Coaching Grades: Dillingham Shines, Sanders Stumbles

Introduction

The 2025 college football season brought us both triumphs and challenges. As we reflect on the performances of eight key head coaches, it's clear that their trajectories have notably diverged. From Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham's stellar rise to Colorado's Deion Sanders facing criticism, let's delve into these pivotal third-year coaching grades, placing them on a scale from A to F.

Coaches Under Review

The eight coaches in focus are:

Kenny Dillingham – Arizona State
Hugh Freeze – Auburn
Scott Satterfield – Cincinnati
Deion Sanders – Colorado
Brent Key – Georgia Tech
Jeff Brohm – Louisville
Matt Rhule – Nebraska
Luke Fickell – Wisconsin

Doing a Good Job: Top Grades

Kenny Dillingham – Grade: A

Kenny Dillingham stands out as the only coach among these eight to secure a conference title. After a rocky start to his tenure at Arizona State, he turned the tide, leading his Sun Devils to a Big 12 Championship in 2024. With a remarkable 13-5 record against conference foes, Dillingham's leadership has been a breath of fresh air for ASU.

“Despite a challenging start, Dillingham's revitalization of the Sun Devils showcases his commitment and strategic acumen.”

Brent Key – Grade: A

Right behind Dillingham is Brent Key, whose efforts have propelled Georgia Tech back into the national spotlight. A former Yellow Jacket himself, Key has solidified his squad's success, achieving a record that peaked at nine wins in 2025. His team's consistency has made them contenders in the highly competitive ACC.

Jeff Brohm – Grade: A

Jeff Brohm has quickly made his mark at Louisville, leading them to the ACC Championship game and back-to-back nine-win seasons. With a record of 28 wins over three seasons, Brohm's strategic intelligence has catalyzed the Cardinals' resurgence, making him a notable figure in this year's season analysis.

On the Hot Seat: Mixed Results

Deion Sanders – Grade: C+

Deion Sanders is perhaps the most polarizing figure on this list. While he conjured immense hype during his initial years, the 2025 season proved challenging for the Buffaloes. His 9-3 season in 2024 was followed by significant struggles, leading to speculation on whether he could continue to build on his initial momentum.

“The enthusiasm he brings is undeniable, but it hasn't translated into consistent winning results.”

Matt Rhule – Grade: C

Matt Rhule's journey at Nebraska has been marked by incremental improvement, but his 10-17 record against conference opponents raises eyebrows. With expectations high, many believe that more should be on the table for a program with such storied tradition.

Falling Short: Coaches Who Didn't Deliver

Hugh Freeze – Grade: F

Hugh Freeze's time at Auburn can only be described as disappointing. With just one bowl appearance and a glaring 6-16 record against SEC opponents over three years, it was no shock when the Tigers decided to part ways with him. It's a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn in college football.

Scott Satterfield – Grade: C-

Scott Satterfield's tenure has seen Cincinnati making somewhat of a recovery, but fans remain hungry for more than just mediocrity. With an underwhelming initial season followed by moderate improvements, supporters are left asking for sharper progress on the field.

Luke Fickell – Grade: C-

After a promising start, Luke Fickell's time at Wisconsin has been marred by inconsistency. Despite some postseason appearances, doubts over his long-term viability as head coach continue as he enters another critical season.

Conclusion

As we evaluate these coaching performances, it's clear that coaching in the college football realm is anything but straightforward. Dillingham's impressive rise contrasts sharply with Sanders' struggle to maintain momentum, highlighting the unpredictability and fierce competitiveness inherent in college sports.

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Source reference: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/third-coaching-grades-where-kenny-054112981.html