Written by Dennis Dodd at CBS Sports.com
Call it one of the coldest hot seats in years.
When Bob Stoops stepped down in early June, it marked the 22nd coaching change since 2016. That’s a total of 48 changes the last two seasons, which is 37.5 percent of FBS.
Yes, a lot of guys have been fired. That also means there are still a whole heck of a lot still enjoying honeymoons. Almost half of the FBS (63 coaches) are going into their first, second or third year.
If it seems like this season’s hot seats aren’t plentiful at the onset, well, you’re right.
| RATING | WHAT IT MEANS | COACHES |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Win or be fired | 2 |
| 4 | Start improving now | 4 |
| 3 | Pressure is mounting | 15 |
| 2 | All good … for now | 31 |
| 1 | Safe and secure | 66 |
| 0 | Untouchable | 12 |
Take heart, though. There’s still plenty to lose — er, play for. Just check out these Power Five coaches on the hottest of seats entering 2017.
Brian Kelly, Notre Dame (5)
BK called out his quarterback for going to the NFL, had to replace both coordinators and, oh yeah, went 4-8. Even worse, Kelly was actually disappointed he got a vote of confidence from athletic director Jack Swarbrick. In the same season Kelly had his highest-drafted quarterback (Deshone Kizer, second round), he also posted the worst record of his career.
For whatever reason, it’s not working right now at ND. I’m not sure 6-6 saves Kelly at this point, especially with an expensive Notre Dame Stadium renovation set to come online.
Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M (5)
Wash, rinse, repeat 8-5. Sumlin has posted that mark three years in a row. Worse, his teams always start fast and finish slow. The Ags are a combined 16-0 to start since 2014, 8-15 the rest of the way.
With a newly renovated Kyle Stadium and its 100,000-plus seats needing to be filled, the pressure is on.
Todd Graham, Arizona State (4)
Athletic director Ray Anderson sent a clear message by not extending Graham’s contract. Coming off consecutive losing seasons, Graham cannot tell his 2018 recruiting class he will be their coach when they are seniors in 2021. Both coordinators have been replaced, too.
Rich Rodriguez, Arizona (4)
It’s never a sign combination when the guy who hired you leaves for Alabama. Such is the case for Rich Rod, who watched AD Greg Byrne depart for Tuscaloosa. Yes, there was irony in that move. Rodriguez reportedly took the Alabama job in late 2006 before getting cold feet. Bama’s “second choice” is still running the show.
Never thought I’d see this: Rodriguez, one of the godfathers of the modern spread offense, needs some help at quarterback.
