Legendary Alabama football HC Nick Saban’s retirement in January 2024 left a void in college football’s power structure, with coaches from every conference fighting to take the throne.
On Josh Pate’s College Football Show on YouTube, analyst Josh Pate answered the question of who now holds the mantle as the sport’s most powerful coach. Defining power by wins, peer respect, and influence, Pate named five coaches. Who were they?
Who Are the Most Powerful Coaches in College Football? Analyst Josh Pate Gives His Thoughts
Three of the coaches that analyst Josh Pate gave have national championship-winning football coaches. The list begins with Kirby Smart, the leader of the Georgia Bulldogs.
1. Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs
Kirby Smart, Georgia’s head coach, tops Pate’s list. With a 105-19 record, two national championships, and three SEC titles, “he built a replica of Saban’s Alabama,” Pate said, noting Smart’s tenure as Saban’s defensive coordinator before transforming Georgia into a recruiting and development powerhouse.
Smart’s voice carries a lot of weight. When he speaks on issues like NIL or playoff expansion, “people listen,” Pate shared. His program’s continued excellence makes him the clear frontrunner.
2. Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s Ryan Day, fresh off a 2025 national championship, ranks second. Despite some fans calling him a “born on third base” coach, Pate highlighted Day’s respect and status in the sport right now.
“Coaches always defended him,” Pate noted, citing texts from Big Ten insiders praising Day’s skills. His 66-10 record, further inflated by elite recruiting and a title, grants him authority.
3. Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, with two national titles and a 170-45 record, is a titan in the history of the sport. Pate gushed over Swinney’s ability to challenge Saban’s Alabama dynasty, winning championships in 2016 and 2018.
“He’s the only one who went head-to-head and came out on top,” Pate said. Swinney’s unwavering principles, rooted in faith and tradition, resonate beyond football. Despite Clemson’s 9-4 season in 2024, Swinney’s $10.9 million salary and vocal stance on issues like the transfer portal cements his influence.
4. Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes
Deion Sanders, Colorado’s “Coach Prime,” is a polarizing yet undeniable inclusion. Pate argued Sanders’ power stems not only from his titles but also from his impact. In 2024, Sanders turned a 1-11 Colorado team into a 9-4 squad, earning a $10.8 million contract, ranking among the top-paid coaches.
“Who moves the needle more than Deion?” Pate asked, noting Sanders’ ability to dominate headlines and draw in casual fans with his flamboyancy. His 17-9 FBS record, paired with two SWAC titles at Jackson State, and cultural sway, evident in sold-out Folsom Field crowds, make him one of the authorities in the sport.
5. Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns
Texas’s Steve Sarkisian rounds out the list. With a 31-10 record and back-to-back playoff semifinals, Sarkisian’s $10.6 million salary reflects how much faith Texas has on him.
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Pate praised Texas’s “talent acquisition mechanism,” blending elite recruiting with transfer portal success. “They’re not just winning shootouts; they dominate the line of scrimmage,” Pate said. Sarkisian’s career, spanning USC, Washington, and Alabama, makes him a natural at leading teams.
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