5 best coaching performances so far in 2016

September was a crazy month for college football.

Notre Dame can’t tackle. USC can’t score. Both posted miserable 1-3 starts and are well on their way to the Tire Fire Bowl. Additionally, Les Miles' reign is over following another poor offensive showing from LSU.

Despite disappointments by some traditional powers, some teams have either exceeded early expectations or simply steamrolled their way through the first chunk of the 2016 slate.

Behind these rises have been masterful coaching jobs. Let’s take a closer look at the five best coaching performances so far this season.

Bobby Petrino, Louisville, 4-0

The Cardinals are destroying everyone they play, winning by an average margin of 41 points. While much of the attention goes to Heisman front-runner Lamar Jackson, who scored 25 touchdowns faster than any player in the past decade, it’s been an all-around effort for Louisville. The Cardinals' defense was a big reason why Florida State wasn’t able to keep pace, as the Seminoles were held to 113 passing yards by the Louisville secondary.

All of this illustrates the great job Petrino has done. Not only has he helped Jackson continue to improve the mental aspects of his game, Petrino's encouraged his players to take on a relentless persona they’ve used to dominate every opponent thus far.

Paul Chryst, Wisconsin, 4-0

A show of hands: How many people thought the Badgers would be undefeated heading into October? Wisconsin posted one of the best September resumes by defeating a talented, but offensively flawed LSU team, then went on the road and dominated Michigan State.

Chryst understands the Badgers’ identity - a punishing run defense and a balanced offensive attack - and uses both to help Wisconsin control tempo. The beauty is the plan’s simplicity, which makes it easy for the players to understand and execute.

The results so far have been striking: Since taking over as head coach in Madison, Chryst is 14-3. He has his players performing with confidence and chips on their shoulders, which they need, as their October slate is the most difficult in college football.

Tom Herman, Houston, 4-0

Tom Herman has transformed Houston’s program into a national title contender. The Cougars started this season with an impressive 33-23 victory over Oklahoma, but the team really made an impression during the postgame press conference when Herman told reporters he'd expected his team to beat the Sooners.

The Cougars embody their coach’s fiery persona and confidence. Further, because Herman is building a top-notch program, they are getting outstanding recruits. On the defensive line, former five-star prospect Ed Oliver is a disruptive force, and because of his presence, other Cougar defenders make plays. Houston allows only 37 rushing yards a game. It’s a mind-boggling stat from a team that continues to perform at the highest level because Herman expects nothing less.

Nick Saban, Alabama, 4-0

Saban is college football’s best coach because he understands more than anyone that the small details matter. After the Crimson Tide’s 38-10 win over Western Kentucky, he told reporters he'd never been more disappointed after a win.

It didn’t matter that they beat a team by 28 points with an inexperienced quarterback - Saban focused instead on the mental mistakes. After a verbal boot in the butt, the Crimson Tide responded by defeating Ole Miss with a strong second-half performance and shutting out a helpless Kent State squad.

High-profile recruits come to Alabama because they know they’ll receive outstanding coaching and learn to become champions. Saban has developed a culture of accountability that continues to today. Winning isn’t enough; how his players approach the game matters more.

Urban Meyer, Ohio State, 3-0

The Buckeyes started the season as the country’s most inexperienced team, with only six returning starters. Since they were so young, Meyer picked the team captains shortly after last season ended. He did this to build leadership and accountability.

So far, it’s worked like a charm.

Ohio State didn’t look like the inexperienced team in Norman. The Buckeyes played with confidence behind the strong leadership of players like Pat Elflein, J.T. Barrett, and Raekwon McMillan. As this young group continues to gel, Meyer’s intensity in getting them to elevate their play should be a catalyst to put Ohio State in the playoff picture again. And if the Buckeyes do get back to the playoff, it could be the best coaching job of Meyer's illustrious career.