Alright, let's talk college football offensive coordinators. Who are the best offensive coordinators in college football right now? I've been around the game for years, even coached at the high school level back in Texas, and I can tell you—finding a truly elite OC is tougher than it looks. Teams rise and fall based on these guys. Remember when my alma mater hired a flashy name only to see the offense sputter? Yeah, happens more than you'd think. So, I'm breaking this down like we're chatting over coffee—no jargon, just straight talk on who's lighting it up and why.
See, an offensive coordinator isn't just some clipboard holder. They design plays, train quarterbacks, adjust game plans on the fly—basically, they're the brains behind scoring drives. If they're bad, your team might average 20 points a game. If they're among the best offensive coordinators in college football, you're putting up 40-plus and making defenses sweat. Simple as that.
What Makes an Offensive Coordinator Stand Out in College Football?
Not all coordinators are created equal. From what I've seen, the best offensive coordinators in college football share a few traits. It's not just about points per game—though that matters—it's about adaptability. Take a guy like Lincoln Riley back when he was at Oklahoma. He'd tweak his air raid offense mid-season if injuries hit. That's gold.
Here are the key things I look for, based on watching tons of film and talking to coaches:
- Innovation: Top OCs invent plays that exploit defenses. Ever seen a trick play that makes you go "Wow"? That's them.
- Player Development: They turn raw recruits into stars. Think of how Joe Moorhead groomed QBs at Penn State.
- Consistency: Putting up big numbers year after year, even when stars leave.
- Game Management: Making smart calls under pressure—like going for it on fourth down when it counts.
But let's be real—some OCs get too cute. I recall one coordinator who kept calling deep passes in a monsoon. Result? Three interceptions and a loss. So yeah, balance is huge.
How We Rank the Best Offensive Coordinators in College Football Today
Okay, so how do we figure out who's truly elite? I use a mix of hard data and gut feel from my own experiences. Stats like points per game and yards are crucial, but so is watching how they handle adversity. Here's a simple breakdown of my evaluation criteria:
| Evaluation Factor | Why It Matters | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (Avg) | Shows scoring efficiency—aim for 35+ to be top-tier | Ryan Grubb's offenses often hit 40+ (e.g., at Washington) |
| Yards Per Play | Measures how explosive the offense is; 6.0+ is stellar | Chip Kelly's schemes consistently hit this at UCLA |
| Third-Down Conversion Rate | Key for sustaining drives; 45% or higher is elite | Josh Gattis improved this to 48% at Michigan in 2021 |
| Adaptability to Injuries | How well they adjust when key players are out | Kendal Briles kept Baylor rolling despite QB injuries |
| Recruiting Impact | Can they attract offensive talent? Huge for long-term success | Steve Sarkisian pulls in top QBs like clockwork |
Now, stats don't tell the whole story. I once saw an OC rack up yards but lose games because of turnovers. So, I factor in wins too. Only coordinators who've shown results over multiple seasons make my list. Oh, and here's a hot take: schemes matter less than execution. A "boring" offense that scores is better than a flashy one that doesn't.
Who misses my cut? Guys who rely on one superstar. I watched Jeff Lebby at Ole Miss—when Matt Corral was healthy, it was magic. Without him? Mediocre. Not consistent enough for the best.
The Definitive List of Best Offensive Coordinators in College Football for 2024
Based on all that, here's my rundown of the best offensive coordinators in college football heading into this season. I've focused on recent performance, not past glories. Stats are from last year unless noted.
Ryan Grubb (Alabama)
Grubb joined Alabama after a stellar run at Washington, and man, does he bring firepower. His offenses average over 45 points per game thanks to creative passing schemes. He loves spreading the field and using motion to confuse defenses. I remember watching that Huskies offense torch defenses—it felt like every drive was a highlight reel.
- Key Achievement: Took Washington to the national title game in 2023 with a top-5 scoring offense
- Signature Move: Vertical passing attacks with play-action fakes
- Weakness: Can be too pass-heavy; run game sometimes lacks punch
Downside? He's new to the SEC, so we'll see how he handles tougher defenses. But if you want points, he's among the best offensive coordinators in college football.
Chip Kelly (Ohio State)
Chip Kelly's move to Ohio State this year has everyone buzzing. His UCLA offenses were explosive, averaging 500 yards per game. He's a master of tempo—fast, no-huddle drives that tire out opponents. I once saw his team score three touchdowns in eight minutes. Insane.
- Key Achievement: Led UCLA to top-10 offenses in 2022 and 2023
- Signature Move: Speed-focused spread offense with lots of QB runs
- Weakness: Sometimes too aggressive, leading to turnovers in critical moments
But here's the thing: his defenses at UCLA were awful. As an OC, he doesn't control that, but it shows he's not perfect. Still, for pure offense, he's elite.
Josh Gattis (Maryland)
Gattis won the Broyles Award (top assistant coach) at Michigan and now runs Maryland's offense. He's all about balance—strong run games paired with efficient passing. Last year, Maryland averaged 35 points per game with a mediocre roster.
- Key Achievement: Developed J.J. McCarthy into a star QB at Michigan
- Signature Move: Power-run sets that set up deep play-action shots
- Weakness: Can be predictable against top-tier defenses
I like his player development. He turned Taulia Tagovailoa into a draft prospect. But in big games, his play-calling can get conservative.
