FSU football: Ranking all the top coaches in the ACC

By Kelvin Hunt | May 15, 2023

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 09: A view of the pylon with an ACC logo on the field during the game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Lane Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Mike Elko-Duke

Mike Elko completed his first year as a head coach in 2022, leading the Duke Blue Devils to a 9-4 record. Duke was (3-9, 0-8 ACC) in the previous year before he took over.

Duke had only won nine or more games twice since 2008. Duke had gone 10-25 overall in the last three seasons before Elko took over.

That aspect and Elko’s reputation as a formidable defensive coordinator are why I have him so high on this list as an inexperienced head coach.

Plus, all four of their losses were by seven points or fewer.

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