As the 2026 season approaches, the Mountain West Conference is undergoing a major transformation. This summer, the "departing five" schools will break away to form the new Pac-12, while the Mountain West reloads with exciting additions like North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, and UTEP. It's a new era for the conference, and the coaching talent at the helm is more compelling than ever.
To kick off our "Friday Five" series—where we'll countdown the best of everything in college football, alternating between the Mountain West and the new Pac-12 each week—we're starting with the top head coaches who will shape the 2026 season. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just gearing up for game day, these are the leaders to watch.
Tim Polasek, North Dakota State
Polasek knows the Mountain West well from his time as offensive coordinator at Wyoming (2021-2023). In just two seasons as head coach of the Bison, he's posted a remarkable 26-3 record, won two Missouri Valley titles, and captured a national championship. Now, he faces the ultimate challenge: guiding NDSU into the FBS and the new-look Mountain West. Bison fans expect nothing less than immediate success—can Polasek deliver the same magic on a bigger stage?
Troy Calhoun, Air Force
It's rare to see an NFL offensive coordinator leave the pros for a non-power college program, but that's exactly what Calhoun did nearly two decades ago when he took over at Air Force. His job is uniquely demanding: producing winners while developing future military officers. Calhoun has led the Falcons to 13 bowl games and won the Mountain Division in 2015 and 2021. With several traditional contenders moving to the Pac-12, this could be his best shot at a conference championship.
Timmy Chang, Hawaii
The transfer portal can be brutal, and few know that better than Chang. When he took over in 2022, he inherited a roster decimated by the Todd Graham era, leading to back-to-back tough seasons. But Chang, a former Hawaii quarterback legend, is steadily rebuilding the program with his high-octane offense and local recruiting ties. The Warriors showed flashes of promise in 2024, and with more stability, Chang could surprise the conference.
As the Mountain West enters this new chapter, these coaches represent the resilience, ambition, and grit that define the conference. Whether you're rocking Bison green, Falcon blue, or Warrior black, one thing is certain: the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Stay tuned for next week's Friday Five, where we'll shift to the Pac-12 and rank the top quarterbacks in the league.