The relative ho-hum-ness of this year's coaching cycle has made many long for the wild winter of 2017-18. Twenty-one FBS jobs changed hands, including 13 in the Power 5.
We'll have to wait until next year for true coaching carousel drama, but the time has come to evaluate the first-year coaches. No coaching transition is exactly the same, so certain factors went into these grades -- inherited roster, quarterback situation, previous year record, league strength. How teams finished the season also shaped coaches' final grades. There were some especially rough debuts, some especially encouraging ones and others that went from rough to encouraging, or encouraging to rough.
Note: Coaches who spent part of 2017 in interim roles before having the tag lifted are included here.
Grades are in. Check out how the first-year coaches fared.
Kevin Sumlin, Arizona
2018 record: 5-7
2017 record: 7-6
Grade: D
Unlike many on this list, Sumlin inherited a star quarterback (Khalil Tate) seemingly set to thrive in his system. But it took far too long for things to click in Tucson, resulting in an often sloppy-looking team. A blowout victory over then-No. 19 Oregon saves this from being an F, although I was tempted after Arizona squandered a 19-point lead at home against Arizona State in the Territorial Cup game. Arizona tied for 116th in penalties and tied for 90th in turnover margin.
Herm Edwards, Arizona State
2018 record: 7-5
2017 record: 7-6
Grade: B
The most mystifying hire of last year's cycle actually turned out OK, as Edwards matched predecessor Todd Graham's 2017 regular-season record, recording victories over Utah, Michigan State, USC, Arizona and others. Time will tell if the New Leadership Model equates to championships, and Edwards benefited from having a veteran quarterback-receiver combination in Manny Wilkins and N'Keal Harry. But Edwards kept his team in every game (all five losses came by seven points or fewer) and created a good foundation for the future.
Chad Morris, Arkansas
2018 record: 2-10
2017 record: 4-8
Grade: D-
Morris entered a challenging situation in Fayetteville, not just with a 4-8 team in the brutal SEC West, but needing to orchestrate a dramatic scheme change on offense from predecessor Bret Bielema. The offense rarely showed up, as the Hogs scored 17 points or fewer six times and just six points in their final two games against Mississippi State and Missouri. Morris opted not to have a full-time special teams coach, using an analyst in that role. The results were disastrous, allowing an infamous punt-return touchdown to North Texas where Arkansas fell for a trick play on a fake fair catch in a blowout loss, then allowed kickoff returns for touchdowns in the next two games in close losses to Auburn and Texas A&M. The Hogs showed some promise in those two games and LSU, but the issues with turnovers (minus-10 margin for season) and other areas don't cast a great light on Morris.
Dan Mullen, Florida
2018 record: 9-3
2017 record: 4-7
Grade: A-
Things looked bleak early after a streak-snapping loss to Kentucky in Week 2 at The Swamp, but the Gators turned things around nicely under Mullen. Florida recorded quality wins over both Mississippi State and LSU, had a nice rally to beat South Carolina and beat Florida State for the first time since 2012. The Gators didn't look like an SEC contender yet and aren't a typical No. 9 team in the final CFP rankings, but they made clear strides under Mullen, whose expertise on offense and with the quarterback position provided a much-needed boost.
Willie Taggart, Florida State
2018 record: 5-7
2017 record: 7-6
Grade: D-
Taggart inherited a worse roster situation than many expected (including myself). FSU's offensive line has stunk for years, the defense is deficient in certain areas and quarterback Deondre Francois is a better fit for Jimbo Fisher's system than Taggart's. But it's hard to remember a more dysfunctional debut at a program of this stature, from the 24-3 home loss to mediocre Virginia Tech on opening night to a 30-7 defeat at Louisville to a 59-10 disaster (the worst home loss in team history) against Clemson as a shirtless fan read "Dark Places" in the last row. FSU beat three bowl-bound teams, and a late-season triumph over Boston College saves Taggart from an F. But he needs to do much better in 2019.
Chad Lunsford, Georgia Southern
2018 record: 9-3
2017 record: 2-10
Grade: A
Lunsford's elevation to the permanent role (he went 2-4 as interim coach in 2017) didn't generate much attention out of Statesboro, but he proved to be the right guy for the job. He has mixed a little old (the triple option) with a little new (dropping the "people's elbow" in the locker room after wins) to restore pride and success at Georgia Southern. The Eagles beat then-No. 25 Appalachian State and can record their first 10-win season in the FBS with a Raycom Media Camellia Bowl win over Eastern Michigan. It will be interesting to see how Lunsford builds on this in 2019.
