As the regular season winds down, the college football coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever. With the stakes higher than usual, several programs have already made the tough decision to part ways with their head coaches. Notably, Mack Brown from North Carolina and Neal Brown from West Virginia have already been shown the door. But they may not be the last ones to feel the heat.
Coaches on the hot seat after Week 14
The landscape of college football is ever-changing, and with the end of the season, the pressure is mounting for several head coaches. Here are five more coaches who are likely feeling the heat and may already be exploring new opportunities.
1. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
Luke Fickell arrived at Wisconsin with a strong reputation after a successful stint at Cincinnati. However, his tenure with the Badgers has not gone as planned. With a record of just 13-13 over two seasons, Fickell’s job security is increasingly in jeopardy. The expectations at Wisconsin are high, and a .500 record simply won’t cut it. The Badgers are known for their competitive spirit, and Fickell might soon find himself on the outside looking in if results don’t improve.
2. Kenni Burns, Kent State
Kenni Burns has had a rough go at Kent State, boasting a dismal record of 1-23. While the Golden Flashes may not be a powerhouse, such a record raises serious questions about his future. To make matters worse, Burns has recently faced personal issues, including a lawsuit for unpaid credit card debt. This situation is not ideal for a coach struggling to secure wins, and Kent State may be ready to make a change.
3. Dave Clawson, Wake Forest
Dave Clawson has been at the helm of Wake Forest since 2014, leading the program to seven consecutive bowl games after a rocky start. However, recent seasons have seen a decline in performance, with back-to-back 4-8 records. The Demon Deacons have struggled in conference play, going just 3-13 over the last two years. Despite his previous successes, Clawson’s time in Winston-Salem may be running out if he can’t turn things around quickly.
4. Ryan Day, Ohio State
Ryan Day’s position at Ohio State is a bit more complicated. While he has an impressive overall record of 66-10, the Buckeyes have not been able to conquer their biggest rival, Michigan, losing four out of five matchups. Additionally, Ohio State has not won the Big Ten in the last four years and has a disappointing playoff record of 1-3. If the Buckeyes suffer an early playoff exit this year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Day’s tenure come to an abrupt end, despite his overall success.
5. Lincoln Riley, USC
Lincoln Riley was once hailed as a savior for USC after his successful run at Oklahoma, where he posted a remarkable 55-10 record. However, his time in Los Angeles has been less than stellar, with a record of 25-14. The Trojans’ performance has declined each season, from 11-3 to 8-5 and now 6-6. With USC’s lofty expectations, the administration may soon be looking for a new direction if Riley cannot reverse this troubling trend.
The pressure is mounting for these coaches as they navigate the tumultuous waters of college football. The stakes are high, and the expectations even higher. Fans and administrators alike are eager for success, and when that doesn’t materialize, changes are often made.
Which head coaches do you think will be getting fired soon? Share your theories below in our comments section! The world of college football is a constant cycle of highs and lows, and as we approach the end of the season, the fate of these coaches hangs in the balance. The coaching carousel is just beginning, and it promises to be an exciting and unpredictable ride.
