Where There\'s Smoke There\'s Fire

TCU\'s Gary Patterson leads off AFM\'s annual look at this year\'s hot coaches from the NFL to High School
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Every year certain coaches separate from the pack … and this year will be no exception. Whether they are relative newcomers or wily veterans, these coaches are the future of high school, college and professional football. With the help of some of the top sports writers and football experts in the nation, American Football Monthly has compiled a list of coaches that it believes will make such an impact in 2003 that they will be on everyone’s short list in 2004. These are the guys that could become the next Frank Lenti, Bob Ladouceur, Joe Paterno or Bobby Bowden. So sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride as AFM guides you on a tour of the hottest coaches in America:

DIVISION I-A

Gary Pinkel, Missouri: He left Toledo as the Rocket with the most … most wins of any head coach in school history that is. And the only thing stopping him from accomplishing the same feat in Columbus may be his next job. If things continue to deteriorate in Washington, Pinkel likely will be receiving a phone call from the Huskies. As an assistant at Washington under former head coach Don James, Pinkel tutored NFL quarterbacks Billy Joe Hobert, Mark Brunell and Brock Huard. He has continued that tradition at Missouri with sophomore QB Brad Smith, who last year tortured the vaunted Oklahoma Sooner defense for 391 yards of total offense and three touchdowns en route to earning Freshman All-American honors.

Gary Patterson, TCU: When Patterson took over the reigns at TCU in 2000, he had the unenviable task of replacing a Texas legend in Dennis Franchione. He didn’t bat an eye. Patterson’s 25-game record of 16-9 equals that of his predecessor, and those Horny Frogs from Lubbock seemed poised for another successful season. Conference USA S.I.D.’s chose the Frogs as the favorite in the conference for the upcoming year. Known as a defensive mastermind, Patterson’s defense lived up to its coach’s reputation last year. TCU allowed only 240 yards of total offense, tops in the nation, and held a bowl-bound Tulane team to minus-53 yards rushing.

Jim Leavitt, South Florida: In 2002, his team finished 9-2 and seriously contended for a Bowl Game, even as an Independent. The Bulls are also received votes in both major polls and ranked 18th in the final New York Times Computer Poll, one of several polls utilized by the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). The program also heads into the 2003 season with an active 19-game home win streak, the second-longest in the nation. Now he directs the program into its first-ever season in Conference USA. Already, the Bulls have gone 4-0 in “non-conference” games against C-USA teams in 2002, including wins over Southern Miss, East Carolina, Houston and Memphis.

June Jones, Hawaii: The Rainbow Warriors fourth-year head coach lives by the motto: “Good players make good coaches.” During Jones’ tenure at Hawaii, there has been a lot of both. Jones, 22-17 at Hawaii, has produced four All-Americans and five NFL draft picks. But his biggest triumph may have been surviving a car wreck in February 2001. Despite suffering life-threatening injuries, Jones was back on the sidelines that fall and led the Rainbows to a 9-3 record.

Tyrone Nix, Southern Miss: In his first year (2001) as defensive coordinator at Southern Mississippi, Nix had the task of rebuilding a defense that lost seven starters from the previous year. He managed to get by … and then some. Under Nix, the Golden Eagles’ defense ranked among the nation’s best in scoring defense (8), total defense (11), pass efficiency defense (12), rushing defense (13) and turnover margin (21).

Norm Chow, USC: The 2002 Broyles Award winner as the nation’s top assistant coach, Chow has nurtured a plethora of NFL quarterbacks during his illustrious 30-year career in the college ranks. Carson Palmer, Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson and Ty Detmer, just to name a few, have learned from the present USC offensive coordinator. Chow also earned AFM’s Division I-A Offensive Coordinator of the Year honors in 2002.

Randy Shannon, Miami: After a two-year stint as a defensive assistant and linebackers coach, Shannon returned to his Alma matter in 2001. It’s no coincidence the ‘Canes have played in back-to-back national championship games, winning it all in 2001. During Miami’s march to the national title, Shannon’s defense led the nation in turnover margin by forcing a school-record 27 interceptions and 45 turnovers, while allowing only 9.4 points a game. Shannon was awarded the Broyles Award in 2001.

