The 10 Best College Football Coaches of All Time, Ranked

• Record: 107-13-9
• Teams Coached: Boston College, Notre Dame
• Accomplishments: 4x National Champion, AFCA Coach of the Year

Frank Leahy was highly successful and influential, known for his exceptional leadership, strategic brilliance, and remarkable record of victories. Leahy achieved legendary status during his coaching career at the University of Notre Dame.

His true coaching legacy was forged at the University of Notre Dame, where he became head coach in 1941. Over his 11-year tenure at Notre Dame, Leahy led the Fighting Irish to four national championships, winning in 1943, 1946, 1947, and 1949. He also guided the team to six undefeated seasons and secured numerous conference championships.

• Record: 238-72-10
• Teams Coached: Denison, Miami of Ohio, Ohio State
• Accomplishments: 5x National Champion, 1x OAC Champion, 1x Mid-American Champion, 12x Big Ten Champion, 3x Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, AFCA Coach of the Year

Woody Hayes, whose full name was Wayne Woodrow Hayes, was a legendary college football coach known for his fierce competitiveness, strong principles, and unwavering dedication to the Ohio State University football program. His name became synonymous with the Buckeyes program and his coaching career left an indelible mark on the sport.

Hayes was a disciplinarian who instilled in his players a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a never-surrender attitude. He demanded excellence on and off the field, and his coaching style often reflected his intense passion for the game. While his fiery nature occasionally landed him in controversy, his commitment to his players and the program was unquestioned.

• Record: 336-114-32
• Teams Coached: Georgia, Iowa State, Cornell, Carlisle, Pittsburgh, Stanford, Temple
• Accomplishments: 4x National Champion, 1x SIAA Champion, 3x PCC Champion, Amos Alonzo Stagg Award

Pop Warner, whose full name was Glenn Scobey Warner, was a highly influential figure in the world of college football. Known for his innovative coaching techniques, commitment to player safety, and emphasis on academic success, Warner will forever be remembered for what he did for the sport and its development.

One of Warner's most significant contributions to football was his emphasis on player safety. He implemented strict rules and techniques to protect players, including the use of helmets and padded equipment. Warner's commitment to the well-being of his players helped establish safety standards that have become integral to the sport.

In addition to his coaching career, Warner played a key role in the establishment and development of youth football programs. He founded the Pop Warner Little Scholars organization, which aimed to promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of young athletes. Today, the Pop Warner youth football and cheerleading program is one of the largest and most respected youth sports organizations in the United States.

• Record: 377-129-4
• Teams Coached: South Georgia State, West Virginia, Florida State
• Accomplishments: 2x National Champion, 12x ACC Champion, 2x ACC Atlantic Division Champion, Walter Camp Coach of the Year

Bobby Bowden was a beloved and highly successful college football coach, best known for his remarkable tenure at Florida State University (FSU). With his charismatic personality, strong Christian faith, and remarkable coaching acumen, Bowden became one of the most iconic figures in college football history.

Under Bowden's guidance, the Florida State Seminoles became perennial contenders for the national championship. From 1987 to 2000, FSU finished in the top five of the final Associated Press (AP) poll every year, an unprecedented accomplishment. Bowden led the Seminoles to two national championships, in 1993 and 1999, and captured 12 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) titles.

• Record: 145-29-4
• Teams Coached: Oklahoma
• Accomplishments: 3x National Champion, 14x Big Eight Champion

Bud Wilkinson was a highly influential and successful college football coach. Known for his innovative strategies, disciplined approach, and remarkable record of victories, Wilkinson had a profound impact on the University of Oklahoma football program and the sport as a whole.

In 1947, at the young age of 31, Wilkinson became the head coach at the University of Oklahoma, inheriting a struggling football program. He wasted no time in implementing his vision, which emphasized a balanced and disciplined style of play. Wilkinson's approach, known as the "Split-T" offense, utilized misdirection and ball control to great effect.

