The coaching landscape in the Mountain West Conference has undergone significant transformations in recent years. With all but one head coach hired in 2021 or later, and six coaching changes occurring this past offseason alone, the conference’s coaching ranks have seen substantial turnover. Despite this churn, Air Force’s Troy Calhoun stands out as the clear leader in the rankings, thanks to his lengthy tenure and consistent success in Colorado Springs.
Following Calhoun, a mix of established veterans and promising newcomers populate the next tier of coaches in the Mountain West. Fresno State’s Jeff Tedford, returning for his second stint with the Bulldogs, joins newcomers Bronco Mendenhall of New Mexico and Sean Lewis of San Diego State as noteworthy figures in this group. Their diverse backgrounds and track records of success add intrigue to the conference’s coaching landscape.
However, the depth of coaching talent in the Mountain West extends beyond just the top names. Coaches like Blake Anderson of Utah State, Jay Norvell of Colorado State, Barry Odom of UNLV, and Spencer Danielson, the new head coach at Boise State, form a compelling cohort of leaders poised to make their mark on the conference.
When evaluating coaching talent, it’s essential to consider a variety of factors beyond just wins and losses. While on-field success is undoubtedly important, it’s equally crucial to assess a coach’s ability to develop talent, recruit effectively, and navigate the unique challenges of their program’s resources and hierarchy.
Our rankings reflect a holistic approach to evaluating coaching prowess, incorporating factors such as career biography, recruiting success, and program resources. While wins and losses certainly play a role, they’re just one piece of the puzzle when determining a coach’s overall impact and potential for success.
As the Mountain West Conference enters the 2024 season, the coaching landscape is as diverse and dynamic as ever. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars at the helm, the conference is poised for an exciting and competitive year on the gridiron.
