The Athletic Puts Curt Cignetti, Kirby Smart Alone in Tier 1 for 2026
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 18
The Athletic Puts Curt Cignetti, Kirby Smart Alone in Tier 1 for 2026
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 18
Summary
Curt Cignetti and Kirby Smart were the only coaches placed in Tier 1 of The Athletic’s 2026 FBS rankings, separating them from all other head coaches.
Eight tiers were built from complete head-coaching resumes rather than projections, weighing sustained success, resources, longevity and recent results; first-year FBS coaches were excluded, while second-year coaches such as Bill Belichick debuted.
Cignetti’s case rests on taking Indiana to a national title and back-to-back Playoff appearances, while Smart stayed at the top despite Georgia missing the CFP semifinals for 3 straight seasons.
Dabo Swinney fell out of the top tier for the first time after Clemson’s 7-6 season, and notable movers included UCLA’s Bob Chesney and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea rising, while USC’s Lincoln Riley, Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell and Florida State’s Mike Norvell dropped.
The list reflects how college coaching is being judged in a more NFL-like era, with general managers, heavy roster spending and unrestricted player movement reshaping what defines elite program leadership.
Will Curt Cignetti’s historic undefeated national championship run at Indiana permanently change how athletic directors evaluate and hire head coaches?
Can Dabo Swinney’s stubborn refusal to use the transfer portal for key positions ultimately destroy his legendary Clemson legacy?
How will Kyle Whittingham fix Michigan’s adult-driven drama while facing immense pressure to develop top quarterback Bryce Underwood this season?