Rule #1 : If "your" team is available...take them! Especially if you never had them before. I got my chance in Season 2 and did the unHoo like by posting on the boards "let the champdawg eat!" Well it paid off as I got Georgia and took them all the way to the title with a last second win over USC thanks to a David Greene to Fred Gibson TD as time expired!
Rule #2 : Take your 2nd fave team if 1st is gone. I did this when taking Minnesota, had a average run but had fun in the process. Having fun is the reason why we play, right?
Rule #3 : Take a team that caters to your strength's. I don't have any but some guys like to pass, some like to run, some just like defense. Research to find a team that "fits" you. We can be assured that BigMike will pick a team with a stud safety; steamrollr will pick a team that has a good running game; and CNasty will pick a team with some hot cheerleaders.
Rule #4 : Location, Location, Location.... You will know where some of the so-called top players will be playing so it might be best to avoid them, at least til you go bowling. Of the coaches that stayed, stay away from Walker in the PAC 10 cause let's keep it real, you are fighting for 2nd place. The Big East and ConferenceUSA returns the most coaches so they know their teams, might be wise if you can to avoid those conferences. Unless you are working toward next season, non-BCS conference suck even Boise St got the shaft. Here are the locations where you have a chance to be the MAN!!!!
-ACC only returns two coaches. DaHazelOne has his team and should win the ACC and maybe win the big one but he can be stopped as steamy proved in Atlanta. Miami, FSU, Clemson and the Heels are there for the taking.
-Big Ten returns only three at Ohio St, Michigan St and Indiana. Sparty and Hoosy will not contend for the title and Bucky is beatable. So a team like Wisconsin and PSU with the right coach can run the table. I see BigMike or Steamy going to Madison and that would mean Championship!
-Big 12 returns the two top dogs in OU and UT. Packsy and Ank proved that Big 12 is winnable when not in Norman and Austin. The "hot" team is Nebraska where BigMike can scoop them up and take them to the title. Good quality teams here but the next coach will have big shoes to fill in Boulder, Lincoln, College Station, Manhattan and Lawrence.
-Norte Dame is gay and anyone who takes them is gayish. Only positive is get to schedule alot of games but unless Charlie "BigMike" Weis picks them, no title shot.
-SEC is returning NDL Champ The Madhater Shel and Bear BFiVL at Bama, oh yeah that punk Dray in Athens, comin to get ya sucka

Obviously these rules apply to the Top 40, the others just work toward next season! Happy Drafting!