We went through and ranked the quarterbacks, running backs, and pass-catchers during our post-spring rankings. Now we are going to rank the Big Ten head coaches.
The Big Ten has plenty of really good coaches — which is a big reason why the Big Ten is one of the best conferences in football — and the top five-to-six coaches could go in about any order you choose.
How we determined these rankings are pretty simple: records, longevity, and highest AP finish in the polls. Also, some other factors came into play like recruiting — and recruiting challenges that teams run into like academic restrictions that a team like Michigan or Northwestern may face, or the challenges that teams like Iowa or Illinois may face to get recruits to come play for them. If a coach can overcome those challenges, like Kirk Ferentz has done for 23 years at Iowa, that bolstered their ranking.
Here is our ranking of the 14 coaches that the Big Ten has to offer.
List
Everything Jim Harbaugh had to say at the Michigan Football Showcase
Scott Frost — Nebraska
scott frost nebraska
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Years at Nebraska: four years
Record at Nebraska: 15-29
Best finish at Nebraska: 5-7 in 2019
Zero winning seasons
Bret Bielema — Illinois
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Years at Illinois: one year
Record at Illinois: 5-7
Best finish at Illinois: 5-7 in 2021
Zero winning seasons
Mike Locksley — Maryland
Photo: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Years at Maryland: four years
Record at Maryland: 13-23
Best finish at Maryland: 7-6 in 2021
One winning season
*Locksley coached in 2015 for Maryland then returned in 2019.
Tom Allen — Indiana
Jan 2, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA;Indiana Hoosiers head coach Tom Allen reacts against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Years at Indiana: six years
Record at Indiana: 26-32
Best finish at Indiana: 6-2 in 2020
Highest AP finish: 12th
Two winning seasons
Jeff Brohm — Purdue
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Years at Purdue: five years
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