colorado might have the easiest road to a successful season in the Pac-12, which rivals the ACC and Big 12 as the nation’s worst conference. Prime Time went 27-5 during his time at Jackson State, including an undefeated regular season this past year. This will be his first crack at a major college football program, so it’s a toss-up. But his ability to recruit high schoolers and transfers, develop those players, and market the university should have the Buffaloes competitive in no time.

Matt Rhule, Nebraska

Rhule took over a disaster of a program at Baylor and turned it around. Art Briles left the school in ruins, and Rhule turned it into a winner within three seasons, capping off that year with 10 wins and a Sugar Bowl. Nebraska needs a program builder, and they got it with Rhule. The Big 10 West is up for grabs; it wouldn’t shock me if Rhule has the Cornhuskers in the conference championship before long.

Luke Fickell, Wisconsin

I never thought Fickell would leave Cincinnati, where he amassed a 57-18 record, three double-digit win seasons, two conference titles, and a College Football Playoff berth. Wisconsin fans should be ecstatic to land Fickell. The Badgers have long been an underperforming program, and Fickell should have them in contention for the Big 10 West immediately for the same reason as stated before.

Jeff Brohm, Louisville

Brohm takes over for Scott Satterfield at Louisville after leading Purdue to a Big 10 West title in 2022 and multiple bowl games. He’s known for his electric offenses, is from the area, and is a former quarterback and assistant for the Cardinals. It’s an excellent hire for me. The fan base loves him, and he loves the fan base. I hope it works out for Brohm and Louisville.

Brent Key, Georgia Tech
Key is in a similar position as Brohm. Key is a Tech alum, so he’s well aware of the challenges he will face. Geoff Collins was a supreme disappointment, and the Yellow Jackets seemingly rallied around Key when he took over, playing .500 ball for the season. Key is a decent hire, and I hope he can turn their program around, but I don’t know how possible that really is right now for Georgia Tech.

Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati
Satterfield amassed a 25-24 record at Louisville but was never really able to compete for ACC championships, despite being a rockstar at Appalachian State for the five seasons prior. His experience in the FCS should be valuable for the Bearcats as the program transitions to the Big 12, but he didn’t exactly succeed at the Power 5 level with the Cardinals. I’m not confident this hire will work out.

Zach Arnett, Mississippi State

Arnett is the least set up for success, in my opinion. He steps into an impossible situation, taking over for the late, great Mike Leach. It’s difficult to imagine moving forward, but Arnett is familiar with Leach’s program and tendencies. However, it would behoove him and all first-time head coaches to be their own man. Moreover, Arnett is getting his first audition as a head coach in the big leagues, the SEC.

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Photographer: Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire

Which college football HC will have the most success with their new team?

Hugh Freeze, Auburn

Zach Arnett, Mississippi State

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Hugh Freeze, Auburn

Zach Arnett, Mississippi State

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