College football Year 2 coaching grades: Bill Belichick earns 'B,' Jake Dickert gets 'A+'

Jake Dickert has Wake Forest in the top 15, Bill Belichick is finding his footing at North Carolina, and several others are fighting for bowl bids The 2024 coaching cycle was a strange one. Programs were reluctant to pull the trigger on hot-seat coaches, leaving a few big openings waiting for another year. As a result, only five Power Four jobs changed hands. Out of the malaise, there were a few really interesting swings. Jake Dickert at Wake Forest ended up being the hire of the cycle. There were a few interesting hits at the Group of Six level, including New Mexico's Jason Eck emerging as one of the breakout stars of the cycle.

On Wednesday, Sam Houston's Phil Longo was the first member of the post-2024 coaching cycle fired. He posted a 3-17 record in less than two seasons, earning one of two Fs on our list. Like many coaches, Belichick's transition to college football was a rocky one. The staff underestimated the speed and breadth of roster building during their first portal window, ultimately leaving them with a lackluster roster and a disappointing 4-8 season. But since then, Belichick has adjusted. Even with defensive coordinator Steve Belichick and general manager Michael Lombardi both sidelined with off-field issues, the Tar Heels have built a competitive squad. North Carolina is