Analyzing P4 Coaching Hires Since 2018

First of all, someone else did a much better analysis than I not long ago, but couldn't find the thread. Please let me know if I missed any coaches!!

I went back and tried to list all the P4 coaching hires since 2018. Intended outcome is to measure what are the most successful paths to being a P4 HC based on their prior role.

Prior Roles:
P4 HC
G5 HC
P4 OC
P4 DC
Position Coach


Success Criteria achieved at their CURRENT/ most recent school:
CFP Playoff Appearance
Conf Title
11 Win Season

Qualified Coaches:
Ryan Day P4 OC
Steve Sarkisian P4 OC*
Ryan Day P4 OC
Dan Lanning P4 DC
Sonny Dykes G5 HC
Dave Aranda P4 DC
Lane Kiffin G5 HC
Eliah Drinkwitz G5 HC
Josh Heupel G5 HC
Marcus Freeman P4 DC
Chris Klieman G5 HC
Mario Cristobal P4 HC
Kenny Dillingham P4 OC
Curt Cignetti G5 HC
Ed Orgeron Position Coach


Summary Table of Prior Roles: * notates the coach has been a P4 HC prior to last role
G5 HC - 7 (Kiffin*, Drink, Heupel, Chris Klienman, Curt Cignetti, Mike Norvell, Sonny Dykes)
P4 DC - 3 (Dave Aranda, Marcus Freeman, Dan Lanning)
P4 HC - 2 (Mario Cristobal, Kalen Deboer)
P4 OC - (Ryan Day, Kenny Dillingham, Sark*)
Position Coach - 1 (Coach O)


I know that Klienman and Cig were not technically G5, but it represents proven head coaches from lower level schools having success. Let me know if I missed anyone!