The old saying that “defense wins championships” is definitely true. However, when it comes to excitement and keeping the fans entertained, there is no substitute for the elite offenses in college football. The production is largely dependent on talent, but there is also the coaching aspect of the offense that doesn’t seem to be talked about enough. Everything from recruiting to scheme to talent development factors into building an elite offense and the very best coaches in the game are able to do it all. Here is a look at the four best offensive minds in college football right now.
Art Briles, Baylor Bears
Head Coach
It is all about creativity when it comes to the system that Briles has run at Baylor since 2008. Briles has run a mix of the spread and the Air Raid offense, but his system relies on throwing the deep ball more often than normal while maximizing the potential of the running backs as both rushers and receivers out of the backfield. The Bears were an absolute doormat before Briles arrived, but they have been one of the most consistently dominant offenses in the country ever since. Baylor has ranked fourth or higher in national scoring for five straight seasons including three in a row at No. 1. They have also ranked No. 1 in total offense the last three seasons. That type of consistency is almost impossible and the fact that Briles’ has consistently been able to field some of the top offenses in the country has him at the top of this list of the best offensive minds in college football right now.
Tom Herman, Houston Cougars
Head Coach
Herman earned the head coaching job at Houston based on his strong work as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State under Urban Meyer from 2012-14 and there is every reason to expect the Cougars’ offense to continue to thrive under his guidance. Herman’s offense has its roots in the spread, but with more power running. He likes to use a downhill rushing attack that will purposely look for contact in an effort to try to draw opposing defenses in to the box only to then attack over the top. Herman’s ability to maximize the skill sets of his players by putting them in the best possible position to succeed has also been a major factor in his success. Now all eyes will be on Houston to see what Herman can do with dual-threat quarterback Greg Ward Jr. this season.
Lane Kiffin, Alabama Crimson Tide
Offensive Coordinator
Kiffin’s head coaching gigs at Tennessee and USC didn’t work out for him by any means, but when it comes to coaching offense, there is no doubt that he is among the best in the game. Kiffin’s background as a pro-style coach is well documented, but he has also done a tremendous job using different looks and constructing plays that maximize the potential of his players while keeping opposing defenses guessing. Kiffin’s ability to constantly adapt and cater to the abilities of his players is a major factor when it comes to him separating his self from his peers. The results speak for themselves as the Tide are coming off a championship-winning season. He might not be a strong candidate to be a head coach, but he is an outstanding offensive mind that has done a tremendous job under Nick Saban at Alabama and he certainly deserves to be on this list.
Jimbo Fisher, Florida State Seminoles
Head Coach
Fisher is a believer in the pro-style attack that relies on a pocket passer with a strong and accurate arm. However, he also understands the importance of mobility and how to take advantage of a quarterback’s ability to make plays with his legs. The 2015 season was a big of an anomaly for Fisher and the Seminoles’ offense, but they have traditionally been among the best in college football. Fisher’s ability to develop and prepare top talents for the NFL Draft makes his resume that much more impressive as he has produced 17 offensive draft picks since taking over as an offensive coordinator in 2008.
