Pac-12 Coach Rankings 2023 – Here are the 2023 Pac-12 Coach Rankings. During this year’s offseason coaching transitions in the Pac-12 Conference, notable acquisitions, such as Deion Sanders at Colorado, were evident. As season 2023 nears its start date, it is crucial to evaluate and categorize each Pac-12 Coach according to their accomplishments and prospects going into next season – CBS Sports compiles these rankings each year, giving us insight into who is leading each squad within this exciting conference. So let’s dive deep into these rankings to reveal who stands where in the 2023 season.
1. USC: Lincoln Riley (4th Overall)
Lincoln Riley, renowned for his offensive genius, tops the Pac-12 coach rankings for the second consecutive season. In his debut year, Riley used the transfer portal to rebuild a struggling USC team, transforming them from a 4-8 record in 2021 to an impressive 11-win season. While the Trojans fell short in the Pac-12 Championship Game and the Cotton Bowl, expectations remain high for USC in Riley’s second year. With an improved defense, the pressure on the offense to perform at a high level is reduced, setting the stage for another promising season.
2. Utah: Kyle Whittingham (7th Overall)
Utah’s Kyle Whittingham is second in the rankings thanks to his remarkable coaching achievements. The highlight of the Utes’ 2022 season was defeating USC twice, including a pivotal victory in the Pac-12 Championship Game that dashed USC’s College Football Playoff hopes. Whittingham has led Utah to back-to-back Pac-12 titles, making a strong case for being the conference’s top coach.
3. UCLA: Chip Kelly (13th Overall)
Chip Kelly of UCLA continues to progress, building on a winning record in 2021 with a 9-4 season last year. However, UCLA heads into the 2023 season with uncertainties at the quarterback position. Kelly’s challenge will be developing star freshman quarterback Dante Moore, who could compete for the starting role during the upcoming campaign. Kelly’s coaching trajectory looks promising as he steers UCLA toward continued success.
4. Washington: Kalen DeBoer (31st Overall)
Kalen DeBoer enters his second season at Washington with high expectations following an impressive debut year that saw the Huskies capture 11 wins. DeBoer’s key asset is star quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has the potential to contend for the Heisman Trophy. With a manageable schedule, a trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game in Las Vegas is the minimum expected from DeBoer and his team.
5. Oregon State: Jonathan Smith (32nd Overall)
Despite mediocre quarterback play, Jonathan Smith propelled Oregon State to a remarkable 10-win season in 2022. The Beavers head into the upcoming season with the highly-touted DJ Uiagalelei at the helm, setting the stage for potential success. Smith’s past achievements, including his work with former Washington quarterback Jake Browning, instill confidence that he can guide Uiagalelei toward a breakout season.
6. Oregon: Dan Lanning (36th Overall)
Dan Lanning had high expectations to meet in his first season as head coach of Oregon, and he delivered with a 10-win campaign. Although the Ducks were boosted when quarterback Bo Nix announced his return, the conference’s competitive landscape and challenging road games against Washington and USC pose significant hurdles. Nonetheless, Lanning’s emergence as one of the conference’s top recruiters bodes well for Oregon’s future.
7. Colorado: Deion Sanders (55th Overall)
Deion Sanders enters his first season as Colorado’s head coach amid much anticipation. Utilizing the transfer portal, Sanders has completely transformed one of the worst Power Five rosters into a brand new team in just one offseason. While the success of Sanders’ roster overhaul remains to be seen, Colorado’s tough nonconference schedule against Nebraska and TCU ensures that many eyes will be on the Buffaloes this season. Although the immediate benefits of Sanders’ efforts may not be fully realized, Colorado’s potential as a team to watch in the Pac-12 is undeniable.
8. Washington State: Jake Dickert (57th Overall)
Jake Dickert witnessed a significant rise in the rankings compared to last season, going from the worst-ranked coach in the conference to almost reaching the middle of the pack. After stabilizing the roster in 2021 following Nick Rolovich’s departure, Dickert earned the full-time head coaching position. The 2023 Cougars, led by quarterback Cameron Ward, promise to be an exciting team. A breakthrough season could further elevate Dickert’s coaching reputation.
9. California: Justin Wilcox (58th Overall)
Justin Wilcox’s ranking dropped a few from last season, indicating the need for improved performance in 2023. With the absence of a winning season since 2019, Wilcox faces mounting pressure to produce positive results for Cal. Despite being recognized as one of the best defensive minds in the country, Wilcox’s ability to navigate the challenges of leading a program in a competitive environment remains uncertain.
10. Arizona: Jedd Fisch (61st Overall)
Jedd Fisch inherited a struggling roster when he took over in 2020, but expectations are rising as he enters his third season at Arizona. The Wildcats made notable acquisitions in the transfer portal, adding former Oregon linebacker Justin Flowe and former Colorado wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig to bolster their squad. With an opportunity to secure their first bowl game appearance since 2017, Fisch faces a crucial season in his efforts to revitalize the Arizona program.
11. Arizona State: Kenny Dillingham (65th Overall)
After parting ways with Herm Edwards, Arizona State turned to former Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham to lead the program. Dillingham’s reputation as an excellent recruiter and his track record of reviving quarterbacks, as seen with Bo Nix, bodes well for ASU’s future. With the chance to work with quarterback Drew Pyne and highly-touted freshman Jaden Rashada, Dillingham aims to expedite the Sun Devils’ rebuilding process.
12. Stanford: Troy Taylor (69th Overall)
Troy Taylor, the former Sacramento State coach, faces a daunting task at Stanford due to the university’s rigorous admission requirements. Despite this challenge, Taylor’s offensive prowess and successful track record in transforming Sacramento State into a conference champion make him an intriguing prospect for the Cardinal. With an already promising recruiting class for 2024, Taylor has the potential to ascend the rankings in the coming seasons.
As the 2023 Pac-12 season approaches, the conference’s coaching landscape is filled with familiar faces and new arrivals. USC’s Lincoln Riley retains the top spot, while Deion Sanders’ debut as Colorado’s head coach injects excitement and curiosity into the mix. The rankings provide a glimpse into each coach’s potential success and challenges in the upcoming season. From offensive gurus to defensive masterminds, the Pac-12 boasts a diverse group of coaches ready to lead their teams into battle. Stay tuned for the latest football updates in Canada as these coaches lead their teams into an exhilarating battle on the field.