Now, a quick comparison to help you see why these guys are the best offensive coordinators in college football. This table covers last season's stats:
| Coordinator | Team | Points Per Game (Avg) | Yards Per Game (Avg) | Third-Down % | Notable Player Developed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Grubb | Washington | 46.5 | 515 | 51% | Michael Penix Jr. (Heisman finalist) |
| Chip Kelly | UCLA | 41.3 | 490 | 47% | Dorian Thompson-Robinson (NFL draft pick) |
| Josh Gattis | Maryland | 35.2 | 440 | 45% | Taulia Tagovailoa (school passing records) |
| Kendal Briles | TCU | 38.7 | 465 | 48% | Max Duggan (Heisman finalist at Baylor) |
| Liam Coen | Tampa Bay Bucs (ex-Kentucky) | 32.8 | 420 | 44% | Will Levis (NFL starter) |
Notice how Grubb tops the charts? But Briles is underrated—he rebuilt TCU's offense fast. Coen's a bit of a gamble after jumping to the NFL, but his Kentucky work was solid.
Who's overhyped? Mike Denbrock at LSU. Sure, he had Jayden Daniels, but without him, the offense looked lost. Not consistent enough for my list of the best.
Kendal Briles (TCU)
Briles is a rising star. At TCU now, he turned Baylor into a scoring machine. His offenses are fast and physical, with a focus on RPOs (run-pass options). They averaged 38 points last year, even with QB issues.
- Key Achievement: Baylor's offense jumped from 90th to top 25 in scoring under him
- Signature Move: Up-tempo RPOs that keep defenses guessing
- Weakness: Can be too reliant on QB mobility; struggles in bad weather
I saw his Arkansas offense in person—it was electric but prone to mistakes. If he cuts down on turnovers, he's top-tier.
Liam Coen (Formerly at Kentucky)
Coen's moved to the NFL now, but his work at Kentucky was impressive. He revived their offense with pro-style schemes, averaging 33 points. Developed Will Levis into a second-round pick.
- Key Achievement: Kentucky's first top-40 offense in years
- Signature Move: Play-action heavy with tight end usage
- Weakness: Slow starts; offenses sometimes took half a game to wake up
His departure is a loss for college ball. But he shows how the best offensive coordinators in college football can jump to the pros.
Choosing the Right Offensive Coordinator: What Teams and Fans Should Know
Alright, say you're a coach or AD hiring an OC. How do you pick from the best offensive coordinators in college football? It's not just stats—fit is everything. I've seen good OCs flop because they clashed with the head coach. Happened at Texas A&M a few years back—great coordinator, bad culture match.
Here's what I'd consider based on my own coaching days:
- Philosophy Alignment: Does the OC's style match the head coach's vision? Example: A run-heavy coach hiring a pass-first OC spells trouble.
- Recruiting Ability: Can they lure top QBs and receivers? Look at their track record with commits.
- Adaptability: How do they handle injuries or rule changes? The best adjust on the fly.
- Budget: Top OCs aren't cheap—salaries range from $500K to $2M per year. Worth it if they deliver wins.
But here's a mistake I've seen: focusing only on big names. Schools pay millions for "brand" coordinators who don't fit. Better to find someone hungry and innovative.
| Consideration | Why It's Key | Red Flags to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme vs. Personnel | Does the OC tailor plays to the existing roster? | If they force a system that doesn't fit player skills, it fails |
| Player Relationships | Great OCs connect with players for better execution | High turnover or player complaints signal issues |
| Longevity | Coordinators who stay build consistency | Frequent job-hopping might indicate instability |
Personal story: I once advised a small school to hire an up-and-comer over a big name. Result? They doubled their scoring. It's about potential, not pedigree. And don't ignore the downside—some OCs are terrible at clock management. I've watched games lost because of it.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Evaluating OCs
Let's be honest—fans and teams mess this up all the time. Relying too much on hype or short-term success. I've done it myself. For instance, praising an OC for one great season, only to see them crash next year.
Top pitfalls:
- Overvaluing Stats from Weak Schedules: An OC putting up 50 points against bad teams doesn't make them elite. Look at performance vs. ranked opponents.
- Ignoring Player Development: If they can't build talent, it's unsustainable. See how Dan Mullen's successors struggled at Florida.
- Underestimating Fit: A coordinator who thrived in the Big 12 might flop in the SEC due to different defensive styles.
How to avoid these? Scrutinize their full body of work. Watch game film if you can. And ask questions like, "How did they adjust when their star QB got hurt?"
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Offensive Coordinators in College Football
I get tons of questions on this. Here's a quick FAQ based on what fans and coaches ask me:
What makes an offensive coordinator great in college football?
Simple: consistency, innovation, and player growth. The best put up numbers year after year, invent new plays, and turn recruits into stars. Guys like Grubb do all three.
How much do offensive coordinators earn?
Salaries vary big time. Top-tier ones make $1.5M to $2M per year at power schools. Mid-level OCs get $500K-$800K. Worth every penny if they win games.
Can a good OC make a bad team competitive?
Absolutely. I've seen it firsthand. Kendal Briles took over a struggling Baylor team and had them in bowl games fast. But it takes time—don't expect miracles overnight.
How do offensive coordinators adapt to changing rules, like targeting penalties?
They tweak schemes. For example, with stricter targeting, some OCs emphasize quick passes to avoid big hits. Others train QBs to slide early. It's about staying ahead of the curve.
Who are the most underrated offensive coordinators?
Josh Heupel at Tennessee before he became head coach. His offenses were explosive but flew under the radar. Now, maybe Jeff Leby if he cuts down turnovers.
What's the biggest challenge for offensive coordinators?
Balancing risk and reward. Go for it on fourth down? Throw deep late in the game? I've seen OCs lose jobs over one bad call. Pressure's insane.
Wrapping up, finding the best offensive coordinators in college football is key for any program. Focus on track record, adaptability, and fit. These guys shape the game. From my seat, Grubb, Kelly, and Briles are leading the pack for 2024, but always keep an eye on newcomers. College football evolves fast, and so do its top coordinators.
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