Spartan and Wolverine fans, rejoice!
Mark Dantonio and Jim Harbaugh have both been ranked in the top 5 of Athlon Sports and Life's Ranking All 128 College Football Head Coaches for 2016.
Here's their top 5 rank and what Athlon had to say about Michigan's renowned coaches:
1. Nick Saban, Alabama
2. Urban Meyer, Ohio State
3. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
As expected, it didn’t take long for Harbaugh to return Michigan back among the nation's best. The Wolverines finished 10-3 in Harbaugh’s first season – a five-game improvement from the previous year. Additionally, the 10 wins last season nearly matched the program’s combined victory total from 2013-14 (12). And the expectation level is high going into 2016, as the Wolverines are picked among the favorites to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Prior to Michigan, Harbaugh won 44 games in four seasons with the 49ers, transformed Stanford into a top-five team over four years and also went 29-6 at San Diego. Winning at a high level (and right away) is nothing knew for Harbaugh.
4. Mark Dantonio, Michigan State
Dantonio has elevated Michigan State to new heights and the Spartans have emerged as an annual contender for the Big Ten title. Under Dantonio’s watch, Michigan State is 87-33 since 2007 and claimed the conference title for the second time in three seasons in 2015. Additionally, last year’s 12-win campaign resulted in a trip to the College Football Playoff. Dantonio has guided the program to at least 11 victories in five out of the last six seasons and has only one losing record (2009) in his tenure in East Lansing. The Spartans lose a handful of key players from last year’s playoff team, but Dantonio should keep Michigan State among the top 10-15 teams in the nation.
5. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
To see the full list, click here.