Under Wilkinson's guidance, the Oklahoma Sooners experienced a remarkable period of success. From 1948 to 1958, the team won 47 consecutive games, which still stands as the longest winning streak in college football history. This impressive streak included three national championships in 1950, 1955, and 1956, solidifying Wilkinson's status as one of the top coaches in the country.

• Record: 408-165-15
• Teams Coached: Grambling State
• Accomplishments: 9x HBCU College National Champions

Eddie Robinson, often referred to as "Coach Rob," was an esteemed college football coach who dedicated his career to molding young athletes into outstanding players and individuals. With an astonishing 57-year tenure at Grambling State University, Robinson is recognized as one of the most successful and influential coaches in the history of college football.

Under Robinson's guidance, Grambling State's football program experienced a remarkable transformation. When he took over, the team faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and segregated competition. However, Robinson's perseverance, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to his players helped catapult the program to national prominence.

• Record: 105-12-5
• Teams Coached: Notre Dame
• Accomplishments: 3x National Champion

Knute Rockne is regarded as one of the pioneering figures in the history of college football. Known for his innovative coaching strategies and charismatic personality, Rockne left an indelible mark on the sport during his tenure as the head coach of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

One of Rockne's most notable achievements came in 1924 when Notre Dame faced the powerful Army team at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Employing his strategic brilliance, Rockne led the Fighting Irish to a resounding 13-7 victory, forever etching his name in college football lore. This game propelled Notre Dame into the national spotlight and solidified Rockne's reputation as a coaching genius.

• Record: 255-49-3
• Teams Coached: Nebraska
• Accomplishments: 3x National Champion, 12x Big 8 Champion, 1x Big 12 Champion, National Coach of the Year

Tom Osborne is renowned for his exceptional leadership, character, and success during his tenure at the University of Nebraska. His impact on the program and the sport itself is immeasurable, leaving an enduring legacy that extends far beyond the football field.

From 1973 to 1997, Osborne guided the Cornhuskers to three national championships in 1994, 1995, and 1997. The team also won 13 conference championships during his tenure, showcasing their dominance in the Big Eight and later the Big 12 Conference.

• Record: 323-85-17
• Teams Coached: Maryland, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Alabama
• Accomplishments: 6x National Champion, 14x SEC Champion, 1x SWC Champion, 12x SEC Coach of the Year, 3x AFCA Coach of the Year

Bear Bryant, a legendary figure in the world of college football, became an icon during his illustrious coaching career. With his trademark houndstooth hat and commanding presence, Bryant's impact extended far beyond the football field, shaping the culture and trajectory of the University of Alabama and the game itself.

Bryant's coaching philosophy centered on discipline, toughness, and attention to detail. He emphasized hard work and demanded the utmost dedication from his players. Under his guidance, Alabama developed a reputation for physical, hard-nosed football that overwhelmed opponents. Bryant's innovative tactics and strategic acumen often left rival coaches scrambling to keep up.

The 1960s and 1970s marked the peak of Bryant's coaching career. He led Alabama to six national championships, in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, and 1979, cementing his place among the coaching elite. Beyond the championships, Bryant's teams captured 13 Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles and achieved an unprecedented level of dominance during his tenure.

• Record: 280-69-1
• Teams Coached: Toldeo, Michigan State, LSU, Alabama
• Accomplishments: 7x National Champion, 10x SEC Champion, 1x MAC Champion, 15x SEC Western Division Champion, 5x SEC Coach of the Year, 2x Walter Camp Coach of the Year

Nick Saban has surely left an indelible mark on the sport. His unwavering pursuit of excellence, remarkable attention to detail, and ability to develop and motivate players has resulted in unparalleled success.

In 2007, Saban accepted the head coaching position at the University of Alabama, a program with a rich history but in need of revitalization. He wasted no time turning the Crimson Tide into a powerhouse. With an emphasis on discipline, a relentless work ethic, and an ability to adapt his coaching style to the strengths of his players, Saban has led the Alabama program to glory.

Under Saban's guidance, Alabama won national championships in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020. He also guided the Crimson Tide to numerous conference championships and consistently keeps the team in contention year after year.