The National Football Foundation (NFF) has officially updated the eligibility criteria for coaches to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, marking a significant shift in how coaching careers are evaluated and recognized at the highest level of the sport. The changes, announced in a press release and during a segment at the NFF’s annual spring meeting, aim to reflect the evolving nature of college football while ensuring that worthy coaching legends are not excluded due to rigid benchmarks established in earlier eras.
The most notable change involves the long-debated requirement that coaches must have a minimum winning percentage of .600 and must have served as a head coach for at least 10 seasons and 100 games. While these benchmarks remain part of the core framework, the NFF has now introduced language that allows the selection committee more flexibility when considering candidates who may not meet the exact statistical thresholds but have made substantial contributions to the game, whether through transformational leadership, groundbreaking innovations, or exceptional influence on players and the sport’s development.
“This update represents a thoughtful step forward,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “We want to honor coaches who have left a lasting legacy on college football, even if their numbers don’t check every box. It’s about capturing the full impact of a coaching career — not just the wins and losses.”
Under the new criteria, coaches who fall slightly short of the win percentage or tenure benchmarks may now be considered if their candidacy is supported by compelling contextual factors. These include extraordinary success in building or rebuilding programs, influence on the game through strategy and innovation, significant mentorship or development of players, and broader contributions to the college football landscape — such as promoting diversity, academic achievement, or sportsmanship.
This marks a major philosophical shift for the Hall of Fame, which has historically placed heavy emphasis on quantifiable success. Critics of the old system have long argued that it unfairly excluded coaches who worked at under-resourced programs, rebuilt struggling teams, or coached during eras when seasons were shorter and fewer opportunities to accumulate wins existed.
One such coach whose candidacy could benefit from the change is the late Howard Schnellenberger, whose career spanned several decades and included dramatic turnarounds at programs like Miami (FL), Louisville, and Florida Atlantic. While Schnellenberger’s career record sits below the .600 mark, his transformational impact on college football — including building the foundation for Miami’s dynasty and essentially creating FAU’s football program — has long been acknowledged by his peers and players. Under the new guidelines, coaches like him could now receive stronger consideration for enshrinement.
The NFF’s decision comes amid a broader cultural reassessment in college football, where context and legacy are increasingly valued alongside raw results. As the sport grapples with changes in conference alignment, NIL policies, and evolving expectations for coaches, the updated criteria are seen as a way to ensure the Hall of Fame remains inclusive and representative of the sport’s rich history.
NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell emphasized that the Hall of Fame must evolve in step with the game itself. “College football is not static,” Hatchell said. “The way we define greatness can’t be either. These changes are about celebrating coaching careers in their full complexity and understanding that excellence comes in many forms.”
Alongside the coaching eligibility revision, the NFF also announced it would conduct a review of existing candidate pools to reassess previously ineligible coaches under the new framework. This means that some coaches who were previously passed over due to technical disqualification may now be re-nominated, providing a new path to honor those whose contributions have stood the test of time.
The announcement was met with approval from many within the college football community. Current and former coaches, athletic directors, and players took to social media and other platforms to praise the decision. Legendary coach Barry Alvarez said in a statement, “It’s long overdue. There are great men who helped shape this game that haven’t been recognized because their records didn’t tell the full story. This change is a win for the sport and for its history.”
The NFF also reaffirmed its commitment to the other aspects of its rigorous selection process, including ethical conduct and character — two qualities that remain central to Hall of Fame eligibility. Coaches who have significantly impacted the sport but were involved in major scandals or NCAA violations will still face high scrutiny, ensuring that the Hall of Fame continues to reflect both excellence and integrity.
The first class of nominees to be evaluated under the new criteria is expected to be announced in early 2026, giving selection committees time to adjust to the updated guidelines and for historical candidates to be reevaluated. The 2025 class was already selected under the previous rules.
This policy shift reflects not just a procedural change, but a larger statement about how college football honors those who shaped it. As the game continues to change, so too must its institutions — and the College Football Hall of Fame is now poised to better reflect the sport’s complex, storied past.
