Part of the reason for the surge the Big Ten has taken in recent years, leading to three straight National Championships, is the high-level coaches the conference has had. While head coaches like Curt Cignetti, Ryan Day, Jim Harbaugh, and Dan Lanning get the most attention, the coordinators in the conference have been incredible.
Having an elite coordinator on either side of the ball can elevate a team to incredible levels, and when you look at the last 3 National Champions the impact becomes clear. Heading into the 2026 college football season, 10 of the Big Ten's best coordinators will be in the mix for head coaching gigs with another solid season.
The 10 Big Ten coordinators ready to jump into head coaching
10. Barry Lunney Jr - Offensive Coordinator - Illinois
This past coaching cycle, Barry Lunney Jr was a name thrown around for several head coaching gigs with the success he's had at Illinois. The goal for Lunney Jr this season will be proving he can have success post-Luke Altmyer, as the Illini offense averaged 29.4 points per game this season. If Illinois posts another impressive offensive season, Lunney will certainly have a decision to make over staying with Bret Bielema or taking a chance on himself.
9. Cortez Hankton - Wide Receivers Coach - Ohio State
Brian Hartline departs for the USF head coaching gig, and their replacement will have every chance to follow in his footsteps. Cortez Hankton has developed and recruited stars in Ladd McConkey, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr, and Kyren Lacy, making him one of the best at producing wide receivers. Working with the likes of Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr should only elevate his status as a coach to watch.
8. LaVar Woods - Special Teams Coordinator - Michigan State
LaVar Woods has been a highly respected assistant in the Big Ten dating back to the start of his time with Iowa in 2008. After nearly two decades coaching with Kirk Ferentz and 8 seasons leading the Iowa special teams units, Woods takes on a new gig, joining Michigan State. Woods will certainly be considered every year for the success of his units, but the question will be over who finally gives him a shot.
7. Jason Beck - Offensive Coordinator - Michigan
After his success working with Devon Dampier at New Mexico, Jason Beck got to join his quarterback at Utah. Kyle Whittingham taking the Michigan job allows Jason Beck to take another step forward on the coaching journey as he leads a Big Ten offense. If Beck can help Bryce Underwood reach his potential, he'll be another highly sought-after offensive mind who could get a head coaching gig.
6. Chris Hampton - Defensive Coordinator - Oregon
Tosh Lupoi took the jump from Oregon defensive coordinator to Cal head coach, allowing his co-DC, Chris Hampton, to assume the full-time role. Chris Hampton has been integral in Oregon's success, helping develop the safeties. Considering the success Hampton had at Tulane and the talent he has in Oregon's defense, he'll get a close look at head coaching gigs next offseason.
5. Arthur Smith - Offensive Coordinator - Ohio State
Following the success of hiring Matt Patricia, Ryan Day dipped back into the NFL ranks, hiring Arthur Smith as his offensive coordinator. Smith brings experience as an NFL offensive coordinator and head coach, which should help him find early success like Patricia last season. The lone concern schools may have with hiring Smith is how his NFL head coaching tenure played out, but it hasn't been an issue for other coaches.
4. D'Anton Lynn - Defensive Coordinator - Penn State
It looked like Lincoln Riley's tenure at USC was in danger as he couldn't field a competent defense in his first few seasons. D'Anton Lynn then jumped from UCLA to USC, transforming the Trojans' defense into a strength. Lynn now joins his alma mater Penn State, and if the defensive success follows, he'll be a hot candidate for a head coaching gig.
3. Matt Patricia - Defensive Coordinator - Ohio State
Ryan Day made the bold decision to hire longtime NFL coach Matt Patricia as his defensive coordinator, and it looked genius with the Buckeyes' defense allowing just 9.3 points per game. Getting another year of experience will only help Patricia's case for a job, especially if he can replace all the talent the Buckeyes lost on defense.
2. Mike Shanahan - Offensive Coordinator - Indiana
Given how well Indiana's offense played in 2025, it was a major shock that Mike Shanahan didn't land a head coaching gig. The Hoosiers scored a staggering 41.6 points per game, ranking 7th in the Country while dismantling some great defenses. If Indiana plays solid again in 2026, it's going to be impossible for Shanahan to stick with the Hoosiers with how many options he'll have.
1. Bryant Haines - Defensive Coordinator - Indiana
Considering the success Indiana's defense had last season while winning the Broyles Award, it was surprising that Bryant Haines didn't instantly get a job. The Hoosiers finished second in scoring defense and fourth in total defense last season as the unit dominated its opponents. Haines will have to post another solid year, but it's going to be tough for Curt Cignetti to retain both coordinators again.
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