Bob Elliott, Kansas State: The Iowa-Kansas State connection continues with Elliot, who played with Iowa State head coach Dan McCarney at Iowa in the early 70s. Elliot coached under Iowa’s Hayden Fry, and then under McCarney at Iowa State before moving to Kansas State in January 2002. His defense at Iowa in 1997 ranked fourth in scoring defense and pass efficiency defense, seventh in total defense and 11th in rushing defense.

Urban Meyer, Utah: With references the likes of Lou Holtz, Bob Davie, Sonny Lubick and Earle Bruce, Meyer, after leading Bowling Green to an 8-0 start last season, was “The Hot” coach in 2002. Hence, a Utah program looking for a spark snatched him up quickly. When Meyer took over at Bowling Green in 2001, the Falcons were in the midst of six straight losing seasons, including a 2-9 mark in 2000. But in his two years, the Falcons went an impressive 17-6 and reached No. 20 in the Associated Press poll.

Les Miles, Oklahoma State: Beat Bob Stoops and Oklahoma once, and people will raise an eyebrow. Beat them twice, and heads will turn and take notice. With a decisive 38-28 win over the Sooners last season, Miles became the only coach to beat Stoops twice. Shortly after, Miles’ name was being mentioned for coaching positions from Alabama to Michigan State. If beating Oklahoma wasn’t enough, Miles, in his second season, also led the Cowboys to their first win over Nebraska in more than 40 years.

Darrell Dickey, North Texas: With each new football season under Darrell Dickey comes higher expectations. The two-time Sun Belt Coach of the Year has led North Texas to 11-straight Sun Belt victories, which is the second longest current conference winning streak in the nation. In 2002, Dickey accomplished what seven coaches in 55 seasons of North Texas football before him had not… a bowl victory. The Mean Green’s 24-19 victory over Cincinnati in the New Orleans Bowl was only the second bowl win in school history and the first since 1946. He is also one of only three I-A coaches nationally to win consecutive conference titles the last two years.

Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: A quick glance at the Cowboys’ offensive weapons this season – junior quarterback Josh Fields, senior wide receiver Rashaun Woods and junior running back Tatum Bell – provokes memories of the 1988 Oklahoma State team that featured running back Barry Sanders, wide receiver Hart Lee Dykes and a quarterback by the name of Mike Gundy. Gundy, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, was mentioned for the Tulsa position, but like his head coach Les Miles, who was a candidate for the Michigan State and Alabama vacancies, decided to stay in Stillwater. Woods’ decision to return for his senior year didn’t hurt things, either.

DIVISION I-AA

Mike Ayers, Wofford: Ayers, the all-time winningest coach at Wofford, was named the 2002 National Coach of the Year by www.CollegeSportingNews.com and was the runner-up for The Sports Network’s Eddie Robinson Award, given to the nation’s top coach in Division I-AA. This past season, Ayers led the Terriers to road wins over Georgia Southern and Appalachian State, both top-10 teams. No team had beaten both schools on the road in one season since Marshall did in 1996. The Thundering Herd went undefeated and won the Division I-AA national title that season.

Dick Biddle, Colgate: When Biddle took the reigns at Colgate in November 1995, he inherited a program that had experienced only three winning seasons in 10 years – things changed. In his first full season at the helm of the Raiders, Biddle became only the third head coach in Division I-A or I-AA history to post a winning record the season after suffering through an 0-11 campaign. In only his second year, Colgate would win its first Patriot Conference championship and make its first appearance in the Division I-AA since 1983. Although Biddle’s background is mainly defensive, including stints as defensive coordinator at Minnesota and Navy and linebackers coach at Virginia Tech, it has been the Raiders’ offense that has been producing eye-popping statistics. Colgate has ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing offense three times and twice in total offense. His defense hasn’t disappointed either. In 2000, the Raiders’ defense was fourth in the nation against the run.

Alvin Wyatt, Bethune-Cookman: Wyatt definitely paid his dues … 25 years worth. A former NFL player, Wyatt has spent a quarter century as a part of Bethune-Cookman’s athletic department, including coaching the women’s basketball team from 1978-1996. He took over as head football coach in 1997 and in only his second season led the Wildcats to a berth in the Heritage Bowl. Despite being forced to practice at a local high school and having a weight room stashed inside an old car dealership, Wyatt has led the Wildcats to a MEAC title and two appearances in the Division I-AA playoffs.

