The Coaching Hot Seat: Who's Feeling the Heat?
In the world of college football, some coaches are facing intense scrutiny and pressure. Let's dive into the midseason check-in and see which coaches are under the microscope and why.
ACC: Mike Norvell, Florida State
Two years ago, Florida State had an incredible season, finishing 13-0, yet they were robbed of a College Football Playoff spot. Last year, the Seminoles struggled with a poor roster, ending up with a dismal 2-10 record. This year, they started strong, beating No. 8 Alabama, but have since lost three straight games. The chatter to replace Norvell is back, and with good reason.
Norvell's buyout is an astronomical $50 million, which is a huge hurdle for FSU. The remaining schedule doesn't offer much relief, with no ranked teams left to face. However, a trip to Clemson, who seems to be finding their groove, is a daunting task. Getting to 7-5 might be possible, but with a 0-3 conference record, the heat is definitely on.
Temperature Check: Getting warmer, but the massive buyout might buy Norvell some time.
Big Ten: Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
Things have taken a turn for the worse in Madison. After winning the first two games, the Badgers have lost four straight, including a brutal 37-0 shutout at the hands of Iowa. Fickell, who had success at Cincinnati, is now 15-17 at Wisconsin, a program with a strong history. The next two games against No. 1 Ohio State and No. 8 Oregon don't offer much hope, and a visit to No. 3 Indiana is also on the horizon.
With a $28 million buyout, Wisconsin might be running out of patience. The combined record of their remaining opponents is impressive, and Fickell's job security is hanging in the balance.
Temperature Check: White hot. Fickell's seat is scorching, and the next few games could be decisive.
SEC: Hugh Freeze, Auburn
Freeze has had a tough start to his Auburn tenure, with two losing seasons and now a three-game losing streak. All three losses were close games against ranked opponents, but that's little consolation. Under Freeze, Auburn has struggled in close games and against ranked teams, with a poor record in both categories.
The good news is that the remaining schedule is manageable. Auburn could potentially go 4-2 down the stretch, but a win against No. 16 Missouri is crucial for Freeze's future. A 7-5 season might not be enough, but it's a step in the right direction.
Temperature Check: Caliente. Freeze's seat is hot, but a strong finish could cool things down.
Florida: Billy Napier
Napier has been at Florida for four years, and it feels like an eternity. Last year, he showed resilience, turning things around in the second half of the season. This year, the Gators are 2-4, but with a slightly easier schedule ahead.
Winning four out of the remaining six games might be enough to save Napier's job, but the dynamic has shifted. Athletic Director Scott Stricklin's tenure is no longer as closely tied to Napier's success, and the pressure is on.
Temperature Check: Scalding. Napier's seat is burning, and his future is uncertain.
Conference USA: Derek Mason, Middle Tennessee
Mason's team has had a rough start, going 1-5, and the situation is made worse by their loss to FCS Austin Peay. It's early in his tenure, but some wins in the second half are crucial. Hosting winless Sam Houston could be a turning point.
Temperature Check: Warm. Mason needs to turn things around quickly.
Louisiana Tech: Sonny Cumbie
Cumbie has been building slowly, improving each year. This season started well, but a crushing loss to Kennesaw State has cooled things off. Getting to six wins is still achievable, especially with winless Sam Houston and Liberty remaining on the schedule.
Temperature Check: Cooling down. Cumbie has some breathing room, but a strong finish is needed.
MAC: Joe Moorhead, Akron
Moorhead is a talented offensive coach, but Akron has struggled, with a 2-5 start. He's been at Akron for four years, and the timing might be right for a change, especially with his son heading off to college.
Temperature Check: Warm. Moorhead's seat is warm, and a move to a Power 4 program might be on the horizon.
Mountain West: Jay Norvell, Colorado State
Norvell has improved Colorado State's fortunes, going from three wins to eight wins in his tenure. A win last week against Fresno State was much-needed, but the upcoming schedule is challenging. If they can't sustain the momentum, Norvell's seat might get hotter.
Temperature Check: A little warm. Norvell has done well, but the next few games will be telling.
So, who do you think will survive the hot seat? And who might be feeling the burn the most? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on these coaching situations!
