Last week, colleague Travis Haney again shouldered the colossal task of ranking the Power 5 coaching jobs, dividing them into five tiers according to desirability.
Our focus now shifts to another set of head-coaching jobs, regarded well in college coaching circles but, in many cases, shrouded in mystery: the Group of 5. Largely on the fringes of fan interest, the Group of 5 is a hodgepodge of historic powers, rapid risers, FBS newcomers, service academies, conference nomads and perpetual dead ends. The unique dynamics surrounding Group of 5 jobs can change their appeal almost overnight, so consider these rankings to be in real time.
The Group of 5 rankings considered the following factors: location and access to talent in recruiting, financial support, facilities or future facilities, fan interest/expectations, recent and historic results, movement of coaches to Power 5 positions and the program's appeal to possible Power 5 suitors. Input from coaches, administrators and agents was included, and ESPN college football reporters Andrea Adelson, Matt Fortuna, Kevin Gemmell, Haney and Chris Low also shared their thoughts.
1. UCF, American Athletic
Head coach: Scott Frost (first year)
2015 record: 0-12
Yes, it's odd to start the rankings with lone Group of 5 team that went winless last season, much less a program that has only been in the FBS since 1996. But coaching searches provide the true gauge of a job's appeal, and UCF was extremely coveted last fall. "Everybody wanted that one," an agent said. A central location in talent-rich Florida helps, as do facilities that one Group of 5 coach said rival those of some Power 5 programs. UCF was the first FBS program in Florida to build an indoor practice facility, and new athletic director Danny White is highly regarded.
Although the 2015 season was a disaster, UCF won the Fiesta Bowl just two years earlier. The Knights compiled four 10-win seasons and three league titles between 2008-13. While Frost earned a solid salary for a first-time coach ($1.7 million), he also received $2.3 million to pay assistants, a sizable pool for a Group of 5 program.
"The recruiting base, Orlando, it's a top, top job," a Group of 5 coach said.
2. Boise State, Mountain West
Head coach: Bryan Harsin (third season)
2015 record: 9-4
When it comes to recent success, Boise State remains the gold standard among the Group of 5. The Broncos have won at least eight games every year since 1999 and recorded 11 10-win seasons during the span. The program also generates the most revenue in the Mountain West, and invests the most in its coaching staff. It has a powerful following in a midsize city without major pro teams, and its brand recognition is strong, both regionally and nationally. Past coaches have vaulted to the Pac-12 and Big 12.
A potential concern going forward is access to talent, as Boise State has to mine California and other states for players. The school also isn't considered a strong candidate to join a Power 5 league, and recent rounds of realignment have weakened the Mountain West.
3. Houston, American Athletic
Head coach: Tom Herman (second season)
2015 record: 13-1
Access to talent matters more for Group of 5 programs lacking endless financial resources, and no team has more access than UH. Herman calls Houston "the greatest high school football-playing city in the greatest high school football-playing state in the country, and we're right in the middle." The program won in the 1970s and 1980s, and more recently under Art Briles and Kevin Sumlin, who then vaulted to Power 5 jobs.
But the real plus has been Houston's recent financial commitment, from a $128 million stadium to plans for an indoor practice facility to a reworked contract for Herman, who will earn $2.8 million this fall after guiding the Cougars to a league title and a Peach Bowl championship in Year 1.
"Houston has a lot of money people don't realize," a Group of 5 coach said. Athletic director Hunter Yurachek is respected, as was his predecessor, Mack Rhoades.
The lone drawback is that Houston, while seemingly equipped for the Power 5, might be passed over if the Big 12 expands again.
4. Cincinnati
Head coach: Tommy Tuberville (fourth year)
2015 record: 7-6
It takes an appealing Group of 5 job to attract an established Power 5 coach like Tuberville. Cincinnati also may be the most appealing Group of 5 program to expansion-hungry Power 5 leagues, as it has an metropolitan location, a recent $85 million stadium renovation and a strong recent track record of success, winning or sharing five league titles between 2008-14. The previous three Cincinnati coaches are now at Tennessee, Notre Dame and Michigan State.
While Cincinnati is in a strong recruiting region, it faces a tougher road to a league title in the AAC with Houston and others rising up.
