Coaching evaluations are uniquely difficult this season, especially for those in their first year. Many didn't have any spring practices. Depth charts are changing constantly because of COVID-19 availability. Games are being postponed or canceled, and anxiety and uncertainty never leaves the football facilities.
While some new bosses are doing great work -- Arkansas' Sam Pittman, Boston College's Jeff Hafley and Fresno State's Kalen DeBoer, to name three -- most are predictably struggling. Coaching grades eventually will be passed out, because that is what we do around here, but to be fair, most first-year coaches are taking the 2020 season as a pass/fail course.
The second-year coaches, though, are fair game for scrutiny. They have been at their programs long enough to stir optimism or skepticism. Some already look like can't-miss hires, while others are looking shaky.
Not every second-year coach will appear in the following breakdown, but I spent time dissecting some of the most promising starts, the most troubling and some who are in between.
Let's dive in.