Dienhart: Ranking the non-Big Six coaches
2. Chris Petersen, Boise State
He’s the only coach on this list who has led his team to two BCS victories. He has thoroughly dominated the WAC, forging a 31-1 league mark in four seasons. Other Boise State coaches have bolted after tasting success — Houston Nutt, Dirk Koetter, Dan Hawkins. Not Petersen, 45, who often is wooed but evidently has no plans to leave his fiefdom after signing a five-year extension that pays him $1.6 million. His tremendous success is why Boise State recently accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West.
3. Gary Patterson, TCU
He’s had chances to leave. Remember Minnesota’s offer of $2 million per year after the 2006 season? But Patterson is no fool. He knows his job is better than about two-thirds of the Big Six gigs. Patterson, 50, is 85-28 in nine seasons in Fort Worth and finally recorded his breakthrough season in 2009 by guiding the Horned Frogs to their first BCS appearance.
Rivals.com
7/2/10
