The full evaluation of this season's first-year coaching hires can't be made for another few years,
by which time a good chunk of the 29 newcomers will already be fired and replaced.
But you can begin to see which hires are going to work and which hires seem destined for failure after the end of the regular season.
It's also fair to call Lincoln Riley a smash hit after leading No. 4 Southern California to the Pac-12 title game,
and the doorstep of a College Football Playoff berth.
On the other hand, there's nothing but concern at Miami (Fla.) after the Hurricanes won five games under Mario Cristobal ,
Expected to hover around bowl eligibility and the middle of the Big 12,
TCU is one of three unbeaten teams heading into conference championship weekend.
though he may come in behind the other first-year coach with a team set to make the playoff.