Among the four coaches transitioning from the Pac-12, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham has been the most successful. Deion Sanders is set to attract attention as he guides Big 12 founding member Colorado back into the conference it helped establish. Additionally, Arizona and Arizona State have coaches, Brent Brennan and Kenny Dillingham respectively, who are eager to demonstrate their prowess as winners in major college football.

Moreover, there are several well-established and esteemed coaches throughout the league. While the Big 12 may not have clear national title contenders, it boasts numerous strong programs guided by accomplished leaders. The league’s depth of coaching talent was evident as it produced eight of the top 30 coaches in the 2024 CBS Sports Power Four coach rankings, a figure comparable to the powerhouse conferences of the Big Ten and SEC (each with eight in the top 30) and surpassing the ACC (which has five in the top 30).

The rankings below represent the positions of all 16 Big 12 coaches, as previously determined by the CBS Sports and 247Sports staffs.

Big 12 Coach Rankings 2024

1. Utah Kyle Whittingham (6 overall): Utah was predicted to win the Big 12 in the conference’s preseason media poll released on Tuesday. This is a remarkable show of respect for Kyle Whittingham, who is entering his 20th year in charge and has established the Utes as a consistent force in the sport. While he will face off against a new set of coaches in the Big 12 this season, Whittingham has built such a solid program that it shouldn’t be a problem. Last year: Not applicable in Big 12
2. Kansas Lance Leipold (12 overall): Leipold’s impressive rebuilding efforts took another significant step forward last season as the Jayhawks finished 9-4 (5-4). Under Leipold, Kansas has achieved back-to-back bowl appearances, a noteworthy feat considering the program had not made a postseason appearance since 2008 before his arrival. More success seems to be on the horizon for KU in 2024. Last year: 4 in Big 12
3. Kansas State Chris Klieman (13 overall): Over the past two seasons, Klieman has amassed a 19-8 record (13-5 in the Big 12) and guided Kansas State to consecutive top-25 finishes. Having won four FCS national championships at North Dakota State, Klieman, known for his understated profile, is a perfect match for a resilient program that was previously defined by the successes of only one coach, Bill Snyder. Last year: 2 in Big 12
4. Oklahoma State Mike Gundy (15 overall): Despite a 10-win season and an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game, Gundy’s year was marred by lopsided losses to South Alabama and UCF. Gundy, the longest-tenured Big 12 coach in his 20th season, would have held steady at No. 3 if not for the arrival of Utah and Kyle Whittingham from the Pac-12. Last year: 3 in Big 12
5. TCU Sonny Dykes (22 overall): Dykes possesses a long-established track record and a distinctive coaching philosophy. However, his standing may never have been higher than it was at this time last year, following TCU’s appearance in the national title game. The team’s 5-7 record in 2023 brought Dykes and the Horned Frogs back down to earth, though he still remains firmly entrenched in the conference’s upper echelon. Last year: 1 in Big 12
6. Iowa State Matt Campbell (25 overall): Campbell has moved up a spot within the league and 10 spots nationally after guiding Iowa State to a 6-3 league record. This marked a significant recovery after ISU stumbled to a 4-8 (1-8) record in 2022. With six bowl appearances in the last seven seasons, ISU has experienced one of its most successful periods in program history under Campbell. Now that Texas and Oklahoma are no longer in the picture, the Cyclones should be regular contenders for conference titles. Last year: 7 in Big 12
7. Houston Willie Fritz (26 overall): Fritz achieved a 23-4 record (15-1 in the AAC) during his final two seasons at Tulane. Now 64 years old, the former JUCO, Division II, and Group of Five coach is getting his opportunity in a power conference. His mettle will be tested in 2024 as the Cougars strive to find their footing in the Big 12 with a revamped roster after finishing 4-8 (2-7) last season. Last year: Not applicable in Big 12
8. UCF Gus Malzahn (28 overall): UCF faced challenges in its first year of Big 12 membership, but the Knights finished strongly and were the only new member to make a bowl appearance. Malzahn’s teams consistently perform well, and the same can be expected in 2024 after he secured significant transfers, notably former Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson. Last year: 6 in Big 12
9. West Virginia Neal Brown (42 overall): Brown has moved up 17 spots in the national rankings and five within the league after a 9-4 (6-3) season, highlighted by a victory in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl over North Carolina. This achievement, the program’s highest win total since 2016, has alleviated pressure on Brown as he enters his sixth year in charge. Last year: 14 in Big 12
10. Texas Tech Joey McGuire (44 overall): McGuire may be the most underrated coach on the list, having guided Texas Tech to 5-4 conference records in each of his first two seasons. Prior to his arrival, the Red Raiders endured 12 consecutive years without a winning record against Big 12 opponents under three head coaches. Last year: 10 in Big 12
11. BYU Kalani Sitake (49 overall): Sitake, in his ninth season, has overseen a series of highs and lows at his alma mater. Unsurprisingly, BYU’s first year in the Big 12 marked a low point as the Cougars finished 5-7 (2-7). Based on Sitake’s track record, a rebound is likely for BYU. Last year: 9 in Big 12
12. Baylor Dave Aranda (55 overall): Aranda appeared to be a rising star in the coaching ranks just two years ago following a 12-2 season and Sugar Bowl victory. However, the Bears have struggled with a 9-16 record since then, placing Aranda under pressure. Much is riding on his hire of offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, known for his successful work at Cal in 2023. Last year: 5 in Big 12
13. Arizona Brent Brennan (56 overall): After a slow start to his tenure, Brennan guided San Jose State to bowl appearances in three of his final four years there, with a 20-10 record in Mountain West games over that period. Primarily a receivers coach, Brennan faces a challenging task as he takes over a 10-win team from Jedd Fisch. However, Brennan started on a positive note by retaining several standouts from the Fisch era. Last year: Not applicable in Big 12
14. Cincinnati Scott Satterfield (59 overall): Satterfield’s standing has gradually declined since his 8-5 record in 2019 during his first season at Louisville. Since then, the once-successful Appalachian State coach has struggled, with a 20-28 record, including a 3-9 record in his first year at Cincinnati. The 2024 schedule, which excludes Utah, Oklahoma State, Arizona, and Kansas, presents an opportunity for redemption. Last year: 13 in Big 12
15. Colorado Deion Sanders (61 overall): Sanders’ debut season as an FBS coach started positively but concluded with six consecutive losses. He has generated enthusiasm by making bold statements and attracting talented transfers. However, the team faces challenges as it transitions to the Big 12 and confronts a demanding schedule. Last year: Not applicable in Big 12
16. Arizona State Kenny Dillingham (64 overall): Dillingham inherited a challenging situation from Herm Edwards, and the decision to start true freshman Jaden Rashada at quarterback did not yield the desired results. At 34 years old and a former Oregon offensive coordinator, Dillingham faces a steep learning curve as his alma mater moves to the Big 12. Last year: Not applicable in Big 12