College Football: Ranking 10 best head coaches from past 5 seasons
By Ryan Kay
6. Paul Chryst (Wisconsin)
In his first year (2015) as the head coach of the Badgers, Paul Chryst led Wisconsin to a 10-win season that included a Holiday Bowl win over USC. In the following season, he took his program to the next leve.
Wisconsin started its season defeating No. 5-ranked LSU, winning its first four games. After a strong start, the Badgers lost two single-digit games to two top-four ranked teams. Chryst and his team won seven out of their last eight games to end their season that included a Cotton Bowl victory.
After winning 11 games in 2016, Chryst looked to do more the following season.
In 2017, the Badgers had a remarkable season. After going undefeated in non-conference play, the Badgers went 9-0 in conference play giving them the Big Ten West title and an opportunity to go to the conference championship game. The Badgers played well against Ohio State but ended up losing by six. Wisconsin did beat Miami to capture the Orange Bowl which ended a remarkable 13-win season.
Things, however, would be different the following year.
In 2018, the Badgers had a roller-coaster of a season. After winning four of their first five games, Wisconsin would trade wins and losses every other week. They finished the season in a three-way tie for second place in the Big Ten West along with eight wins and back-to-back bowl wins over Miami.
Chryst and his program looked for redemption the following season.
In 2019, the Badgers were dominant to start the season. The Badgers won their first six games and in four of those games, they did not allow their opponents to score a single point. Even though they lost their next two games, they would rebound and win their next four games to win the Big Ten West and have another chance to defeat Ohio State for the opportunity to win the conference title.
Unfortunately for Chryst, they would end up losing to the Buckeyes again in the Big Ten Championship Game. They had another close loss when they lost to Oregon in the Rose Bowl by one point to end their season. Regardless of how last season ended, Chryst has proven to be a top-tier coach.
Point breakdown for Chryst
- 0 National Championships: 0 points
- 0 College Football Playoff appearances: 0 points
- 0 regular-season conference titles: 0 points
- 3 division titles: 60 points
- 4 bowl wins: 40 points
- 4 bowl appearances: 25 points
- 4 seasons with 10 or more wins: 20 points
Total coaching points: 145
Coaching highlights over the past five seasons
- Chryst led the Badgers to an Orange Bowl victory in 2017
- 3 Big Ten West titles (2016, 2017, 2019)
- 4 straight bowl victories from 2015-2018