Sean Lewis, Kent State
2018 record: 2-10
2017 record: 2-10
Grade: D+
The record is ugly and Kent State had some ugly performances, but the Golden Flashes also pushed teams like Ohio (27-26 loss) and Eastern Michigan (28-20 loss). Lewis brought a strong offensive background to Kent State and needs to get that unit on track, as the Golden Flashes struggled to score (tied for 103rd in points per game) or protect their quarterback (tied for 127th in sacks allowed). This is among the hardest FBS jobs in the country, and we'll have a better sense on Lewis in Year 2.
Billy Napier, Louisiana
2018 record: 7-6
2017 record: 5-7
Grade: B+
Raise your hand if you looked at the standings in mid-November and went, "Wow, the Ragin' Cajuns might win their division!" OK, maybe it was just me. But Napier quietly did a nice job with a team that returned only three defensive starters. A dramatic victory over Arkansas State launched Louisiana to wins in four of their final five games. Although Louisiana lacks many other signature wins, it seems to be ascending under Napier, 39, a former Alabama and Clemson assistant.
Joe Moorhead, Mississippi State
2018 record: 8-4
2017 record: 9-4
Grade: B-
Mississippi State enters the postseason ranked No. 18 and boasts wins over Texas Tech and Auburn. First-year coordinator Bob Shoop oversaw a historically elite defense in Starkville. But there's a sense of missed opportunity here. Moorhead inherited a team built to win, with two elite defensive linemen (Montez Sweat and Jeffery Simmons) and a proven quarterback (Nick Fitzgerald). Plus, the SEC West looked vulnerable outside of Alabama. Fitzgerald finished strong but struggled midseason, as Moorhead's offense scored seven points or fewer three times during a four-game stretch. The Bulldogs can still win nine games and finish in the top 15, but you wonder whether Moorhead generated enough momentum in Year 1.
Scott Frost, Nebraska
2018 record: 4-8
2017 record: 4-8
Grade: C
I'm not blind to what happened in the second half of the season. Frost established his standard and got his team playing in a way that should make Nebraskans proud. Quarterback Adrian Martinez is a future national awards candidate and the defense finally showed some life in a 9-6 win over Michigan State in the snow. But these grades factor in the entire season, and Nebraska was hard to watch during the first half, still prone to errors (92nd in penalties) and couldn't eclipse last year's record. A big breakthrough is likely coming soon, perhaps in 2019, but Frost needs a much cleaner start to the season.
Matt Luke, Ole Miss
2018 record: 5-7
2017 record: 6-6
Grade: D+
Luke has faced unique challenges at Ole Miss and handled them pretty well overall. After an emotional Egg Bowl win last year helped him land the permanent job, the Rebels started 5-2 and appeared poised for another step. Then, the bottom fell out, as Ole Miss dropped its final five games, including a 32-point defeat to Mississippi State. Luke fired defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff. Given the offensive talent and future NFL potential on the roster, Ole Miss should have finished better. It sets up a pivotal year for Luke in 2019, as the bowl ban lifts.
Mario Cristobal, Oregon
2018 record: 8-4
2017 record: 7-6
Grade: B-
How will Oregon fans view Year 1 under Cristobal? The Ducks delivered some great moments, such as the overtime win over rival Washington and an impressive road victory over then-No. 24 Cal. They also bungled the end to the Stanford game, got blown out by Washington State (forgivable) and Arizona (not forgivable), and lost to a short-handed Utah team. Oregon did finish with two wins, and Cristobal's positive impact in areas like the offensive line and recruiting is undeniable. Bottom line: He could have done more, especially with a quarterback like Justin Herbert, but Oregon took a step forward overall this season.
Jonathan Smith, Oregon State
2018 record: 2-10
2017 record: 1-11
Grade: D+
Smith inherited unique challenges at his alma mater following Gary Andersen's midseason departure in 2017, and Year 1 always was going to be rough. His influence could be seen at times with an offense that had a 1,300-yard rusher (Jermar Jefferson) and some decent passing numbers with Jake Luton and Conor Blount. The defense often caved, especially against the run, and the unit's repeated struggles in Pac-12 play don't look great for Smith, coordinator Tim Tibesar and the staff. I still really like the Smith hire, though, and expect tangible improvement in 2019.
Mike Bloomgren, Rice
2018 record: 2-11
2017 record: 1-11
Grade: D
The combination of a really poor 2017 season and a tough offseason with transfers and tragedy increased the difficulty for Bloomgren to orchestrate a strong first season. Rice started well and ended well but really struggled in the middle on both sides of the ball, finishing 121st in yards per play and 124th in opponent yards per play. A home loss to UTEP, the Miners' only victory, hurts the grade. Special teams proved to be a bright spot, but Bloomgren's influence with the running game and offensive line must show up more in Year 2.