5. BYU, Independent
Head coach: Kalani Sitake (first season)
2015 record: 9-4
No Group of 5 program owns a bigger place in college football history during the past 35 years than BYU. No Group of 5 program has a stronger national following. BYU has "as much money as some Power 5 schools," a Group of 5 coach noted. But recent events have raised eyebrows, like Bronco Mendenhall's departure to a mid-tier ACC job (Virginia) despite a 99-43 record, or BYU's inability to lure Ken Niumataolo from Navy. BYU's independent status and limited recruiting pool are drawbacks. The good news: BYU could land it in the Power 5 if the Big 12 opts to expand.
6. South Florida, American Athletic
Head coach: Willie Taggart (fourth season)
2015 record: 8-5
USF has similar ingredients to UCF, namely a metropolitan location in talent-rich Florida. The program's rapid rise from inception in 1997 to a No. 2 ranking in the initial BCS standings during the 2007 season (the Bulls ultimately finished ranked 21st) illustrates its potential. The lack of an on-campus stadium hurts, and USF has had past budget issues with a reliance on subsidies and student fees. Attendance and interest declined as the team recorded four straight losing seasons from 2011-14, but last year's rebound provides hope. "South Florida should be a lot better than what they are," said a Power 5 coach with Group of 5 experience.
7. East Carolina, American Athletic
Head coach: Scottie Montgomery (first season)
2015 record: 5-7
A large and passionate fan base is ECU's strongest attribute. A former Pirates assistant tells Insider that the game-day atmosphere at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium trumps those at several ACC venues. Gradual facilities upgrades will help ECU keep pace in the American, although its somewhat remote location could hurt in a league filled with schools in bigger cities. "Coaches like the East Carolina job," an agent said. "That fan base has an edge to them. It's kind of like Auburn fans in the state of Alabama. They feel like they're the consummate underdog."
8. Colorado State, Mountain West
Head coach: Mike Bobo (second season)
2015 record: 7-6
This job is viewed as a fast riser, as the team's success under Jim McElwain and a $220 million stadium on the way create momentum. Strong financial resources and a history of success with Sonny Lubick increase the appeal. Fort Collins is a good college town, but there's limited local talent and a fairly saturated sports market around Denver. "That could be a really good gig," a Group of 5 athletic director said.
9. Memphis, American Athletic
Head coach: Mike Norvell (first season)
2015 record: 9-4
Administrative support was the missing piece for a program located in a favorable recruiting region and boasting strong community interest. The 2012 Liberty Bowl renovation helped, and an indoor practice facility that will include coaches' offices is coming. The Sunday-Friday facilities, despite being away from the main campus, will match or exceed those of many Power 5 programs. The question moving forward is whether Memphis remains in the mix for AAC titles.
10. Marshall, Conference USA
Head coach: Doc Holliday (seventh season)
2015 record: 10-3
Marshall has won big both at the FCS and FBS levels, and has strong resources and fan support. Local recruiting is limited but Marshall has little trouble attracting and admitting players from states like Florida, where Holliday's connections help. Marshall facilities, which include a new indoor practice complex, are among the best in the Group of 5. "They've got the best tradition in Conference USA," a Group of 5 coach said. "Their facilities, with their indoor facility, makes up for having to go out of state to get your kids."
11. San Diego State, Mountain West
Head coach: Rocky Long (sixth season)
2015 record: 11-3
As the only Group of 5 school in Southern California, San Diego State enjoys excellent access to one of the nation's densest talent regions. Long and predecessor Brady Hoke have created stability with six consecutive winning seasons, including last year's 11-3 breakthrough that received shockingly little attention. The stadium issue is a major concern, as the future of Qualcomm Stadium without an NFL tenant could create a nightmare for SDSU. Financial resources also are dicey in the California State University system.
12. SMU, American Athletic
Head coach: Chad Morris (second season)
2015 record: 2-10
Few access points for recruits are better than Dallas, and SMU has the money to invest in its program. Morris' hiring underscored SMU's appeal, as he had been one of the nation's most coveted coordinators. But the school's commitment to winning and its expectations remain uncertain in the post-death penalty era, as SMU hasn't eclipsed eight wins since 1984 and competes in a very tough league. High academic standards impact recruiting, but, as an agent said, "SMU should be better."