Doug Williams, Grambling State: Williams is coming off possibly his best head coaching job, leading Grambling State to its second consecutive Black College national championship, despite losing 17 starters from the previous year’s squad. His Tigers were tops in passing in Division I-AA and second in total offense. He is 43-15 as head coach at Grambling State, and 37 of his players had a grade-point-average of 3.0 or higher. After becoming the first black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, Williams is looking for another first – becoming the first black head coach in the SEC.

Dave Clawson, Fordham: The 35-year-old offensive mastermind has had the Rams reaching new heights on a frequent basis since taking over in 1999. Fordham’s 10-3 mark in 2002 was the best in the school’s history competing in Division I-AA, which helped him win Schutt Sports Coach of the Year award presented by American Football Monthly. The team featured a 1,000-yard receiver and 1,000-yard rusher for the first time in school history. Clawson is no stranger to developing offensive talent. As the offensive coordinator at Villanova for three years, he produced the school’s first 3,000-yard passer in Brett Boden, who accomplished the fete in back-to-back seasons. Clawson’s schemes also helped current Philadelphia Eagle running back Brian Westbrook to become the first NCAA player on any level to rush for 1,000 yards and record 1,000 yards receiving in the same season.

Tommy Tate, McNeese State: The 2002 Eddie Robinson Award winner, Tate led McNeese State to its first No. 1 ranking since 1998, despite having the toughest schedule in the nation. Tate led the Cowboys to wins over No. 10 Grambling State (52-20), No. 8 Youngstown State (28-13), No. 25 and eventual national champion Western Kentucky (38-13), and I-A Louisiana-Monroe (24-19). Tate is another coach that paid his dues, spending 25 years in the McNeese State football program.

Bobby Lamb, Furman: A former standout quarterback at Furman turned current head coach, Lamb led the Paladins to an 8-4 record in his first season. Yet his biggest accomplishment might have been overcoming his biggest blunder. After racing out to a 4-1 start, the Paladins traveled to Southern Conference foe Appalachian State. Furman grabbed a 15-14 lead with 7.4 seconds left, and then the unthinkable happened. Paladin quarterback Billy Napier was intercepted on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, and Appalachian State returned the pick for the eventual game-winning two points. A loss like that had disaster written all over it. But Lamb took full responsibility for the play and made sure his team stuck together. Furman rallied to win four out of its last five, and reached the Division I playoffs, before falling to Villanova in the first round.

Andy Talley, Villanova: Here you go, coach … Build our program from scratch. Mission accomplished. In 18 years roaming the sidelines at Villanova, Talley has had only four losing seasons en route to becoming the winningest Wildcat head coach in school history.

Don Brown, Northeastern: Haven’t heard about the fourth-year Huskie coach – you will. In his first year, Brown helped Northeastern to its first ever victory over a Division I program – 35-27 over UConn. Since then, Northeastern is 15-9. Last year’s squad went 10-3 and won a share of the Atlantic 10 title. This season Street and Smith’s has the Huskies ranked No. 1 in Division I-AA.

Mike Sewak, Georgia Southern: The triple option is alive and well. And it is living inside Sewak’s head. Before taking over as head coach in 2001, Sewak spent five seasons learning the intricacies of the Eagles’ potent option attack. His determination was tested early in his first year as head coach. The Eagles lost two out of their first three, only to rebound and win 10 straight to reach the Division I-AA semifinals for the fifth consecutive time. Three out of four years, the Eagles’ offense under Sewak has been America’s top rushing team. Georgia Southern averaged 386.2 yards on the ground in Sewak’s first year as head coach.

Don Patterson, Western Illinois: With his four years at the helm, Patterson has produced a pair of Gateway Conference titles and two playoff berths for the Leathernecks. Last season, Western Illinois came within five points of running the table. Both of the Leathernecks’ two losses came on the last play from scrimmage. Victories over Division I-A Northern Illinois (which went on to win a share of the Mid-American Conference title) and eventual I-AA national champion Western Kentucky highlighted a season that saw the 2002 Leathernecks become only the third team in the school’s 99 years to win 11 games.

