National writer David Cobb of CBS Sports thinks that Syracuse football boss Fran Brown did a terrific job in his first season as the Orange's head coach, and I couldn't agree more.
Of course, I'm a homer. I graduated from Syracuse University, I bleed Orange like it's nobody's business, and I am the editor of a SU sports fan Web site.
Cobb, on the other hand, is way more objective. In a recent article, he doled out grades to first-year performances of various head coaches in the power-four conferences, including Brown.
Last year’s college football coaching carousel was highlighted by changes at big brands like Alabama and Michigan.
— David Cobb (@DavidWCobb) January 27, 2025
But it was actually a pair of basketball schools that got the best early results.
Full 1st-year CFB coaching grades 👇https://t.co/9ouWt9hrL8
I'm pleased to share that Brown received an A+ grade. The only other first-year head coach to receive that grade is Indiana's Curt Cignetti, who led the Hoosiers to a berth in the 12-team College Football Playoff, an 11-2 overall record and a No. 10 national ranking in the final Associated Press top-25 poll at the end of the 2024 season. Cignetti's A+ grade, I might add, is well deserved.
A national expert praises Syracuse football first-year head coach Fran Brown.
Brown, his top-flight staff and their 2024 roster had a magical season. The Orange won the Holiday Bowl in late December, had three victories over ranked foes, went 10-3 overall, reached 10 triumphs in a term for the first time since 2018, and arrived at No. 20 nationwide in the final AP top-25 poll.
What's more, in the 2024 regular season, the 'Cuse finished in a tie for fourth place in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings after the league's preseason media poll forecast Syracuse football to land at No. 12 in the conference race.
Cobb, in his story, wrote of the Orange's first-year head coach: "Brown guided Syracuse to its third 10-win season of the 21st century and a No. 21 final CFP ranking. A 42-38 upset of No. 8 Miami highlighted the campaign as the Orange ranked No. 1 nationally in passing offense at 370 yards per game."
In mid-January, word broke that Brown had scored two national honors. He was named this past season's Paul “Bear” Bryant newcomer coach of the year and also received the Steve Spurrier first-year coach award.
All in all, by virtually every measure imaginable, Brown exceeded expectations in Central New York during his first term as the 'Cuse head coach, and I can guarantee you that he's far from satisified.
Brown has said more than once that his main focus is to win a national championship with Syracuse football. Sure, the Orange's 2025 docket is challenging, and it's entirely possible that the 'Cuse will win fewer than 10 games in the upcoming campaign.
Still, Fran Brown has the Syracuse football program trending in a positive direction, both on the field and in the recruiting arena. It's an exciting time for the 'Cuse and its fan base.