The evaluation of first-year coaches in college football reveals a mix of success and struggle. Notably, two contrasting figures are Bill Belichick at North Carolina and Dan Mullen at UNLV.
Bill Belichick’s Challenges at North Carolina
Bill Belichick’s tenure with North Carolina has gotten off to a rocky start. Currently, he holds an 0–3 record against power-conference teams. The average losing margin of 29 points underscores serious issues within the program.
Belichick’s decision to assemble a roster reminiscent of an NFL team and the close-knit staff comprised mainly of friends and family has backfired. The team’s defensive struggles have been alarming, yielding an average of 6.71 yards allowed per play against power-conference offenses. This performance has left the Kenan Stadium stands empty by the third quarter in two games.
Looking ahead, the Tar Heels face a soft ACC schedule, but prospects for a bowl game appear grim. The 2026 recruiting class may improve, but heavy reliance on transfers will be necessary to enhance the current roster.
Dan Mullen’s Triumph at UNLV
In contrast, Dan Mullen has found success in Las Vegas, leading the UNLV Rebels to a 5–0 start. This marks their best season opener since 1974. While competition has been relatively weak, a recent victory against UCLA has added to the team’s credibility.
The Rebels excel at capitalizing on opportunities, tying for the national lead in takeaways with 13. Their performance on third downs has been impressive as well, with a 49% conversion rate compared to their opponents’ 22%.
Mullen’s arrival from a television analyst position has been a significant win for UNLV. Continuous coaching stability will be vital for the program, which previously saw success under Barry Odom before his departure.
Other First-Year Coaches Making Headlines
- Jake Dickert (Wake Forest): The Demon Deacons stand at 3–2, demonstrating competitiveness in tough matchups.
- K.C. Keeler (Temple): The Owls are 3–2 and have yet to lose a turnover this season—a drastic turnaround from previous years.
- Matt Entz (Fresno State): With a 5–1 start, Entz has effectively merged a diverse roster to enhance team performance.
- Barry Odom (Purdue): The Boilermakers remain winless against power-conference teams, but show promise for improvement.
- Scott Frost (Central Florida): After a solid start, the Knights are now facing difficulties amid a challenging schedule.
Overall, while some first-year coaches face steep challenges, others like Mullen demonstrate the potential for immediate success in college football. As the season progresses, these coaches will have opportunities to shift these narratives significantly.