DIVISION II

Brian Kelly, Grand Valley State: Brian Kelly coached the National Champion Lakers to a perfect 14-0 record in 2002 and he might have matched that record in 2001 if not for a knee injury to All-American quarterback Curt Anes in the playoffs. Kelly is the only coach in the history of Grand Valley State to win a playoff game. In addition, he has won nearly 75 percent of his games at Grand Valley. As a result of Grand Valley’s domination over the past two seasons, Kelly was highly sought after in the off-season, but chose to remain at Grand Valley. There is no doubt that he is the hottest name in the D2 coaching ranks.

Chris Hatcher, Valdosta State: Chris Hatcher will one day be a recognized name throughout Division 1 football. He has an amazing 36-4 in three years at Valdosta State, his first collegiate head-coaching job. Valdosta State was 4-7 the year before Hatcher arrived. He was the quarterback coach for Daunte Culpepper, Tim Couch and Harlon Hill winner Dusty Bonner, all who played in the National Football League. At only 29 years old, Hatcher is a true rising star in college coaching circles.


Clint Conque, Central Arkansas: A disappointing 2002 season hasn’t hampered Clint Conque’s star status as a rising star in D2 Football. Since his arrival at Central Arkansas in 2000, the Bears have featured one of the most effective offenses in the division. Conque arrived at UCA after guiding the Louisiana Tech offense in 1999, when they led the nation in passing at 403 yards per game. Conque was rewarded for his outstanding efforts with one of the best contracts in D2. It could be hard to pry him away from Central Arkansas, but there is little doubt that more schools will try.

Willie Fritz, Central Missouri: Although he has never won a playoff game at the D2 level, Willie Fritz is a name that pops up nearly every off-season for higher level coaching positions. Fritz has turn a perennially underachieving Central Missouri team into a conference and playoff contender while showing the ability to change schemes and adapt whenever the situation called for it. Fritz won back-to-back Junior College National Championships while at Blinn Junior College in Texas.

Dale Lennon, North Dakota: Dale Lennon won the 2001 D2 National Championship with what has become his trademark tough defense and an offense that makes few mistakes and capitalizes on the mistakes of others. Lennon runs one of the classiest programs in D2 and was a candidate for the 1-AA Sacramento State job. Lennon was even rumored to be a candidate for rival North Dakota State, a team potentially moving up to I-AA, before NDSU hired Craig Bohl.

Randy Awrey, Saginaw Valley State: If not for the superb job of Brian Kelly, Randy Awrey and Saginaw Valley State could have back-to-back Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships. His teams have been among the top-ranked teams in D2.

Bob Nielson, Minnesota-Duluth: A great 2002 season in which Bob Nielson’s Bulldogs reached the D2 Playoffs for the first time in the history of the program has propelled Nielson to the top of D2 coaches. The fact that Minnesota-Duluth nearly upset D2 power Northwest Missouri State in the first round of the playoffs only helps his case. Nielson’s teams feature a well-balanced offensive attack and a tough, punishing defensive scheme. Unless he’s hired away, Nielson will truly get to prove his worth as UMD joins the always-tough North Central Conference.

Bryan Collins, C.W. Post: The C.W. Post Pioneers, under the leadership of Bryan Collins, have become the power in the non-scholarship Northeast-10. Collins’ Pioneers feature, statistically, one of the best defenses in D2 year in and year out.

Frankie DeBusk, Tusculum: Frankie DeBusk’s Tusculum teams have one of the best passing offenses in D2. In his short time at Tusculum, DeBusk’s teams have established over 100 individual and team records.

Randy Hedberg, St. Cloud State: Although many fans of D2 Football might not know his name, those in the know certainly have heard of Randy Hedberg. Hedberg has turned a traditionally mediocre St. Cloud State team into a legitimate threat for an NCC crown and a playoff berth in the upcoming season.

DIVISION III

Joe Loth, Otterbein: Took over a Kean program two years ago that had won two of its previous 29 games and went 2-7, then 4-6 last year. Returns to his alma mater, which went 2-8 last season.

Kevin Ricca, Hampden-Sydney: Listed as an offensive assistant. Ricca will be working under the man who called plays for him when he was a record-setting quarterback at Catholic, and Ricca's younger brother, sophomore J.D. Ricca, is the leading candidate to take over as starting quarterback at H-SC.

