The Big Ten enters the 2025 football season with only one new head coach in place: Purdue’s Barry Odom. That is a significant departure from last offseason, when the conference welcomed five new head coach hires (Indiana, Michigan, Washington, Michigan State and UCLA).
Of course, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti stole headlines throughout the year as he led the Hoosiers to a program-best 11-1 regular season and a College Football Playoff appearance. Michigan’s Sherrone Moore and Washington’s Jedd Fisch each found some success late in the season, while Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith and UCLA’s DeShaun Foster provided more mixed results.
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The Big Ten’s hiring tends to happen in waves. After the conference sees little turnover during one season, the next can often bring significant changes. That reality is worth keeping in mind entering 2025. Several coaches enter the year needing a strong output to redirect their program’s trajectory.
Position Previews: Overall Offenses — Quarterbacks — Running Backs — Wide Receivers — Tight Ends — Offensive Lines — Overall Defenses — Defensive Lines — Pass-Rushers — Inside Linebackers — Cornerbacks — Safeties — Secondaries — Special Teams Units
Coaching Staff Previews: Offensive Coordinators — Defensive Coordinators
With training camps underway and the season fast approaching, we’re taking an updated look at the Big Ten’s head coach landscape.
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18. Mike Locksley (Maryland Terrapins)
Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley during the second half Southern California Trojans at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 35-67 (New Mexico 2009-11, Maryland 2015-present)
Analysis: Locksley might need a job-saving performance in 2024. His Terrapins are fresh off a 4-8 campaign, including a 1-8 record in conference play and a 1-7 stretch to close the season. While it was the program’s first losing season since 2020, it signaled possible struggles to come. That is especially the case after standout quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. transferred to Wisconsin. Locksley’s coordinator hires — each veteran with significant NFL experience — signals his mindset entering the year.
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Sep 21, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun watches pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 12-13 (Northwestern 2023-present)
Analysis: Braun was the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2023, leading Northwestern to an 8-5 record after the late-offseason firing of longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald. 2024 was far from an impressive encore. The Wildcats went 4-8, including blowout losses in all but two Big Ten contests (wins over Purdue and Maryland). Northwestern is a challenging place to win in college football’s current landscape. That said, Braun still has to establish the program’s floor before he can rise in these rankings.
Purdue football head coach Barry Odom and Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski pose for a photo Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, during the welcoming of Odom at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.
Head Coaching Record: 45-33 (Missouri 2016-19, UNLV 2023-24)
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Analysis: Odom turned over Purdue’s entire program in just a few months. After the team went 1-11 last season, that change can’t be anything but a good thing. Odom had some success at Missouri in the late 2010s and just recently excelled at UNLV. He should at least give Purdue some stability.
15. DeShaun Foster (UCLA Bruins)
Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 5-7 (UCLA 2024-present)
Analysis: Foster and the Bruins did well in 2024, given the circumstances. The team faced one of the toughest schedules in the sport. Notably, it did so after the program was forced to rebuild after former coach Chip Kelly left for the Ohio State offensive coordinator opening. After a full offseason of roster improvements, 2025 will be an important year for Foster’s standing.
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Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire
14. Jonathan Smith (Michigan State Spartans)
Michigan State’s head coach Jonathan Smith looks on from the sideline during the third quarter in the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Head Coaching Record: 39-42 (Oregon State 2018-23, Michigan State 2024-present)
Analysis: Smith joined the Spartans with high expectations after a strong run at Oregon State. The team’s 5-7 finish in 2024 was a major disappointment, given the hype surrounding the coach’s hire. Like with many others, 2025 will be a critical year for his tenure.
Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire
13. Greg Schiano (Rutgers Scarlet Knights)
Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 94-101 (Rutgers 2001-11, 2020-present)
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Analysis: Schiano has done well to establish Rutgers as a high-floor team over the last few seasons. A third consecutive bowl trip in 2025 would lead to a jump up these rankings — especially if some of the other higher-ranked coaches struggle.
12. Luke Fickell (Wisconsin Badgers)
Nov 16, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell during the game against the Oregon Ducks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 76-38 (Ohio State 2011, Cincinnati 2017-22, Wisconsin 2023-present)
Analysis: The start of Fickell’s Wisconsin tenure has fallen far short of expectations. The program is just 12-13 through two seasons, including a 5-7 2024 season that snapped its 23-year bowl streak. The Badgers face the nation’s toughest schedule in 2025, so it’s unreasonable to expect a sudden breakthrough. But offensive changes and an impressive transfer class must at least push the program back to bowl eligibility.
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11. Jedd Fisch (Washington Huskies)
Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch stands on the sideline during the first quarter against the USC Trojans at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 23-29 (UCLA 2017, Arizona 2021-23, Washington 2024-present)
Analysis: Fisch took over the Washington job under challenging circumstances in 2024. Former coach Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama, bringing with him several of the Huskies’ top players. Fisch, who won 10 games at Arizona in 2023, did well to lead the Huskies to a bowl game. His team’s expectations are sky-high entering 2025. A nine or 10-win breakthrough could lead to a big rise in these rankings.
Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire
10. Sherrone Moore (Michigan Wolverines)
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore uses hand signal 4-0 to celebrates the Wolverines 4th straight win over Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
Head Coaching Record: 8-5 (Michigan 2024-present)
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Analysis: Moore impressed during his first year in charge. Despite the Wolverines having one of the nation’s worst passing offenses, which the head coach is accountable for, the team still reached eight wins, including late-season triumphs over Ohio State and Alabama. Five-star freshman Bryce Underwood arrives in Ann Arbor to fix that passing situation. If he does, Moore’s profile could quickly rise.
Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire
9. P.J. Fleck (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Nov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck looks on before taking the field prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 88-61 (Western Michigan 2013-16, Minnesota 2017-present)
Analysis: Fleck is established as one of the Big Ten’s more consistent head coaches. He’s led the Gophers to bowl appearances in six straight non-COVID seasons, including a strong 8-5 2024 campaign. While the program’s ceiling isn’t quite CFP-level, its consistent winning under Fleck is above its typical baseline. That leads to a strong ranking.
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8. Matt Rhule (Nebraska Cornhuskers)
Aug 31, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule reacts during the second quarter against the UTEP Miners at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Head Coaching Record: 59-56 (Temple 2013-16, Baylor 2017-19, Nebraska 2023-present)
Analysis: Rhule led Nebraska to its first bowl appearance since 2016 last season. Still, the team was far from stellar over the back half of the campaign, winning just one of its last six regular-season contests. Rhule will need to lead the Cornhuskers to a breakthrough 2025 campaign for him to keep this strong ranking. Former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola’s play will decide that fate.
Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire
7. Lincoln Riley (USC Trojans)
Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 81-24 (Oklahoma 2017-21, USC 2022-present)
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Analysis: Riley is one of many coaches who need a big 2025 season. USC is just 15-11 over the last two campaigns, including a 4-5 Big Ten record in its inaugural season in the conference. Riley is expected to deliver Heisman quarterbacks and annual CFP appearances. Anything less and he’ll start to slide to the middle of the pack.
Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire
6. Curt Cignetti (Indiana Hoosiers)
Dec 20, 2024; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 30-6 (James Madison 2022-23, Indiana 2024-present)
Analysis: Cignetti and his Indiana Hoosiers were the story of college football last season. 2025 will be about validating the program’s position as a steady competitor in the Big Ten. While another 11-win season is a lot to expect, Cignetti needs to deliver a minimum of eight wins to keep the program’s strong momentum.
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5. Kirk Ferentz (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Nov 8, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz on the sidelines during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 204-124 (Iowa 1999-present)
Analysis: Ferentz enters his 27th season leading the Hawkeyes. That is incredible longevity, especially considering the sport’s drastic changes over the last decade-plus. He and the Hawkeyes continue to win amid those changes — the program has not had a losing season since 2012 and hasn’t won less than eight games in a non-COVID season since 2014. This No. 5 position should be renamed after Ferentz when his career finally concludes.
Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire
4. Bret Bielema (Illinois Fighting Illini)
Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches players warm up before a game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 125-80 (Wisconsin 2006-12, Arkansas 2013-17, Illinois 2021-present)
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Analysis: Bielema is back near the top tier of Big Ten coaches after a fantastic 2024 campaign, delivering Illinois its first 10-win season in 23 years. Winning at mid and bottom-tier programs is just as impressive as doing so at places with top-tier resources. Few coaches would be able to do what Bielema has done with the Illini. His standing near the top of the conference is clear, even if the team doesn’t reach the CFP this season.
3. James Franklin (Penn State Nittany Lions)
Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 125-57 (Vanderbilt 2011-13, Penn State 2014-present)
Analysis: Franklin finally broke through in 2024, leading Penn State to the doorstep of the national title game. Expectations are sky-high entering 2025, and rightfully so. The temperature surrounding Franklin’s performance in big games has finally cooled. But Nittany Lions fans will still expect a further breakthrough.
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Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire
2. Dan Lanning (Oregon Ducks)
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning reacts after the loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Head Coaching Record: 35-6 (Oregon 2022-present)
Analysis: Oregon’s 2024 season should be viewed as a resounding success, even with the blowout loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks were the one Big Ten newcomer to excel, going 12-0 in the regular season and defeating Penn State in the conference title game. Lanning has established himself in the select top tier of coaches, where the year-in, year-out expectation is national contention.
Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire
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1. Ryan Day (Ohio State Buckeyes)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day holds the Coaches’ Trophy during the Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Playoff National Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Jan. 26, 2025.
Head Coaching Record: 70-10 (Ohio State 2018-present)
Analysis: No other coach can headline this list after Day’s run to the national title in 2024. He’s now one of just three active college coaches with a national title under their belt, joining Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. Another deep run could start to bring Day into the conversation with those Tier 1 coaches.
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Power ranking Big Ten football head coaches entering 2025 season
