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Farrell Ranks the ACC Coaches

Mike Farrell ranks Dabo Swinney, Mack Brown, Mike Norvell, and the rest of the ACC

Mike Farrell| August 28, 2023 (Updated: July 9, 2025)
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Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and North Carolina Coach Mack Brown talk before the ACC Championship football game with North Carolina at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and North Carolina Coach Mack Brown talk before the ACC Championship football game with North Carolina at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte

Ranking the coaches in the ACC isn’t easy and will lead to a ton of complaints. But why not?

1. Dabo Swinney, Clemson

— Obviously the king of the ACC with his multiple national titles and it will take a lot for anyone to unseat him.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is interviewed by ESPN near quarterback Cade Klubnik (2), game MVP, after the game with North Carolina in the ACC Championship football gameat Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina Saturday, Dec 3, 2022. Clemson won 39-10.

2. Mike Norvell, Florida State

— The turnaround at Florida State has him currently ahead of a national title winner because the ‘Noles are about to be very good.

Apr 15, 2023; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell reacts during the spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium.

3. Mack Brown, North Carolina

— A legend who just needs to solve defensive issues for UNC to be a major threat.

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Oct 29, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown runs on to the field before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

4. Mario Cristobal, Miami

— He gets a lot of heat for some reason, but what he did at Oregon counts here, and the talent will come in Miami.

Nov 12, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal celebrates after a victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

5. Pat Narduzzi, Pitt

— Just a great fit for Pitt, who always has his defense ready to roll.

Dec 30, 2022; El Paso, Texas, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head football coach Pat Narduzzi throws Frosted Flakes on himself after defeating the UCLA Bruins 37-35 in the 2022 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl.

6. Dave Doeren, NC State

— The job he has done at NC State has been very impressive, and he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

Sep 17, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren (center) reacts to a a call with officials during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Carter-Finley Stadium.

7. Dave Clawson, Wake Forest

— He’s done as good a job as can be expected at Wake, and it’s hard to have him this low honestly.

Nov 12, 2022; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Dave Clawson calls out to an official during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Truist Field.

8. Jeff Brohm, Louisville

— He’s a great fit for his alma mater and should have them doing big things soon.

Louisville head football coach Jeff Brohm worked his team through drills at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Saturday morning, Mar. 25, 2025

9. Mike Elko, Duke

— Year one was awesome and a huge surprise to many, but he’s a really good coach.

Sep 17, 2022; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko reacts during first half against the North Carolina A&T Aggies at Wallace Wade Stadium.

10. Jeff Hafley, Boston College

— Despite a rough season, I still believe he is the guy to turn around the Eagles.

Oct 29, 2022; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Boston College Eagles head coach Jeff Hafley on the field during warms up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Huskies at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium.

11. Dino Babers, Syracuse

— Ups and downs have been a roller coaster ride, but he could be on his way out.

Sep 17, 2022; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers reacts to a play against the Purdue Boilermakers in the third quarter at JMA Wireless Dome.

12. Tony Elliott, Virginia

— Not sure if he’s the guy for UVA, but time will tell.

Sep 3, 2022; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott looks on from the sidelines during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

13. Brent Pry, Virginia Tech

— It’s been a really rough start. Really rough.

Oct 8, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Brent Pry looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 45-29.

14. Brent Key, Georgia Tech

— He’s last because he has to prove it with the interim tag off.

Nov 12, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key on the field before a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Category: College Football, NewsTag: ACC, Brent Key, Brent Pry, Dabo Swinney, Dave Clawson, Dave Doeren, Jeff Hafley, Logan Steele, Mario Cristobal, Mason Hefner, Mike Elko, Mike Farrell, Mike Norvell, Pat Narduzzi, Shamokin Area Indians, Tony Elliott
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