Troy Coaching Search Part 2: Matrix Results

Competing for championships.

It’s what Brent Jones said is the goal of Troy football, and there isn’t a single Trojan fan who would disagree with that.

Brent said there was no set criteria for the search, and that experience didn’t matter. He did say he was looking for “a proven winner” and someone who could connect with the players and fans.

To that end, we’ve developed a system of measuring winners, weighing winning percentage and conference championship experience. We’ve also included a measure for connection to Troy, the direction of of movement for that coach, and head coaching experience.

Then, we took all of the names you suggested to us and plugged them in. The results do skew toward coaches with experience, but that is the best way to identify a “proven” winner.

The results also divide the candidates into groups. With a highest possible score of 25, and percentages identifying previous head coaching experience, we can put similar candidates together.

Editor’s note: The holidays got in the way of the process. This is part two of our posts, and we will use these results as a basis for our final Top Ten list this weekend.

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Established head coaches (17-25)

Notable names: Mike Turk, Jeremy Pruitt

These candidates have been head coaches at either the FCS level or higher, with the exception of Mike Turk. These would be the best candidates, provided they are in the market and they aren’t aiming for a Power 5 offer.

Some solid names are more within reach in this list: K.C. Keeler, Kerwin Bell, John Grass and Jeremy Pruitt. Again, it depends on what sort of connection you want with Troy and how they’d feel about coaching in the Wiregrass.

Discount coaches and notable assistants (13-16)

Notable names: Matt Moore, Tommie Robinson

The variety in this group runs from position coaches to Power 5 failures to Division II champions. The connections to Troy run much deeper here, so combined with the success factors this could be the well Troy pulls from.

With former coaches like Tom Herman and Kevin Sumlin (Brewton native) you risk them passing their peak, but they could commit to a longer tenure. The risk with current assistants like Matt Moore, Tommie Robinson and Corey Dennis (son of former Troy AD Steve Dennis) is the lack of experience, but the upside is evident.

Pete Shinnick and Mark Freeman represent more lower-level coaches with championship resumes, but translating that to the FBS is a legitimate concern. Meanwhile, Matt Entz feels like he belongs in the higher group.

Dwindling interest (10-13)

Notable names: Dell McGee, Justin Fuente

This group is headlined by FBS coaches with lesser reputations. It could be Dan Mullen’s recent implosion at Florida, Charlie Strong’s struggles at Texas, or Kendall Briles.

The other half of this group are assistants who have tasted success but have no connection to Troy whatsoever. Dell McGee and Jeff Lebby are decent prospects, but they’re bound for Power 5 gigs.

There’s also Justin Fuente, or Memphis’ Neal Brown. He has proven success but after a recent gradual decline, both parties may be better suited looking elsewhere.

The Sweet Spot (9)

Notable names: Derrick Ansley, Jon Sumrall, Jordan Lesley

They have ties to Troy. They’re decent coordinators at worst. These three are high on several lists, for good reason. They have moderate success and could all make the short list.

High potential (0-8)

Notable names: Tee Martin, Brandon Hall

These guys either have no ties to Troy, no head coaching experience or in the case of Dan Enos, peaking at two bowl games in three years. They’re not bad candidates, there are just better candidates out there.

Unless of course Brandon Hall absolutely crushes it and earns the full-time title.

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There are solid options in each group, and some groups have better candidates than the others. The process itself may not be perfect, but I think it gives us a solid idea of who the “proven winners” are.

Check out the full list below, and come back this weekend for our final ranking of the top ten candidates.

Neal Brown	19.07
Brian Bohannon	18.85
Rich Rodriguez	18.74
John Grass	18.35
K.C. Keeler	18.25
Gary Patterson	17.96
Kerwin Bell	17.91
Mike Turk	17.81
Jeremy Pruitt	17.57
Mike Norvell	17.3
Matt Entz	15.92
Matt Moore	15
Tom Herman	14.1
Kevin Sumlin	14.01
Tommie Robinson	14
Zach Yenser	14
Pete Shinnick	13.93
Chan Gailey	13.4
Mark Freeman	13.19
Cory Dennis	13
Pete Golding	13
Terry Bowden	12.93
Charlie Strong	12.83
Dan Mullen	12.28
Dell McGee	12
Ivin Jasper	12
Jeff Lebby	12
Kendal Briles	12
Justin Fuente	11.61
Derrick Ansley	9
Jon Sumrall	9
Jordan Lesley	9
Dan Enos	7.19
Lance Taylor	7
Tee Martin	7
Brandon Hall	4
Zach Kittley	2

Oh by the way, here’s the Matrix itself.