BYU Football: Ranking Opposing Coaches for 2014

Sep 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; California Golden Bears football head coach Sonny Dykes throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

4. Sonny Dykes, California

Sonny Dykes walked into a terrible situation at California before the 2013 season.  Unfortunately for him and his new school, he was unable to turn much around last season.  Dykes became the only Cal coach to not defeat an FBS opponent in a season.  While Dykes had bad luck in the Pac 12, he has proven his worth while coaching at Louisiana Tech.

Dykes was a college baseball player, playing first base for Texas Tech in the early 90’s.  After graduation, Dykes became a high school baseball and football coach before making the switch to full-time football coach.  Dykes has coaching experience for P5 schools as part of staffs at Arizona, Texas Tech, and Kentucky.

Signature Win: UNLV, 2012 (With Louisiana Tech)

Although the opponent may not have seemed like much, a 58-31 beating of UNLV lifted the Bulldogs into the top 25 for the first time during his tenure.  As the #23 ranked team in the country, La Tech squared off against #22 Texas A&M and lost in a 59-57 barn burner.  After the game, Louisiana Tech would fall from the rankings, but return weeks later.  This national recognition likely helped Dykes get the Cal job he currently holds.