Right now? In no order: Harbaugh, Franklin, Riley, Dabo, Saban, Kirby, Day, Kelly, Wittingham…Then there’s a drop. Probably put Gundy there based on what he’s done at a non-blueblood program.
I think it gets pretty crowded for the pretty good but not elite group. I agree with your list, only name I would toss in there is Fickell. I think Fickell is up there, he has been to the playoffs when two of the names on your list haven't. He was able to maintain at a lower level, i will be interested to see how he does at Wisconsin.
These guys need to sustain to make the "Top" list
Dykes
I think K States coach is up there, but is probably a ceiling there. but got a conference title. he was exceptional at a lower level and is doing a great job.
Guys that need to get a title to enter the conversation. some of these may be flash in the pan types.
Kansas's coach Leipold, also did an incredible job with a low ceiling.
Heupel may be there.
Washingtons coach
I know the reaction this will get but, Kiffin.
Lansing with Oregon looked pretty good.
maybe, maybe, maybe Matt Campbell. Incredibly low ceiling there.
Ferentz is an interesting name for me. Iowa is either better than they should be, or worse than they should be. but he has maintained for a long time, at a bad school, and even got two conferences titles, and has been the conference championship game a couple times.
