The Big 12 is full of assistant coaches that have made names for themselves. From Baylor's Kendal Briles to TCU's Doug Meacham to Texas' Vance Bedford, the conference is overflowing with assistants who have separated themselves.
Yet several other Big 12 assistants continue to fly under the radar. Here's a look at five underrated assistant coaches in the Big 12 based on the production of their position group, ability to develop talent and ability to recruit.
Bill Bedenbaugh, Oklahoma offensive line coach: Samaje Perine should send Bedenbaugh a thank you note. The Sooners star running back became a star thanks to the offensive line Bedenbaugh molded into one of the nation's best. OU's 6.1 yards per carry led the Big 12 and ranked fourth nationally in 2014 as Sooners offensive linemen Daryl Williams (first team), Tyrus Thompson (first team) and Adam Shead (second team) earned All-Big 12 honors. Bedenbaugh has also been a star on the recruiting trail, putting OU in position withstand losing that trio yet head into 2015 without major concerns about its offensive line thanks to the talent waiting in the wings in Norman, Oklahoma.
Joe Bob Clements, Oklahoma State defensive line coach: The Cowboys defensive line was one of the conference's most underrated units in 2014, allowing just 4.09 yards per carry and recording 33 sacks. In addition, Clements helped sophomore Emmanuel Ogbah earn All-Big 12 Defensive Linemen of the Year honors in 2014. Clements also flexes his muscle on the recruiting trail with several young linemen on campus, including defensive tackle Vincent Taylor and defensive end Trey Carter, possessing the physical ability to develop into big-time players if they respond to Clements' tutelage.
Andre Coleman, Kansas State receivers coach: Tyler Lockett's transition from explosive return man to renowned route runner speaks for itself. But Coleman, a former standout receiver for the Wildcats who returned to coach under Bill Snyder in 2013, also helped mentor Tramaine Thompson and Curry Sexton into legit No. 2 threats in the Wildcats offense during his first two seasons.
Chad Glasgow, TCU defensive coordinator/safeties coach: Glasgow recently earned a promotion to defensive coordinator after coaching three of the best safeties in the Big 12 a year ago. Chris Hackett, Sam Carter and Derrick Kindred excelled under Glasgow's mentorship, with Hackett earning first-team All-Big 12 honors and Carter landing on the second team. The versatility of TCU's safeties is one of the foundations of the Horned Frogs' defensive prowess and Glasgow has his hands all over the success. He has coached 16 all-conference selections during his time at TCU.
Reggie Mitchell, Kansas running backs coach/recruiting coordinator: There's a reason Mitchell sticks around in Lawrence, Kansas, while the head coaches' office at KU resembles a train station. He's entering the sixth season of his second stint as an Jayhawks assistant coach and excels on the recruiting trail. Mitchell's influence helped James Sims become an All-Big 12 running back and he has a talented sophomore in Corey Avery currently on campus. His combination of recruiting prowess and productive running backs makes him one of the conference's most underrated coaches.