Best College Football Coach at a second or third tier school?

I like your logo bro (or sister). Sept 1 Elon is getting crushed! This answer is tough. I think USF is still a lesser known school. The program has only been around for like 11 or 12 years and we are ranked like 38 and getting Top 25 votes. That is huge. Jim Leavitt really knows what he is doing and has had such a huge impact on USF. No other coach could do what he did with USF in such a short amount of time. USF wasn't even considered as a Florida football school, they were just brushed off, then last season they really made a name for themselves. SO my answer is Leavitt because USF is still an infant in college football, but quickly becoming a powerhouse.

George O'Leary... yes UCF lost pathetically to the Bulls two years in a row, partially b/c he likes to sit out our star RB for discipline issues. But he has still done wonders for the program going from 0-11 to winning our division and earning CUSA coach of the year. He has also managed to bring in some star recruits who otherwise would have never considered UCF. When the conferences reshuffle again UCF will be first on the list to make the jump up to a major conference, and a major program... in large part b/c of O'Leary. Redemption comes this year at Raymond James, Go Knights!

The coach of Appalacian State has won 2 back 2 back I-AA titles

Elon Coach has had several consecutive winning seasons even though the school is one of the smaller ones in the conference

East Carolina Coach could survive at a ACC or Big 12 QB coach because the last starting QB just went pro

eventually Mark Hudspeth.. head coach at North Alabama.. put UNA back on the National radar and has been mentioned for Div 1 head coaching job.. he'll eventually get one

ME?