Tim McNulty, King’s Point: Offensive coordinator since 1995, McNulty takes over from longtime head coach Charlie Pravata, who retired from his coaching position (remains as an assistant AD). A playoff team in the mid-90s, Kings Point has been overshadowed in recent years by Springfield and Western Connecticut, but after going 8-3 in 2002, they're in position to take home the final Freedom Football Conference championship. (Note: The FFC teams scatter into three conferences looking to get automatic bids in 2004.)

Mike Sirianni, Washington & Jefferson: Four-year offensive coordinator takes over for former Steeler John Banaszak, who compiled a 38-9 record in four years but was not renewed. Sirianni, a two-time All-OAC wideout under Larry Kehres, has to build an offense for the first time that doesn't include record-setting quarterback Brian Dawson.

Scott Westering, Pacific Lutheran: As the director of the Lutes' unique offense (OC), Westering is the heir apparent to the head coaching job amid talk that his father, Frosty Westering, may be entering his final season. Scott has to be the next guy whenever the opening comes up.

Joe Perella, Case Western Reserve: The former offensive coordinator at John Carroll and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL, Perella took over for the Spartans in January 2001, a program had won five games the previous two years. His teams have gone 11-9 over two years and last year's squad was second in Division III in total offense (507.3 yards).

Matt Kelchner, Christopher Newport: The former assistant head coach at William & Mary, Kelchner built the program from scratch. He has led the Captains to the playoffs each of its first two seasons and preps his team with an increasingly difficult non-conference schedule.

Bob Colbert, Bridgewater (Va.): Colbert's offense under head coach Mike Clark (who's also a strong candidate to move up a level) has helped move Bridgewater into the Division III national spotlight. The 27 points Bridgewater scored against Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl in 2001 was the second-best offensive output managed against the Purple Raiders that season and hasn't been matched in 14 games since.

Erik Raeburn, Coe College: One of a handful of Division III head coaches to play for the legendary Larry Kehres at Mount Union, Raeburn led the Kohawks to the playoffs in 2002 and is 22-10 in three seasons. Coe had never won more than six games since joining the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1998. Raeburn was Kehres' offensive coordinator for four seasons before taking over at Coe.

Scott Pingel, Westminster (Mo.): Don't let his NIFL-leading receiving numbers fool you – the former All-American and all-time Division III leading wide receiver has a brighter future ahead of him as a coach. The offensive coordinator at Westminster has a unit that's putting up numbers nearly as gaudy as when Pingel and quarterback (and fellow assistant) Justin Peery were putting up record-breaking numbers in the late '90s.

NAIA

Paul Mierkiewicz, Hastings College: Hastings has a tradition of great coaches sticking around a few years and leaving, “Merk” has definitely proven he's a good coach and probably deserving of a job at the next level. Unlike the other GPAC coaches, he's the new kid and not terrible comfortable.

Paul Troth, Missouri Valley: Everywhere he goes the program has great success. He kept Huron on top of their game, and now he's got a contender at Missouri Valley. He's proven his abilities at the NAIA level, now he deserves a shot at a higher division.

Bill Cronin, Georgetown: Georgetown is a winner and will always dominate the Mid-South. Its probably time to move on to a knew challenge

Mark Peach Campbellsville: New Coach and Alumni of the school. Has not coached a game yet, but this was probably the hire of the off-season. Mike has had a great coaching history in high school and as a coordinator, now he can showcase his skills in the NAIA as a head coach.

Mike Feminis, St. Xavier: Four full seasons as Saint Xavier head football coach, Feminis has turned around a program that had won only eight games in its six-year existence prior to his arrival. The Cougars were 9-3 last year.

Garin Higgins, Northwestern Oklahoma State: As running backs coach, Higgins was intricate in the Rangers’ turnaround from a 1-9 season in 1994 to 8-3 and a playoff berth in 1996. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 1997 and installed the option. NWOSU won the NAIA national championship in 1999, and in his first year as head coach (2000), Higgins took the Rangers back to the title game. Also responsible for recruiting Jeremy Shockey to NWOSU, before he transferred to Miami.

Jeff Olson, Southern Oregon: Recruits the West Coast and Oregon very well. Any college looking to run a balanced attack between the run and pass should look to hire this guy. Olson currently has the best running back in the nation in Dusty McGrorty, who has rushed for 1,000 yards three times in three years. That’s talent, but it also takes good coaching.

