ACC Football: How did the ACC become the nation's premier conference?

ACC Football: How did the ACC become the nation’s premier conference?

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: (EDITORS NOTE: Retransmission with alternate crop.) Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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Assistant Coaches

This influx of higher quality ACC head coaches has also brought on an influx in the quality of coordinators. With larger budgets for assistants the quality of the ACC staffs has increased. Mark Richt brought in rising star defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Justin Fuente was able to keep Bud Foster on staff in Blacksburg. Jimbo was able to bring in Jeremy Pruitt for a national title run. The Jackets have brought in Ted Roof as DC.

Even the O-Line coaches are high quality with guys like Rick Trickett (FSU) and Stacy Searels (Miami) in the ACC. Mark Richt even poached Defensive Line Coach Craig Kuligowski from the SEC’s Missouri Tigers- a guy Bill Belichick came to meet with at Miami’s Pro Day.

With increased budgets and an increased focus on football, the ACC is now able to hire great head coaches who can hire either fast rising assistants or top of the line assistants. FSU and Clemson have had some success with staff continuity while Miami and Richt have brought in a hell of a staff to Coral Gables.

As a head coach you want to hire guys with the talent and ambition to became head coaches themselves and Manny Diaz has to be a fast riser after the drastic turn-around he performed at The U in ‘16. Don’t forget Clemson DC Brent Venables who has to be on that trajectory as well- he’s considered the top assistant in college football by many.

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