Quickest Turnarounds: OC Leaderboard; A Data-Driven Analysis

In college football, offensive coordinators can be the difference between mediocrity and championship contention. We've analyzed comprehensive data to identify which OCs have made the most dramatic improvements to their teams' offensive performance, using SP+ offensive rankings as our metric.

The Methodology

Our analysis focused on offensive coordinators who have genuinely transformed their programs. We compared each coordinator's first two years at their current school against the three years before they arrived, looking specifically at SP+ offensive rating rankings. Importantly, the current 2025 season counts toward their scores, meaning coordinators in their second year (like Kotelnicki at Penn State and Shanahan at Indiana) are included in our analysis. To ensure data integrity, we only included coordinators who:

• Have been at their current school for at least 2 years (including the ongoing 2025 season)

• Are not currently head coaches

• Are not co-offensive coordinators

• Are serving in their most recent OC position

The result? A clear picture of which coordinators have created the most dramatic offensive improvements in college football.

The Top 10 Game-Changing Offensive Coordinators

1. Will Stein, Oregon (90.4% Improvement)

The Transformation: Oregon's offense went from averaging a ranking of 15.7 in the three years before Stein to an incredible 1.5 in his first two years—including the #1 ranking in 2023.

The Story: At just 35 years old, Will Stein has become college football's hottest commodity. After following Jeff Traylor from UTSA to Oregon in December 2022, Stein immediately transformed the Ducks' offense into a juggernaut. In 2023, he orchestrated Bo Nix's Heisman-caliber season (4,508 yards, 45 TDs) while leading the nation's best passing offense. He followed that up by seamlessly transitioning Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel into the system, maintaining elite production.

Stein's "quarterback whisperer" reputation is well-earned—he's now coached two straight quarterbacks to career years. His $1.7 million salary makes him one of the highest-paid coordinators in the country, and ESPN recently listed him as a prime head coaching candidate. His innovative blend of spread concepts with RPO elements has Oregon averaging 39.5 points per game over the past two seasons.

2. Andy Kotelnicki, Penn State (82.6% Improvement)

The Transformation: Penn State jumped from an average ranking of 43rd to 7.5 under Kotelnicki's guidance.

The Story: Kotelnicki arrived at Penn State with an 11-year partnership with Lance Leipold and immediately revolutionized the Nittany Lions' offense. Known for his creative play-calling and ability to adapt schemes to personnel, Kotelnicki brought his "400 graduate-level offense" to Happy Valley on a 4-year, $7.1 million deal.

His Kansas offenses were known for explosive plays—ranking 12th nationally in 20+ yard plays during his tenure. At Penn State, he's continued that trend while making history: Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton became the first Nittany Lion duo to both rush for 1,000 yards in a season in 2024. His complex, multiple formations and pre-snap motion have given Penn State the offensive identity it's been searching for.

3. Mike Shanahan, Indiana (78.7% Improvement)

The Transformation: Indiana's offense improved from 91.7 to 19.5 in the rankings—a stunning turnaround for a traditionally defensive-minded program.

The Story: The 34-year-old Shanahan just won the 2024 FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year award after helping Indiana make its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. Following Curt Cignetti from James Madison, Shanahan brought an aggressive, balanced attack that transformed the Hoosiers.

His ability to maximize transfer portal talent has been remarkable—he recruited four wide receivers who each had over 1,000 career receiving yards. Shanahan's philosophy of "production over potential" paid immediate dividends, as Indiana averaged over 30 points per game and converted 47.2% of third downs (14th nationally). His player development skills and innovative play-calling have made Indiana must-watch television.

4. Kirby Moore, Missouri (75.7% Improvement)

The Transformation: Missouri went from 74th to 18th in offensive rankings under Moore.

The Story: Moore has quietly built one of the SEC's most consistent offenses at Missouri. His balanced attack features both a powerful running game and an efficient passing attack that keeps defenses honest. The Tigers' offensive improvement has been a key factor in their recent success in the competitive SEC East.

5. Mike Bobo, Georgia (70.8% Improvement)

The Transformation: Georgia improved from 24th to 7th, maintaining elite status post-Monken.

The Story: Returning to Georgia after head coaching stints, Bobo has kept the Bulldogs' offense humming despite losing multiple first-round NFL draft picks. His experience and steady hand have been crucial in maintaining Georgia's championship-level performance. At $1.4 million per year, he's proven to be worth every penny.

6. Jeff Nixon, Syracuse (62.8% Improvement)

The Transformation: Syracuse jumped from 76.7 to 28.5 in the rankings.

The Story: Nixon has revitalized Syracuse's offense with an uptempo attack that maximizes the Orange's skill position talent. His creative use of motion and misdirection has made Syracuse one of the ACC's most improved offenses.

7. Jordan Davis, North Texas (62% Improvement)

The Transformation: North Texas improved from 71st to 27th under Davis.

The Story: The young coordinator has brought innovation to Denton, implementing a high-powered spread attack that's turned North Texas into one of the Group of Five's most exciting offenses. His work developing quarterbacks has been particularly impressive.

8. Drew Cronic, Navy (60.7% Improvement)

The Transformation: Navy's unique offense went from 115.7 to 45.5 in the rankings.

The Story: Cronic has modernized Navy's traditional option attack, incorporating more passing concepts while maintaining the Midshipmen's physical identity. The result has been Navy's most balanced and effective offense in years.

9. Jake Spavital, Baylor (57.9% Improvement)

The Transformation: Baylor improved from 46.3 to 19.5 in offensive rankings.

The Story: The well-traveled Spavital has brought his Air Raid expertise to Waco, transforming Baylor's offense into a consistent scoring machine. His quarterback development and innovative passing concepts have been game-changers for the Bears.

10. Mike Denbrock, Notre Dame (56.7% Improvement)

The Transformation: Notre Dame went from 30th to 13th under Denbrock.

The Story: Denbrock's return to Notre Dame has reinvigorated the Irish offense. His experience and tactical acumen have created a more explosive and efficient unit that complements Marcus Freeman's defensive philosophy perfectly.

The Big Takeaways

Young Guns Are Taking Over

Look at this list - Stein (35), Shanahan (34), and several others under 40. These aren't your dad's offensive coordinators drawing up Power-I on a whiteboard. They grew up with spread offenses and understand how modern players think.

Riding With Your Head Coach Pays Off

Shanahan followed Cignetti. Kotelnicki stuck with Leipold for 11 years. Loyalty in coaching? It's actually a thing, and it's working.

The QB Whisperer Effect Is Real

Almost every one of these guys has turned their quarterback into a star. Stein with Nix and Gabriel. Kotelnicki's work at Kansas with Jalon Daniels. Shanahan with Kurtis Rourke. If you can develop QBs, you can write your own ticket.

The Head Coaching Pipeline Is Flowing

Let's be honest - half these guys will be head coaches within two years. Stein's name is already being thrown around for every opening. Kotelnicki turned down opportunities to stay at PSU. When your OC starts getting mentioned for head coaching gigs, you know they're doing something right.

The Bottom Line

These ten coordinators aren't just calling plays - they're completely changing how their teams compete. The average improvement across this group? Nearly 70% better in the rankings. That's the difference between being unwatchable and being must-see TV.

AD Vantage's data shows what we all know intuitively: great offensive coordinators are worth their weight in gold. If your team's offense is struggling and your AD isn't looking at this list, maybe forward them this article.

The numbers speak for themselves. These are the coordinators who've actually moved the needle, and the smart money says at least half of them will be running their own programs soon.