There are some quality coaches in the ACC, no doubt. But, there is the reality that it’s a significant step down from the level of head coaches in the SEC. And, there’s a possibility some of the coaches at the top of this list will be taking pay raises and heading to the Big Ten or SEC.

As we kickoff the 2022 season, let’s take a look at the ranking of head coaches in the ACC. Also, check out our ACC Hot Seat Report.

BOTTOM FEEDERS

14. Geoff Collins – Georgia Tech
We don’t expect Collins to be in this spot next season. Not because he moved up, but moved off the list.

AVERAGE JOE

13. Brent Pry – Virginia Tech
Not a great introduction for Pry with a loss to Old Dominion.

12. Mike Elko – Duke
There are not many defensive coordinators that get head coaching opportunities recently. Duke hired great coordinator. Will it work out as a head coach?

11. Tony Elliott – Virginia
Elliott patiently waited for his head coaching opportunity and found a program that has had some recent success.

10. Dino Babers – Syracuse
Babers passed on big offers from other schools after his 10-3 season in 2018. Those offers have washed up and the seat is getting warmer.

9. Scott Satterfield – Louisville
Satterfield’s failures at Louisville have been exaggerated. But, he may not get much more time at Louisville to prove how good of a coach he is.

8. Pat Narduzzi – Pitt
Narduzzi is reigning conference champion. Losing Kenny Pickett to the NFL and Jordan Addison to USC will move Pitt back to their middle-of-the-conference position.

7. Mike Norvell – Florida State
This is a make-or-break year for Norvell with Florida State boosters keeping an eye on alum, Deion Sanders.

6. Mario Cristobal – Miami
Cristobal didn’t get over the hump during his time at Oregon. Many anticipate a big jump from Miami under Cristobal.

5. Jeff Hafley – Boston College
Hafley’s record at Boston College isn’t great, but you can see what he is building there.

4. Dave Clawson – Wake Forest
Many miss the fact that Clawson has put together a solid tenure at Wake Forest since 2014 including an ACC championship game appearance in 2021.

3. Dave Doeren – North Carolina State
Doeren is one of the more underappreciated coaches. It could be argued he should be in the #2 spot on this list.

SECOND TIER

2. Mack Brown – North Carolina
It’s been an impressive career. His second and current act at North Carolina has gone better than expected.

TOP TIER

1. Dabo Swinney – Clemson
He’s accomplished more than any other current coach in the ACC and it’s not close.