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Who are the greatest coaches ever in the history of college football?

Who are the greatest coaches ever in the history of college football?
Who are the greatest coaches ever in the history of college football?

Many people will say this is a subjective question, but the stats do not lie. I was breaking down the greatest college football coaches and I wanted to put together a list of the greatest coaches in NCAA football history. I know people will have a difference of opinions, but let’s have some fun and break down some of the best coaches ever.

1. Bear Bryant

  • Schools: Maryland, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Alabama
  • Years Active: 1945-1982
  • Accomplishments:
    • 6 National Championships
    • 14 SEC Championships
    • 323 career wins
    • Known for turning Alabama into a national powerhouse and his iconic hat.

2. Nick Saban

  • Schools: Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, Alabama
  • Years Active: 1990-2023
  • Accomplishments:
    • 7 National Championships (6 with Alabama, 1 with LSU)
    • Multiple SEC Championships
    • Over 292 career wins
    • Renowned for his recruiting prowess and consistent excellence at Alabama.

3. Knute Rockne

  • School: Notre Dame
  • Years Active: 1918-1930
  • Accomplishments:
    • 3 National Championships
    • 105-12-5 career record
    • Innovator of the forward pass and a key figure in making Notre Dame a national football power.

4. Tom Osborne

  • School: Nebraska
  • Years Active: 1973-1997
  • Accomplishments:
    • 3 National Championships
    • 13 Conference Championships
    • 255-49-3 career record
    • Known for his powerful option offenses and dominant teams in the 1990s.

5. Joe Paterno

  • School: Penn State
  • Years Active: 1966-2011
  • Accomplishments:
    • 2 National Championships
    • Over 400 career wins (official total reduced due to NCAA sanctions)
    • Known for his longevity, consistency, and contribution to college football both on and off the field.

6. Woody Hayes

  • Schools: Denison, Miami (OH), Ohio State
  • Years Active: 1946-1978
  • Accomplishments:
    • 5 National Championships
    • 13 Big Ten Championships
    • 238-72-10 career record at Ohio State
    • Known for his intense coaching style and significant impact on Ohio State football.

7. Bobby Bowden

  • Schools: Howard College (now Samford), West Virginia, Florida State
  • Years Active: 1959-2009
  • Accomplishments:
    • 2 National Championships
    • 12 ACC Championships
    • 377 career wins
    • Turned Florida State into a perennial power with 14 consecutive top-5 finishes.

8. Bud Wilkinson

  • School: Oklahoma
  • Years Active: 1947-1963
  • Accomplishments:
    • 3 National Championships
    • 14 Conference Championships
    • 145-29-4 career record
    • Led Oklahoma to a record 47-game winning streak.

These coaches have left a lasting legacy on college football through their achievements, innovations, and leadership. Do you agree with the list? Did we miss a coach? Let us know!

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