[Tuck4Bama]

Much is made of the annual coaching carousel, and rightfully so -- obviously, anytime a Rich Rodriguez goes to Michigan or a Bobby Petrino goes to Arkansas, there's likely to be a major impact, not only on the programs involved, but potentially the national landscape.

Here's the thing, though: Oftentimes the results of a head-coaching change aren't truly felt until a few years down the road. Just look at Alabama, where anticipated savior Nick Saban failed to significantly improve the Tide on the field last season (they went from 6-7 to 7-6) but took a huge step toward bolstering the program's future last week by landing the nation's No. 1 recruiting class.

There is, however, no shortage of recent coaching hires who could have an immediate effect this coming season. You just have to look one level down.

SI.com - Writers - Stewart Mandel: Ten impact assistants - Friday February 15, 2008 4:48PM

[Lefty Noob]

Good article. Tenuta's the guy I'd have #1 on the list. Notre Dame's defense was awful last year. He's got a lot of work cut out for him, but with luck he'll be able to get things turned around with his blitz schemes. Norm Chow's big, too, as is Ron English, who finds himself in much the same position as Tenuta, only without the national spotlight. I think Louisville's hiring of English will give them the best defense in the Big East.