By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Ranking the Top 10 CFB Head Coaches in the West for 2026
The West is filled with talented coaches.
From Dan Lanning at Oregon to Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State, the young talent is undeniable.
But just how exactly do all the coaches in the West stack up?
Here’s my ranking of the Top 10 Coaches in the region.
1. Dan Lanning, Oregon
There is no one in the West on Dan Lanning’s level. The Oregon coach is a mastermind.
From the actual X’s and O’s to the philosophical mindset of each week, his skill and execution are unmatched.
There’s a reason why the Ducks have been so good over the past few years. It’s because of Lanning.
2. Kalani Sitake, BYU
A program-builder. That’s the best way to describe BYU’s Kalani Sitake.
The culture he has instilled in the program is uncommon. Sitake has the Cougars positioned to compete for the Playoff for years to come.
The administration at BYU deserves credit for finding a way to keep him over the offseason.
3. Lincoln Riley, USC
Lincoln Riley is dangerously close to being labeled a bust at USC. This season is critical for his reputation.
The underperformance in LA makes it easy to forget his 55-10 record at Oklahoma.
Who is the real Riley? The one that can’t get it going at USC or the one that dominated at Oklahoma?
4. Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State
One of the top young coaches in college football, Kenny Dillingham has a high ceiling.
He led Arizona State to the Playoff in his second year as a coach. The Sun Devils are 19-8 over the past two seasons and have momentum.
Another strong year in Tempe could draw more interest from Power 2 schools.
5. Jedd Fisch, Washington
There’s no doubt that Jedd Fisch is a talented coach. He resurrected Arizona with a clear vision and recruiting prowess.
Yet, the results at Washington have yet to turn heads. This year could determine the narrative of his legacy in Seattle.
The time to put it all together is now.
6. Dan Mullen, UNLV
Four. That’s the number of 10-win seasons (or better) that Dan Mullen has, including a 10-win campaign at UNLV last year.
Now after another round of conference realignment, the Mountain West is open for the taking.
Mullen could realistically have UNLV competing for a spot in the Playoff every year.
7. Brent Brennan, Arizona
Brent Brennan regained credibility due to last season’s success. But nobody has forgotten about the disastrous four-win year in 2024.
This season becomes the rubber match for Brennan’s early legacy in Tucson.
Keeping both coordinators on staff was a strong first start. Let’s see if they put it together on the field.
8. Jason Eck, New Mexico
If there ever was an up-and-coming coach, it’s Jason Eck.
He has embraced the community in Albuquerque and resurrected New Mexico’s program. The momentum is tangible.
By the end of the year, Eck could be pursued by several power conference teams. Enjoy it while you have it, Lobos.
9. Bronco Mendenhall, Utah State
Utah State is at an interesting spot in the new Pac-12. The reformed league presents an opportunity for Bronco Mendenhall.
The former coach of BYU has five 10-win seasons (or better) over his 19-year career. In a wide-open conference, this year will be one to watch.
Keep an eye on what happens in Logan.
10. Ken Niumatalolo, San Jose State
After spending 16 seasons at Navy, Ken Niumatalolo is 10-15 at San Jose State. Last year’s 3-wins were tied for the fewest he’s ever had in a single season.
The expectation is to get back on track in the revamped Mountain West.
Look for SJSU to establish itself in the Conference’s new pecking order.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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