Peter Shinnik, Azusa Pacific: Same as Olson recruits talent from the West Coast and continues to win..

Chuck Morrell, Sioux Falls: Great Defensive coach who has perfected his style of a 4-3 at Sioux Falls. Recruits great talent, and could work wonders for anyone who is looking for a defensive based team.

Mike Craven, St. Francis (Ind.): Runs the best offense in the nation and does an even better job recruiting. Handles a lot of day-to-day operations of this team since head coach Kevin Donley is also the school’s AD.

JUNIOR COLLEGE

Bob MacDougall, Joliet (Ill.): MacDougall’s squad is the NJCAA defending national champions and he has virtually become a coaching legend at the junior college ranks.

Jimmy Rieves, Kilgore (Texas): 2001 was a championship year and with an ample supply of talent in Texas, the Rangers should be atop the contenders list again.

Jeff Scurran, Pima (Arizona): Coached at Sabino High School before becoming first head coach at Pima, which is entering its second season. Most agree that he's on the verge. National recruiting has helped.

Michael White, Reedley (Calif.): Won JC Grid-Wire national championship last year with an undefeated team. Very disciplined guy and president of coaches association in California last year. Highly respected by peers.

Dennis Greene, Erie (N.Y.): Erie, like Pima, is a newer program. Entering its third season. They predicted by most knowledgeable people to win the Northeast. Played in Red River Bowl in Texas last year and very nearly knocked off heavily favored Northeast Oklahoma A&M.

Carl Beach, Chaffey (Calif.): Major success every year. Well respected by his peers. Undefeated in regular season last year with a good chance to contend again this season.

Chuck Lyon, College of the Canyons (Calif.): Will challenge for state and national title again this year. Offense is a machine. Consistently landing top players out of HS ranks as well as transfers. Lost to Reedley in California title game last year. Has a great staff.

Craig Rigsbee, Butte College (Calif.): Always a great program. Had strong argument to represent NorCal in the state title game last year. Turns out lots of Division I kids. Well respected by four-year coaches.

Scott Maxfield, Blinn (Texas): Enters second year as head coach after having a successful run at Pearl River. Before that he was the OC at Northwest Mississippi and ran high-flying offense.

John Rossetti, Dodge City (Kan.): Entering second season at DCCC after being the DC at Garden City. Very well respected and capable of helping DCCC turn the corner and be more competitive.

HIGH SCHOOL

Rick Darlington, Valdosta (Ga.): After posting a 37-11 record and a Class 6A state title in four years running the flexbone at Apopka (Fla.), Darlington was named the new head coach at Valdosta (Ga.), the nation’s all-time winningest prep program. The Stetson University graduate, who played and coached under the legendary Bill Castle at Lakeland (Fla.), hopes to soon bring the Wildcats their 24th state championship – their first since 1998.

Bill Blankenship, Tulsa Union (Okla.): As chronicled in the June issue of AFM, Blankenship finally slayed the Jenks Trojans dragon and brought a state title to Tulsa Union to go along with his 12-year 116-23 record at the school. A former quarterback at the University of Tulsa, Blankenship has demonstrated the program and staff-building prowess that makes him an attractive candidate for future college job openings.

Rob Melosky, Parkland (Allentown, Pa.): With just two years under his belt, Melosky has already brought Parkland a Class 4A PIAA championship. The 33-year-old Rowan University graduate’s staff included his 63-year-old father, Andy, on a team that ended the 2002 season with a 14-game winning streak and an eye-opening 34-12 thumping of nationally ranked Pittsburgh Woodland Hills in the state title game. Melosky’s record at Parkland is 21-5.

Tommy Knotts, Independence (Charlotte, N.C.): Despite suffering a life-threatening late-season viral infection that made him split his team between the sidelines and a hospital bed in 2002, Knotts persevered and led the Patriots to a third consecutive 4A state title. His health back in order and his team’s 46-game winning streak still in tact, the 47-year-old Duke graduate will still have plenty of offensive firepower on display this season despite the graduation of All-America QB Chris Leak (Florida).

