As the college football season barrels ahead, the head coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever. With a record number of in-season firings, the world of college football head coaches is shifting almost by the week.
This post takes a look at which states have produced the most active FBS head coaches. It highlights the schools and cities that seem to churn out top-tier coaching talent. From Texas to Ohio, let’s see where these influential figures in college football are coming from.
Texas Leads the Way
When it comes to producing college football head coaches, Texas tops the list. There are 16 active FBS head coaches who hail from the Lone Star State.
These coaches come from a wide range of high schools, a testament to just how deep football runs in Texas. Fort Bend Clements in Sugar Land, for example, has produced both Clay Helton of Georgia Southern and Tyson Helton of Western Kentucky.
Power Four Conference Coaches
Out of the Texas-born coaches, seven are currently leading teams in the Power Four conferences. Here’s who they are:
- Sonny Dykes at TCU (Coronado, Lubbock)
- Mike Norvell at Florida State (Grace Prep, Arlington)
- Lincoln Riley at USC (Muleshoe)
- Joey McGuire at Texas Tech (Crowley)
- Jeff Traylor at UTSA (Gilmer)
- Sonny Cumbie at Louisiana Tech (Snyder)
- Doug Meacham (interim) at Oklahoma State (Sam Houston, Arlington)
Ohio: A Close Second
Ohio is the only other state in double digits, with 11 active FBS head coaches. Youngstown, Ohio, stands out for producing multiple head coaches, including Tim Beck of Coastal Carolina and Mark Stoops of Kentucky.
Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown has turned out two head coaches, which just adds to Ohio’s reputation as a football hotbed.
Youngstown’s Coaching Legacy
Youngstown’s coaching influence goes further. The city is also home to:
- Pat Narduzzi of Pittsburgh (Ursuline)
- D.J. Durkin (interim) of Auburn (Boardman)
It’s hard not to notice how Youngstown keeps popping up in the coaching ranks.
Other Notable States
California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania each have seven active FBS head coaches, tying for third place. These states have also made a mark, with several high schools sending coaches to the big time.
California’s Contribution
California’s seven active FBS head coaches are:
- Dave Aranda at Baylor (Redlands)
- Brent Brennan at Arizona (Saint Francis, Mountain View)
- Spencer Danielson at Boise State (Horizon Christian Academy, San Diego)
- Tony Sanchez at New Mexico State (Granada, Livermore)
- Steve Sarkisian at Texas (West, Torrance)
- Brian Smith at Ohio (Thousand Oaks)
- Jonathan Smith at Michigan State (Glendora)
New Jersey’s Coaching Talent
New Jersey has produced seven active FBS head coaches. Here’s the lineup:
- Fran Brown at Syracuse (Camden)
- Ryan Carty at Delaware (Somerville)
- Mike Elko at Texas A&M (South Brunswick, Monmouth Junction)
- Jedd Fisch at Washington (Hanover Park, East Hanover)
- Joe Harasymiak at Massachusetts (Waldwick)
- Phil Longo at Sam Houston (Central Regional, Bayville)
- Greg Schiano at Rutgers (Ramapo, Franklin Lakes)
Pennsylvania’s Football Roots
Pennsylvania’s seven active FBS head coaches include:
- Bob Chesney at James Madison (Our Lady of Lourdes Regional, Coal Township)
- Kirk Ferentz at Iowa (Upper St. Clair)
- KC Keeler at Temple (Emmaus)
- Joe Moorhead at Akron (Central Catholic, Pittsburgh)
- Frank Reich (interim) at Stanford (Cedar Crest, Lebanon)
- Matt Rhule at Nebraska (State College)
- Terry Smith (interim) at Penn State (Gateway, Monroeville)
States with Six Active FBS Head Coaches
Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois each have six active FBS head coaches. These states have a long football tradition, and their high schools have produced some of the most respected names in college football.
Alabama’s Coaching Influence
Alabama’s six active FBS head coaches are:
- Charles Kelly at Jacksonville State (Long, Skipperville)
- Brent Key at Georgia Tech (Hewitt-Trussville, Trussville)
- Tim Skipper at UCLA (Abbeville)
- Jon Sumrall at Tulane (Grissom, Huntsville)
- Dabo Swinney at Clemson (Pelham)
- Lance Taylor at Western Michigan (Citronelle)
Georgia’s Coaching Legacy
Georgia has produced six active FBS head coaches, including:
- Jason Eck at New Mexico (St. Pius X Catholic, Atlanta)
- Tre Lamb at Tulsa (Calhoun)
- Dell McGee at Georgia State (Kendrick, Columbus)
- Alex Mortensen (interim) at UAB (Landmark Christian, Fairburn)
- Kirby Smart at Georgia (Bainbridge)
- Tyson Summers (interim) at Colorado State (Tift County, Tifton)
Illinois’ Football Tradition
Illinois has six active FBS head coaches:
- Bret Bielema at Illinois (Prophetstown)
- P.J. Fleck at Minnesota (Kaneland, Maple Park)
- Sean Lewis at San Diego State (Richards, Oak Lawn)
- Chuck Martin at Miami (OH) (Rich East, Park Forest)
- Jeff Monken at Army (Joliet Central, Joliet)
- Mike Uremovich at Ball State (Providence Catholic, New Lenox)
Conclusion
The world of college football head coaches? It’s a wild mix, honestly. States like Texas and Ohio seem to churn out coaching talent like it’s just another Friday night.
From Youngstown’s high schools to those legendary Texas fields, these coaches have left their mark. The head coaching carousel never really stops spinning, does it?
If you want the full scoop on where current FBS head coaches went to school, check out the MaxPreps article.
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