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College football: Ranking all head coaches in 2022 New Year’s Six bowls

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh walks around the field to celebrates with coaches and players after winning the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh walks around the field to celebrates with coaches and players after winning the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. /
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Nov 12, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches from the sideline during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 56-14. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Indiana Hoosiers At Ohio State Buckeyes
Nov 12, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches from the sideline during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 56-14. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Indiana Hoosiers At Ohio State Buckeyes /

I would expect Ryan Day’s reaction to this ranking to be the picture above. If this was a preseason ranking of head coaches, I probably would have had Day in the top 3-4 nationally, but after yet another disappointing loss to Michigan in the season finale, I think even his own fanbase would agree with this ranking.

Day is teetering on “born on third base” territory and if he can’t make some noise in the playoff this year and give Georgia at least a good game, he’ll be on the hot seat.

Do I think Day has the potential to be a good coach? Yes. He’s a great recruiter and that’s a start, but he needs to make adjustments.

Lincoln Riley has done one of the best coaching jobs in college football this season.

The former Oklahoma coach took over for Clay Helton after he drove the Trojans into the ground. It felt like a major rebuild was needed, but Riley landed a few really good transfers, led by Heisman winner Caleb Williams, and it’s led to a New Year’s Six berth and near playoff appearance.

USC has one of the brightest futures in college football and I would not be shocked to see the Trojans in the playoff next year. For now, they’ll have to settle for the Cotton Bowl.

Riley has proven to be a master rebuilder — and recruiter.

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