Just the other day, we talked about the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position in the Big 12. There are no household names and even fewer that are sure bets to make national headlines.
The same cannot be said for the conference’s head coaches, as the list is littered with some of the foremost authorities of college football. Today, we take a look at our top five coaches heading into the 2015 season.
Gary Patterson, TCU: Transitioning from the Mountain West to the Big 12 is no easy task, and Patterson led the Horned Frogs to a conference title in year three. Thanks to the emergence and development of Trevon Boykin, TCU might be favorites to win the title again this upcoming season. Of course, Patterson’s calling card has been his defensive mind, but that will be tested this season as he will have to replace the majority of his starting unit. If anyone can do it, it’s Patterson.
Bill Snyder, Kansas State: Remember when we kept coming up with any reason, any reason at all, as to why there was no possible way Snyder would be successful at Kansas State? In six seasons, all he’s done is go to five bowl games, win another conference title and tally up two 10-win seasons. All that has been done while going through nearly constant transition due to the nature of his recruiting that relies heavily on the presence of junior college transfers.
Bob Stoops, Oklahoma: Okay, we’ll admit it: Stoops hasn’t exactly wowed as of late. The thing is, OU has still won two conference titles in the past five years under Stoops, a stretch that also includes wins in the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The Sooners underachieved last season, something that no one will argue with. However, it’d be wrong to discount a coach who has won eight Big 12 titles.
Art Briles, Baylor: Briles has led Baylor from the depths of college football into the national conversation on a yearly basis. Both of the school’s Big 12 titles have come under his leadership, and the same can be said for the school’s only Heisman Trophy winner. As good as the Bears have been lately, getting into the CFB Playoff would officially announce their arrival as a national program, even more so than their 2013 BCS game appearance did.
Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: After 10 seasons, it’s clear that Gundy’s reign in Stillwater has seen the Cowboys near the pinnacle of college football, winning the Fiesta Bowl in 2011 and finishing the year ranked No. 3 nationally. Outside of that year, and 2010 when the conference’s tie-breaker cost them a shot at a BCS game, is it reasonable to question whether OSU could be doing more? Whichever answer you deem most reasonable, Gundy has shown that he can win in a rugged conference–to the tune of five seasons with nine or more wins.
