THE WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR
RICH RODRIGUEZArizona
Why he's a good fit
He was never a Michigan Man—but RichRod's folksy manner and high-flying spread will play well in the Pac-12.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
He couldn't get the Wolverines to play defense; now he inherits a Wildcats unit that ranked 110th (460.5 yards a game) in 2011.
Projected wins in 2012 7
TODD GRAHAMArizona State
Why he's a good fit
The charming, fast-talking Texan and the potential of his gun-slinging offense have already energized the faithful.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
After burning bridges at Rice and Pitt with one-year stops, he has to convince recruits that he won't jump ship again for greener pastures.
Projected wins in 2012 6
TIM BECKMANIllinois
Why he's a good fit
He knows how to recruit in Big Ten country, particularly in talent-rich Ohio, where he rebuilt the Toledo program.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
Beckman's been touted as a defensive-oriented coach—yet his defenses at Toledo and Oklahoma State ranked among the country's worst.
Projected wins in 2012 6
CHARLIE WEISKansas
Why he's a good fit
The big-name arrival has at least drummed up interest in a program left in shambles after going 5--19 in Turner Gill's two seasons.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
Weis had far more resources and much better talent at Notre Dame—and he failed miserably there.
Projected wins in 2012 3
HUGH FREEZEMississippi
Why he's a good fit
As the Ole Miss recruiting coordinator in 2006 and '07, the local boy (he grew up about 50 miles from Oxford) brought in impressive talent.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
Freeze's inexperience (he's worked on the FBS level for four years) will be tested in the mighty SEC.
Projected wins in 2012 5
LARRY FEDORANorth Carolina
Why he's a good fit
The bright offensive mind inherits a talented young quarterback (Bryn Renner) and an all-conference running back (Giovani Bernard).
Biggest awaiting pitfall
The possibility of further NCAA sanctions still looms over a scandal-ridden program.
Projected wins in 2012 8
URBAN MEYEROhio State
Why he's a good fit
The disgraced Buckeyes needed a game-changing hire—and they got one when they landed the Ashtabula, Ohio, native with two national championship rings.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
Penalties from tattoogate are coming, and no one knows when health and family issues may arise again.
Projected wins in 2012 9
KEVIN SUMLINTexas A&M
Why he's a good fit
He's got the charm and charisma to galvanize the fan base and attract top in-state talent as the Aggies move to the SEC.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
His up-tempo passing offense dominated in Conference USA, but now it'll have to work against nasty SEC West defenses.
Projected wins in 2012 6
JIM L. MORAUCLA
Why he's a good fit
The program needs a fresh start, and Mora is UCLA's first coach in more than 60 years with no ties to Westwood.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
Can he recruit? The former NFL coach last worked on the college level 27 years ago, as a grad assistant at Washington.
Projected wins in 2012 4
MIKE LEACHWashington State
Why he's a good fit
Low-profile Pullman is the ideal place for the former Texas Tech coach to rebuild his rep.
Biggest awaiting pitfall
Finding the players for the Air Raid offense won't be easy in the Northwest, which doesn't have the talent of Texas.
Projected wins in 2012 5
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