Kirk Ferentz: Where Does He Rank Among Big Ten Coaches?
By Jeremy Karll
No. 1 – Urban Meyer, Ohio State Buckeyes (56-5)
Urban Meyer wins. It’s as simple as that. He’s in his sixth season as head coach of Ohio State and he only has five losses. Plus, the Buckeyes have started in the top-three of the AP Poll every year, he led them to a national championship, and Ohio State went 12-0 in his first season when they were bowl ineligible.
Ohio State going undefeated in a season that didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things says a lot about Meyer’s character and his ability to keep his players focused. His team could have easily folded knowing they weren’t going to a bowl game, but they fought and beat three ranked teams.
In fact, Urban Meyer won his first 24 games as Ohio State head coach and didn’t lose his first regular season game until his third season — 26th regular season game.
The fact of the matter is Meyer knows college football as well as anyone. Ohio State is once again in contention to make the College Football Playoff, and with the third ranked recruiting class in 2017, it wouldn’t be surprising if they continue this level of success.
Plus, Meyer is a proven winner wherever he coaches. In 15 seasons as a head coach, Urban Meyer only has 28 losses. He has only finished with fewer than nine wins twice (eight with Bowling Green in 2001 and Florida in 2010), and has won 12 or more games in eight seasons. Not to mention winning three national championships and going 10-2 in bowl games.
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When it comes down to it, Urban Meyer keeps his team focused better than any coach in the nation. He’s won at mid-majors, in the SEC and now is dominating the Big Ten. His recruiting genius paired with his football genius doesn’t just make him the best coach in the conference, but he’s one of the best coaches in the nation, as well.