13. Navy, American Athletic
Head coach: Ken Niumatalolo (ninth season)
2015 record: 11-2
The service academies present unique challenges but also advantages like a national fan following. Niumataolo has made Navy by far the premier service academy job, and his decision to stay there rather than head to BYU underscores the administrative support he receives from longtime AD Chet Gladchuk and others. Navy's move to the American seems to be paying off, and the program has solid financial backing.
14. Temple, American Athletic
Head coach: Matt Rhule (third season)
2015 record: 10-4
Few FBS jobs have made a bigger jump in desirability during the past decade. Temple recorded its first 10-win season under Rhule, who follows successful runs from Steve Addazio and Al Golden, both of whom moved to ACC jobs. Temple is considering a $100 million on-campus stadium, and it completed a $10 million upgrade to its football operations center in 2012. Well-regarded AD Patrick Kraft has a football background. "The recruiting area is good, and a lot of kids around Philly, they don't want to leave," a Group of 5 coach said. "A campus facility would really help them."
15. Southern Miss, Conference USA
Head coach: Jay Hopson
2015 record: 9-5
The brutal stretch Southern Miss endured from 2012-14 (four wins, 32 losses) isn't the norm. This was an extremely steady program under Jeff Bower, which Larry Fedora elevated in 2011 before jumping to North Carolina. Southern Miss lacks mega boosters and is limited in what it can offer financially, but its prime recruiting location, loose admissions standards and future facilities upgrades make it an attractive gig.
16. Northern Illinois, Mid-American
Head coach: Rod Carey (fourth season)
2015 record: 8-6
Once an FBS wasteland, NIU has gone 121-62 since 2002 under four head coaches. Other than an aging stadium, the facilities are strong, and NIU's location west of Chicago is a plus. "If you're a MAC player in Ohio, you have seven schools," an agent said. "If you're a MAC-caliber player in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin or Minnesota, you're closest to Northern. That's a huge advantage.
17. Tulsa, American Athletic
Head coach: Philip Montgomery (second season)
2015 record: 6-7
It's not a Tier 1 AAC job but it's close, as Tulsa won consistently between 2003-12 and has decent access to talent. The academic standards aren't as loose as some Group of 5 schools, but as an agent noted, "Tulsa really should be a good job. With the right coach, everything there is pretty much in place."
18. Toledo, Mid-American
Head coach: Jason Candle (first season)
2015 record: 10-2
Other than a dip from 2005-09, Toledo has been a consistent 8- to 10-game winner. It spent $5 million renovating its end zone facility in 2014 and opened a new indoor practice facility in 2010. Nick Saban started his head-coaching career here, and three of Toledo's past four coaches vaulted to Power 5 jobs.
19. Bowling Green, Mid-American
Head coach: Mike Jinks (first season)
2015 record: 10-4
Like its rival Toledo, Bowling Green is enjoying an extended run of success, which includes two MAC titles in the past three seasons. The facilities are so-so, but the recent coaching tree is strong with Urban Meyer, Dave Clawson and Dino Babers.
20. Connecticut, American Athletic
Head coach: Bob Diaco (third season)
2015 record: 6-7
The financials and facilities are strong. Connecticut's football complex was built in 2006 when the program played in the Big East. Access to talent is the drawback, especially in a league filled with well-located schools.
21. Arkansas State, Sun Belt
Head coach: Blake Anderson (third season)
2015 record: 9-4
Arkansas State counters its limited access to talent with strong facilities and a financial commitment to winning. Recent coaches have moved to Ole Miss, Auburn and Boise State. "They're always building a $10 million this or a $15 million this," a Group of 5 coach said. "They have to go out of state [for recruits], but look what we have to offer."
22. Nevada, Mountain West
Head coach: Brian Polian (fourth season)
2015 record: 7-6
Program architect Chris Ault showed you can win here with progressive schemes and gifted quarterbacks. The next step, happening gradually, is facility enhancement, but Nevada will face budget challenges to keep pace in the league.
