Brian Bennett, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

#B1GFridayFive: Best coaching debuts

Much of the attention this spring in the Big Ten is understandably being paid to the league's three newest head coaches: Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, Mike Riley at Nebraska and Paul Chryst at Wisconsin.

Coaching changes always create interest and intrigue, especially at programs of those stature. But look through the history, and you'll find that not many coaches have succeeded at an extremely high level in their debut seasons at a new school.

With that in mind, we thought we'd take a look at the most successful coaching debuts in the Big Ten in the past 25 years in today's #B1GFridayFive. (Use that hashtag on Twitter to discuss our picks). Bonus points are given to coaches who achieved major turnarounds from the previous season.

No. 1: Urban Meyer, Ohio State, 2012

The Buckeyes had a catastrophic, by their lofty standards, season in 2011 when they finished 6-7 under interim head coach Luke Fickell. Most figured Meyer would quickly turn things around. He exceeded expectations by going 12-0 in his first year in Columbus, though NCAA probation meant Ohio State couldn't compete for the national title or go to a bowl game.

No. 2: Joe Tiller, Purdue, 1997

The Boilermakers were just 3-8 the year before Tiller brought his "basketball on grass" style to West Lafayette. In just his second game, Tiller led Purdue to an upset over Notre Dame. They would go on to finish 9-3, win the Alamo Bowl and wind up ranked No. 15 in the final polls. Tiller's legacy at Purdue has only grown as the program has struggled to do much since he retired.

No. 3: Brady Hoke, Michigan, 2011

It may be hard to remember now, but there was a time when Hoke looked like the Wolverines' savior. Michigan was a mess under Rich Rodriguez and ended a 7-6 season in 2010 by getting blown out by Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. Hoke's first year produced an 11-2 record and Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech as he swept the Big Ten coach of the year awards. It was unfortunately all downhill from there for Hoke.

No. 4: Bret Bielema, Wisconsin, 2006

The cabinet was hardly bare when Bielema succeeded Barry Alvarez, whose led the Badgers to a 10-3 campaign in his final season as head coach. Still, Bielema managed to build upon that success, going 12-1 in his first campaign in Madison and winning the Capital One Bowl (ironically, over Arkansas). Wisconsin ended up at No. 5 in the coaches' poll in Bielema's debut year.

No. 5: Bill O'Brien, Penn State, 2012

This is less about the record -- though 8-4 was highly respectable -- than the overall job O'Brien did in quite possibly the toughest circumstances ever for a first-year head coach. He took over in State College after the Jerry Sandusky scandal, succeeded a legend in Joe Paterno and was blindsided by severe NCAA sanctions that allowed players to transfer with no penalty. Things could have really fallen apart, but O'Brien helped keep the team together -- along with great leadership from veteran players -- and basically saved the program in its darkest hour.

What do you think of these choices? Hit us up on Twitter and use #B1GFridayFive

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