The success of any college football program ultimately begins with finding the right head coach. Those men who have won the most generally share an ability to lead, strategize and recruit better than their contemporaries, and they are remembered long after their time in charge is complete.
This week on the Big Ten blog, we're taking a look at the top five coaches over the years for each program. Some are more widely recognized than others, but all had a positive impact on the fortunes of their respective programs.
We begin with Illinois:
1. Bob Zuppke, 131-81-12 (1913-1941): The Fighting Illini claim five national titles, and Zuppke led four of those teams (1914, 1919, 1923 and 1927).