23. Louisiana Tech, Conference USA
Head coach: Skip Holtz (fourth season)
2015 record: 9-4
The school's financial resources are extremely limited and could be getting worse, but its recruiting location is a huge plus. Its past two coaches (Sonny Dykes and Derek Dooley) moved to Power 5 jobs. "They really pride themselves with doing more with less," an agent said.
24. Louisiana-Lafayette, Sun Belt
Head coach: Mark Hudspeth (sixth season)
2015 record: 4-8
Strong community interest, good financial resources and access to talent make this an attractive job. "Lafayette should be the best team in that league," a Group of 5 coach said. "They've got the best facilities and they're in a very, very fertile recruiting area."
25. Central Michigan, Mid-American
Head coach: John Bonamego (second season)
2015 record: 7-6
CMU has solid coaching tradition and was ahead of the MAC curve with several facilities upgrades. Things have slipped a bit since the Brian Kelly-Butch Jones surge, and Dan Enos left for an SEC coordinator job after the 2014 season.
26. Western Kentucky, Conference USA
Head coach: Jeff Brohm (third season)
2015 record: 12-2
After a rocky entry into the FBS, Western Kentucky has recorded five straight winning seasons under three different coaches. Nice facilities and liberal admissions help combat the challenge of recruiting mostly outside the state.
27. Georgia Southern, Sun Belt
Head coach: Tyson Summers (first season)
2015 record: 9-4
This is a job to watch, as Georgia Southern transitioned well from FCS superpower to the FBS. It boasts a loyal fan following and has excellent access to recruits in Georgia and North Florida. "There's an identity about the place," an agent said. "You know what they're about."
28. Western Michigan, Mid-American
Head coach: P.J. Fleck (fourth season)
2015 record: 8-5
The facilities upgrades completed in 2014 make this a much better job, as Western Michigan had lacked resources to compete with the MAC's best. WMU can recruit Detroit, Chicago and parts in between, as the charismatic Fleck has shown.
29. Appalachian State, Sun Belt
Head coach: Scott Satterfield (fourth season)
2015 record: 11-2
Very similar to Georgia Southern, Appalachian State is an ex-FCS power that has transitioned well to the FBS. Appalachian State's access to talent isn't quite as strong, but it has a strong fan base and opened a new football operations center in 2009.
30. Air Force, Mountain West
Head coach: Troy Calhoun (10th season)
2015 record: 8-6
Air Force regularly reaches bowl games and doesn't cycle through coaches (just three since 1979). The facilities are solid and Calhoun is paid well, although overall staff pay is so-so and recruiting to a service academy presents obstacles.
31. Utah State, Mountain West
Head coach: Matt Wells (fourth season)
2015 record: 6-7
There's good local and institution support, which includes a stadium renovation completed later this year. Coaches must embrace a restricted recruiting pool featuring in-state players, Polynesian prospects and prospects from the LDS church. "It's a very, very unique fit," a coach said. "Anyone who loses sight of that will lose."
32. North Texas, Conference USA
Head coach: Seth Littrell (first season)
2015 record: 1-11
Despite the team's struggles since 2005, this job is viewed favorably in the coach and agent communities. The stadium is nice, the support facilities are solid and a location near the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a major benefit for recruiting.
33. Middle Tennessee, Conference USA
Head coach: Rick Stockstill (11th season)
2015 record: 7-6
Middle Tennessee values stability in leadership with Stockstill and athletic director Chris Massaro, but it has fallen behind in the facilities push, and lacks financial muscle. MTSU also has to recruit most of its players from outside the state.
34. Tulane, American Athletic
Head coach: Willie Fritz (first season)
2015 record: 3-9
The return of games to campus in 2014 is a plus, and new athletic director Troy Dannen earns high marks. But a small alumni base, inconsistent local support/interest and a city saturated with rival recruiters are negatives.
35. Miami (Ohio), Mid-American
Head coach: Chuck Martin (third season)
2015 record: 3-9
The consensus: Miami is underachieving big time. There's a winning tradition, great coaching roots, resources, a beautiful campus and strong academics to sell. A Group of 5 AD said Miami should be the MAC's best job. It's 13-47 since 2011.
