The Big Ten Conference is in the midst of drastic changes. The conference is in the process of welcoming in USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington — expanding its reach to coast-to-coast.
No longer is it just the midwestern conference that plays tough styles of football and basketball. That description technically went away when Rutgers and Maryland joined the conference, but the additions of West Coast powers will completely change the personality.
Related: Power ranking all 18 Big Ten football programs after the 2023 season
One area of significant change is the ranking of coaches and programs — both football and basketball.
The landscape will become clear once we get through a few seasons of each sport. But for now, it’s time to take an initial look at the updated ranking of the best football-basketball coaching combinations in the conference.
For example, Wisconsin’s current duo is Luke Fickell and Greg Gard. The ranking views the pair together, instead of individually.
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10
Mick Cronin/DeShaun Foster (UCLA)
Feb 18, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin (right) talks with guard Brandon Williams (5) against the Utah Utes in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mick Cronin is considered one of the best coaches in college basketball — despite UCLA’s struggles this season.
Football head coach DeShaun Foster hasn’t coached a college game yet. But Cronin’s stature is enough to get the duo inside the top 10.
9
Ryan Day/Ohio State’s future basketball coach (Ohio State)
Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day walks off the field after losing 14-3 to Missouri Tigers in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
This duo enters at No. 9 because Ohio State recently fired basketball coach Chris Holtmann.
Depending on the hire, this duo could rise to the top three. Day is clearly one of the best football coaches in the conference, especially after the departure of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
8
David Braun/Chris…
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