Steve Campbell, South Alabama
2018 record: 3-9
2017 record: 4-8
Grade: D+
A nice win over Coastal Carolina ended a season in which little went right for Campbell and the Jaguars. The offense showed some life despite an inexperienced line, as South Alabama ranked 60th nationally in yards per attempt (7.14) and Jamarius Way and Kawaan Baker both performed well. Campbell's defense struggled with injuries and finished 110th nationally or worse in yards per game allowed, yards per play allowed and points allowed. South Alabama went 0-6 on the road, which needs to change in Year 2. Campbell inherited a less-than-ideal roster but needs to show more progress in 2019.
Sonny Dykes, SMU
2018 record: 5-7
2017 record: 7-6
Grade: C+
This grade would have been much higher if SMU had just finished better. Dykes navigated the Mustangs through an especially difficult schedule (Michigan, TCU and North Texas in nonleague games) and recorded a signature win over Houston, a week after a heartbreaking overtime loss to Cincinnati. SMU suddenly found itself in the division title race, but with two chances to become bowl-eligible, the Mustangs fell short, and the season-ending loss to 2-9 Tulsa especially stings. Dykes must craft improvement in both rushing offense (119th nationally) and rushing defense (97th), which should help during the stretch run in 2019.
Jeremy Pruitt, Tennessee
2018 record: 5-7
2017 record: 4-8
Grade: C-
There was some SEC Coach of the Year talk around Pruitt after Tennessee knocked off then-No. 21 Auburn and then-No. 11 Kentucky, displaying the stingy defense that had characterized Pruitt's time at Alabama, Florida State and other spots. But then the bottom fell out, as Tennessee dropped its final two games to Missouri and Vanderbilt by a combined score of 88-30, losing bowl eligibility in the process. There's a learning curve for Pruitt as a head coach, and it showed late in the season. But there were positive elements, too, including better quarterback play. Pruitt will upgrade the talent on his roster but also must show growth as a program CEO in Year 2.
Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M
2018 record: 8-4
2017 record: 7-6
Grade: B+
Fisher's record resembled those of predecessor Kevin Sumlin, but the product looked better and closer to being truly competitive in the SEC West. Kyle Field became a really tough place to play again, as Texas A&M beat then-No. 13 Kentucky, pushed No. 2 Clemson to the final minute and outlasted then-No. 7 LSU 74-72 in seven overtimes, its first win over the Tigers since 1995. The Aggies weren't nearly as sound on the road, especially in a winnable game at Auburn. Mike Elko's defense was great against the run (No. 2 in yards per game allowed) but lousy against the pass (109th in yards per game allowed). Fisher clearly improved quarterback Kellen Mond and the offense, and the team's competitive consistency bodes well for another step forward in 2019.
Josh Heupel, UCF
2018 record: 12-0
2017 record: 13-0
Grade: A
Danny White's hire of Heupel was met with skepticism and even disbelief throughout the industry, but it's working out extremely well. Though Heupel inherited a team built to keep winning, he still had to keep things rolling amid transition, which is never easy. The offense broadened, especially with quarterback McKenzie Milton banged up earlier in the season, and then Heupel navigated a crisis following Milton's devastating leg injury against South Florida. UCF rallied behind backup Darriel Mack Jr. to beat Memphis in the AAC title game and secure another New Year's Six bowl berth with a chance at back-to-back undefeated seasons.
Chip Kelly, UCLA
2018 record: 3-9
2017 record: 6-7
Grade: D+
This grade is weighted toward the way UCLA finished the season, as the start was ... not good. The Bruins scored wins over Cal, Arizona and rival USC, and had competitive losses to Washington, Arizona State and Stanford. It was interesting that the Bruins' offense typically performed better with veteran Wilton Speight than freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson, as DTR seemed better suited to Kelly's scheme and played well against Washington and Cal. Despite some lofty external projections, UCLA always looked like a rebuild in Year 1 under Kelly, who developed running back Joshua Kelly (1,243 rush yards) and many young players, but his team really struggled on defense and special teams.
Dana Dimel, UTEP
2018 record: 1-11
2017 record: 0-12
Grade: D+
The Miners won a game, which counts for something after the horror of 2017. Dimel inherited one of the nation's worst offenses, which struggled with injuries throughout the season but still had better numbers for points and yards. UTEP's defense also improved, as the team pushed strong opponents like North Texas, Louisiana Tech and UAB before ultimately falling. So while the final record is still ugly, Dimel did some good things with an extremely limited roster in Year 1.