36. Troy, Sun Belt
Head coach: Neal Brown (second season)
2015 record: 4-8
After a solid run under Larry Blakeney from 2006-10, Troy has seen schools with similar profiles and resources catch up or bypass it in facilities. "They didn't keep up with the Joneses," a Group of 5 coach said. "Now they realize, 'We've got to move some dirt.'"
37. Fresno State, Mountain West
Head coach: Tim DeRuyter (fifth season)
2015 record: 3-9
Pat Hill had it going and DeRuyter continued the success initially, but there are questions about Fresno State's financial/resource future, especially in the CSU system. Local support is strong, though, and, as a Group of 5 coach noted, "They're the one [FBS] school in California isolated from pro sports."
38. Ohio, Mid-American
Head coach: Frank Solich (12th season)
2015 record: 8-5
Solich brought credibility and consistency to Athens, and as one former MAC coach said, "He's made that place." But the job still has inherent challenges, including a remote location, which has hampered Bobcat coaches for decades.
39. Rice, Conference USA
Head coach: David Bailiff (10th season)
2015 record: 5-7
Bailiff's brief flirtation with UTSA in January could be telling. Rice is surrounded by talent, but can only access a small percentage because of its academic standards. "Good location, good academics, they can offer something different," an agent said.
40. Florida Atlantic, Conference USA
Head coach: Charlie Partridge (third season)
2015 record: 3-9
This job should improve soon as the school is building a new football complex that includes an indoor practice field. There's money around FAU and good leadership with AD Pat Chun. "I've never understood why Florida Atlantic isn't better," a Group of 5 coach said.
41. UAB, Conference USA
Head coach: Bill Clark (coach since 2014)
2015 record: Did not compete
If UAB delivers on its pledge of facilities upgrades and financial backing, this job will rise quickly in prestige. Clark has shown UAB's recruiting clout despite no games. But the program shutdown shouldn't be forgotten amid the positive energy.
42. New Mexico, Mountain West
Head coach: Bob Davie (fifth season)
2015 record: 7-6
There's limited in-state talent but New Mexico can get to Texas easily. Albuquerque, a midsize city without pro sports, provides a good local following. "They've thrown a lot more money at it recently," a Group of 5 coach said.
43. Wyoming, Mountain West
Head coach: Craig Bohl (third season)
2015 record: 2-10
The financial commitment is there. Wyoming hopes to break ground this year on a $44 million athletic performance facility designed to help the Pokes keep pace in the Mountain West. The challenge remains recruiting. "It's Laramie, bro," an FBS coach said.
44. Texas State, Sun Belt
Head coach: Everett Withers (first season)
2015 record: 3-9
It's seen as a mid-tier Sun Belt job with a chance to rise. San Marcos isn't much, but with the right recruiters, like Withers, Texas State can access in-state hotspots like San Antonio, Houston and Austin.
45. Akron, Mid-American
Head coach: Terry Bowden (fifth season)
2015 record: 8-5
The facilities are excellent -- among the best in the MAC. But drumming up support and interest at a commuter school located in an area with so many sporting options has been tough.
46. UTEP, Conference USA
Head coach: Sean Kugler (fourth season)
2015 record: 5-7
The Texas location (barely, but still counts) helps for recruiting, and UTEP plays in an iconic stadium and has good facilities. It's an outpost in Conference USA, and the Mountain West would be a more natural home.
47. UTSA, Conference USA
Head coach: Frank Wilson (first season)
2015 record: 3-9
San Antonio is flush with recruits, and Wilson and his staff could capitalize on their location. But UTSA's facilities are poor and the program needs more local financial support and interest.
48. San Jose State, Mountain West
Head coach: Ron Caragher (fourth season)
2015 record: 6-7
There are financial challenges here, and while the location provides great access to talent, San Jose State often gets lost in a Bay Area sports market filled with pro teams and two Power 5 colleges.
49. South Alabama, Sun Belt
Head coach: Joey Jones (eighth season)
2015 record: 5-7
The key step is an on-campus stadium, and the school recently hired three firms to assist in exploring one. Coaches see potential -- perhaps a better version of Troy eventually -- as South Alabama is well located for recruits. But more investment is needed.
