Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football: Predicting the records of every 2016 first-year coach

By Michael Collins

CORAL GABLES, FL - DECEMBER 04: New University of Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt makes the 'U' sign after he was introduced at a press conference at the school on December 4, 2015 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images)
CORAL GABLES, FL - DECEMBER 04: New University of Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt makes the 'U' sign after he was introduced at a press conference at the school on December 4, 2015 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 11
Next
Sep 13, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Southern Eagles wide receiver Zach Walker (9) jumps over a Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defender during the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Georgia Southern 42-38. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Southern Eagles wide receiver Zach Walker (9) jumps over a Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defender during the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Georgia Southern 42-38. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Sun Belt Conference:

Tyson Summers – Georgia Southern (8-4 overall, 6-2 Sun Belt in 2015)

Career Head Coaching Record: 0-0
Last Stop: Defensive Coordinator – Colorado State
Prediction: 7-5, 5-3 Sun Belt

Georgia Southern has come a long way since moving to the FBS level in 2014, and all credit has to be given to former head coach Willie Fritz, who had the Eagles’ option offense cranking out running yards at a record pace.

The hire of Summers is a curious one for a program who was already very successful on defense and needed someone who understood the option, which wasn’t employed at any of his most recent stops.

The Eagles have a pretty tough schedule as Sun Belt schedules go, and the teams around them are only going to be better this year. One thing to watch – possible upset of Georgia Tech.

Matt Viator – Louisiana-Monroe (2-11, 1-7 Sun Belt in 2015)

Career Head Coaching Record: 77-33
Last Stop: Head Coach – McNeese State
Prediction: 2-10, 1-7 Sun Belt

The Warhawks were atrocious in 2015, with one of the worst defenses in the nation, giving up 36.5 points per game and 208 yards per game on the ground in a conference with tons of strong running attacks.

Viator is walking into a buzzsaw, both with his on-field talent and the schedule which the Warhawks must face in 2016 (highlighted by non-conference games against Oklahoma and Auburn).

On a positive note, ULM doesn’t have to play 13 games this year. That’s about as positive a spin as you’ll find. Viator will eventually get things turned around, but it won’t be a quick fix.

Everett Withers – Texas State (3-9 overall, 2-6 Sun Belt in 2015)

Career Head Coaching Record: 25-13
Last Stop: Head Coach – James Madison
Prediction: 5-7, 3-5 Sun Belt

Another terrible defensive team in the Sun Belt, the Bobcats weren’t in position to win many games last season, and the ones they did win were against teams who were as bad off as them.

Other than his pretty successful stint at James Madison, Withers also had a winning season as North Carolina’s head coach in 2011 and brings a lot of NFL experience with him. He’ll be a good coach for this team, who will probably see some major improvement in year one.

In terms of schedules, the Bobcats will likely split their non-conference slate (doubtful they can compete with either Arkansas or Houston), and they have a shot at picking up a win or two in the Sun Belt.

Next: 31 Biggest Celebrity CFB Fans

Keep an eye on this team in the next few years, as they could become a force in this conference if Withers is able to lure some talent into his camp.

Home/College Football News