Raul Lara, Long Beach Poly (Calif.): Lara’s teams have won 23 of 26 games with one CIF-SS Division I title since the 37-year-old former defensive coordinator took over for 2000 AFM West Region Coach of the Year Jerry Jaso. With more Poly grads playing major college football than any other prep program, it’s clear the Jackrabbits have a huge talent factor in their favor. But having talent and winning with your talent are often two different things. Lara has demonstrated the ability to do both.

Gordon Wood, Helix (La Mesa, Calif.): With two Division I titles in three seasons coaching in California’s underrated San Diego section, Wood has elevated Helix to a national-rankings contender every season. The University of Wyoming-educated Wood has a 36-3 record at the helm of the Highlanders and last season coached Parade Magazine offensive back of the year, Reggie Bush (Southern California).

Todd Dodge, Southlake Carroll (Texas): A former quarterback at the University of Texas, Dodge converted his experience under center into leading an offense that experienced unbridled success on the field last season. Under the careful tutelage of Dodge, quarterback Chase Wasson exploded for over 4,000 passing yards and led Carroll to a 16-0 record and 5A/I state championship.

Kelly Donohoe, Blue Springs (Mo.): With a 32-5 record and one state championship in three seasons at Kansas City suburban power Blue Springs and a pedigree that includes a stint as starting quarterback at the University of Kansas, you might think that Donohoe might soon receive some interest about joining a college staff. Well, alma mater KU already broached the subject with him … Donohoe’s answer: No thanks. Not right now, anyway. The father of two young children says he’s happy building upon Blue Springs’ success for the time being.

Dan Burke, Palm Bay (Melbourne, Fla.): Burke has averaged over 10 wins -- and nearly the same number of Division I prospects – per year in seven seasons at Palm Bay. The Pirates also have two state titles in the past three seasons. Last season started with two straight losses, but Burke rallied the troops for a state-title run that culminated in wins over two teams – Tallahassee Lincoln and Tampa Jefferson – that spent time in the national Top 25. Burke is a graduate of the University of Central Florida.

Brent Pearlman, Prospect (Mount Prospect, Ill.): In just four years on the job, Pearlman has turned a moribund Prospect program with just three playoff games in its history into a back-to-back state championship team with 26 wins in its last 28 outings.

FIVE PROS TO WATCH

After 21 seasons in the NFL, Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator Monte Kiffen is becoming a household name … Bill Parcells is back on the job, this time under Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones – this could be fun to watch … Butch Davis is quietly building a program in Cleveland and this year the Browns’ bite could be worse than their bark … Marvin Lewis will finally get a chance to live up to the hype, but can the defensive genius take the Bengals from worst to first … Was Oakland’s Bill Callahan just that good in 2002 or was he a beneficiary of the hard work left behind by Jon Gruden in 2003 – you decide.

FORMER HEAD COACHES THAT STILL HAVE IT (and still want to use it) …

John Cooper: In the years 1995-1998, Cooper's teams helped establish OSU as one of the premier programs in America as the Buckeyes won at least ten games for four years straight. Finished with an overall record of 111-43-4 (.702) … R.C. Slocum: Never suffered a losing season during his 14-year career at Texas A&M and finished with a record of 123-47-2, trailing only Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Penn State's Joe Paterno for the most coaching victories since 1990 … Steve Logan: Basically put East Carolina on the map after 11 seasons with a 69-58 record, which included wins over Miami and Virginia Tech … Bruce Snyder: Snyder took the Sun Devils within one win of the national championship in 1996, followed by three more bowl games … Curley Hallman: Made a living by defeating SEC teams while compiling a 37-37 overall record during stints with Southern Miss and LSU … Art Shell: still waiting to even be interviewed for a second head coaching job in the league despite a 56-41 record during his time with the Raiders. … Dennis Green: During the 1990s, Green had one of the most successful coaching records in NFL history, with the best League record from 1992-2000 of 92-52 (.639) with the Vikings … Woody Widenhofer: Won four Super Bowl rings after masterminding the Steel Curtain defense in Pittsburgh – ‘nuff said.

* Compiled by David Purdum, Aaron S. Lee, Richard Scott, Jamie DeMoney (The Forbes Report/PrepNation.com), Pat Coleman (d3football.com), Brandon Misener (d2football.com), Jason Dannelly (naiafootball.net) and Kevin Lustgarten (jucofootball.com).

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