50. UNLV, Mountain West
Head coach: Tony Sanchez (second season)
2015 record: 3-9
Sanchez has the local clout to possibly spark UNLV, which is pushing for a new domed stadium near campus. Dreaming big is great, but UNLV needs small steps to rouse a program with just one bowl appearance since 2000.
51. Ball State, Mid-American
Head coach: Mike Neu (first season)
2015 record: 3-9
It's never a good sign when a well-respected coach (Pete Lembo) leaves voluntarily to become a special teams coordinator at a Power 5 school. Ball State has fallen behind in facilities (no indoor field) and lacks the in-state recruiting base of many MAC schools.
52. Hawaii, Mountain West
Head coach: Nick Rolovich (first season)
2015 record: 3-10
June Jones and Greg McMackin showed you can win, but Hawaii's financial and logistical challenges are taking a bigger toll. "Hardest job in the league," a Group of 5 coach said. "They have limited resources and the travel is ridiculous."
53. Old Dominion, Conference USA
Head coach: Bobby Wilder (eighth season)
2015 record: 5-7
ODU must prove it can win at the FBS level, but there's talent in the Virginia area and the school has started exploring stadium possibilities. "They're in a hotbed of recruiting," a Group of 5 coach said.
54. FIU, Conference USA
Head coach: Ron Turner (fourth season)
2015 record: 5-7
Often linked to FAU, FIU is a much tougher job, coaches and agents say. Attendance, facilities, administrative leadership and attracting local recruits are all issues.
55. Georgia State, Sun Belt
Head coach: Trent Miles
2015 record: 6-7
Atlanta is an ideal location for talent, but the facilities are the major concern, coaches and agents say. The school averaged just 10,347 fans per game last year.
56. Louisiana-Monroe, Sun Belt
Head coach: Matt Viator (first season)
2015 record: 2-11
The budget difficulties are the big drawback, despite a location in a talent-rich state. Louisiana's budget crisis makes ULM's financial future even murkier.
57. Army, Independent
Head coach: Jeff Monken (third season)
2015 record: 2-10
The service academies all have unique challenges, but archrival Navy and Air Force win consistently. Army, meanwhile, keeps slipping. It has had six coaches and just one winning season since going 10-2 in 1996.
58. Kent State, Mid-American
Head coach: Paul Haynes (fourth season)
2015 record: 3-9
Kent State faces many obstacles, from the budget to facilities to attendance. There's a lot of talent nearby but also a lot of other college options, and Kent tends to be forgotten.
59. Buffalo, Mid-American
Head coach: Lance Leipold (second season)
2015 record: 5-7
The facilities piece is critical, as Buffalo remains one of two MAC schools without an indoor practice field. Access to talent is limited but the past two coaches made bowls.
60. Charlotte, Conference USA
Head coach: Brad Lambert (fourth season)
2015 record: 2-10
It likely will be a slow build, but Charlotte is in a prime recruiting location and has a cozy on-campus stadium. "They can get a lot of people to their place with the facilities they have," a Group of 5 coach said.
61. Massachusetts, Independent
Head coach: Mark Whipple (third season)
2015 record: 3-9
UMass is 8-40 since making the FBS jump and now enters the shaky world of independence. It will take major investments in facilities and other areas to attract a league like the American.
62. Idaho, Sun Belt
Head coach: Paul Petrino (fourth season)
2015 record: 4-8
The Sun Belt is a poor geographic fit but Idaho lacks the infrastructure to attract the Mountain West (the glorious Kibbie Dome notwithstanding). "It's a real bad deal," a Group of 5 coach said. "They should probably play in the Big Sky."
63. Eastern Michigan, Mid-American
Head coach: Chris Creighton (third season)
2015 record: 1-11
No coach has won since the late 1980s. Attendance and investment are historic hurdles despite a location with decent access to talent.
64. New Mexico State, Sun Belt
Head coach: Doug Martin (fourth season)
2015 record: 3-9
College football's Siberia has no money, few regional recruits and low community support/interest. "Almost impossible to win," a Group of 5 coach. "Very limited resources, nothing to attract kids."