How many “big time” P4 to P4 coaching hires have been successful?

I’d consider Franklin and definitely Bert’s tenure a success, but maybe I just hold the Penn State and Illinois football programs in lower regards than you

Roger that. He’s bounced back better than expected at Illinois, shows how important fit is

So this has never worked but it’s all people talk about still.

Let’s not forget Riley to USC or Mullen to UF.

How many big time hires are successful period? Relatively few. And many that do work out weren't considered big names at the time of hiring.

Head Coaches hired from smaller programs that won maybe Spurrier (Duke), Saban (MSU), Meyer (Utah), Tressel (YS). Carroll was middling in the NFL before USC.

Coordinators that had success I'd say Stoops (Florida), Richt (FSU), Kirby (Alabama). Dabo was an outlier non coordinator that had a great DC and quarterbacks.

I don't think you know what will work mostly. Guys like Fickell and Herman were considered highly desirable. Five or so years ago row the boat PJ Fleck was touted by many. Former NC winners like Chizik or Fisher sometimes retroactively seem like products of special players rather than sustainable process.

Some guys like Harbaugh or Meyer are great for a while and then seem to blow up. Which most places would still consider worthwhile.

If my life depended on hiring a coach who would win a national championship I'd make sure my funeral plans were in place

Not since Saban, but as you pointed out he came from the Dolphins but he did come from MSU to LSU

Bobby Bowden from WVU to FSU might fit this discussion. WVU was independent then but still...

Mack Brown from UNC to Texas.

Bear Bryant - Maryland -> Kentucky -> A&M -> Alabama

Jimmy Johnson from Oklahoma State to Miami and wins a national title.


Schellenberger from Louisville to Oklahoma was a 1 year disaster with resignation by video