Seventeen first-year Power 4 coaches -- here's how...

Match Overview

The 2024 college football season features 17 first-year head coaches leading Power 4 programs across the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC. The transition period has delivered starkly contrasting results, ranging from historic undefeated starts to steep rebuilding phases.

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti leads the breakthrough pack with an unprecedented campaign, while high-profile hires at Alabama, Texas A&M, and Syracuse remain in firm College Football Playoff contention. Conversely, programs such as Michigan, Washington, UCLA, and Mississippi State continue to navigate line-up turnover and scheme adjustments.

Key Stats & Facts

• Curt Cignetti (Indiana): 10-0 record (7-0 Big Ten); secured the program’s first 10-win season in 126 years; +28.8 average point differential per game.
• Kalen DeBoer (Alabama): 8-2 record (4-2 SEC); 2-1 record against AP Top 15 opponents; team averaging 37.9 points per game.
• Mike Elko (Texas A&M): 8-2 record (5-1 SEC); 5-0 home record at Kyle Field; defense limiting opponents to 19.8 points per game.
• Fran Brown (Syracuse): 7-3 record (4-3 ACC); ranks #3 nationally in passing offense averaging 354.7 yards per game.
• Bill O’Brien (Boston College): 6-4 record (3-3 ACC); achieved bowl eligibility; +4 turnover differential.
• Manny Diaz (Duke): 7-3 record (3-3 ACC); defense ranks #1 in the ACC in tackles for loss (82.0).
• Sherrone Moore (Michigan): 5-5 record (3-4 Big Ten); offense ranks 129th nationally in passing yards per game (134.3).
• Jedd Fisch (Washington): 5-5 record (3-4 Big Ten); 5-0 record at home, 0-4 on the road.
• Jonathan Smith (Michigan State): 4-6 record (2-5 Big Ten); 1-4 record in games decided by one possession.
• DeShaun Foster (UCLA): 4-6 record (3-5 Big Ten); recovered from a 1-4 start with three consecutive Big Ten road wins.
• Willie Fritz (Houston): 4-6 record (3-4 Big 12); pulled off two victories over AP Top 20 teams.
• Brent Brennan (Arizona): 4-6 record (2-5 Big 12); 1-5 record over the last six games.
• Dave Braun (Northwestern): 4-6 record (2-5 Big Ten); averaging just 18.0 points per game on offense.
• Brent Pry / Tony Elliott era comparison - Kalani Sitake / Brent Venables metrics: (Big 12/SEC benchmark).
• Jeff Lebby (Mississippi State): 2-8 record (0-6 SEC); defense allowing 34.2 points per game.

Player Spotlight & Standings Impact

Quarterback Transformation Under New Systems

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke has generated a 182.7 passer rating under Cignetti, recording 21 touchdown passes against just four interceptions. Syracuse transfer quarterback Kyle McCord leads all Power 4 passers with 3,472 passing yards and 24 touchdowns through 10 games under Fran Brown.

Playoff & Conference Championship Race

Indiana (Big Ten) and Texas A&M (SEC) both control their paths to their respective conference championship games. Alabama holds a top-10 ranking and position for an at-large berth in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, while Syracuse and Duke remain positioned for upper-tier ACC bowl selections.