October 3, 2006
Which coaches are thriving on the hot seat?
As fans, we spend an awful lot of time hitting coaches when their down, throwing them to the proverbial wolves, and roasting them on the proverbial hot seat. Most of the time, they never make it up off the mat. However, there are a few with moxie that manage to make it up off the mat, and we owe them some pub.
Tommie Bowden, Clemson
If ever there was a poster boy for the coaching hot seat, it's Tommy Bowden. A quick google search for "hot seat tommy bowden clemson" returns nearly 50,000 hits. They guy LIVES on the hot seat and has for years. But, in all fairness, Bowden has Clemson at the top of the ACC. Despite an emotional loss at Boston College, Bowden kept his teams' head in the game, rallying the troops to go back on the road & beat FSU in Tallahassee. While CU is not competing for a national championship, the Tigers do control their own destiny for a BCS bowl game. If they can keep performing at this level, the Tigers are poised to give Bowden his most successful season at Clemson.
Tyrone Willingham, Washington
Don't look now, but the Washington Huskies are 4-1. U-Dub has wins over San Jose State, Fresno State, UCLA, and Arizona -- all programs that were arguably in better shape than anyone thought Willingham's Huskies would be. The Huskies have gone from the outhouse to the penthouse doghouse. Willingham has given Washington fans a little glimmer of hope by restoring some Huskie pride in two quick years.
Lloyd Carr, Michigan
Coach Carr has gone from lowliness to holiness, so to speak, taking UM back to the top of the Big 10. Responding to the few coaching changes during the off season, Carr's team seems much sharper than I can recall seeing in maize and blue in recent years. Michigan silenced -- at least, temporarily -- the Carr critics after an impressive win over Notre Dame, but suspicions remain after the Wolverines let Minnesota up off the mat last week. This week's Michigan State game may define Carr's season, as a win gets him out of the UM doghouse for this year. On the other hand, a loss to the struggling Spartans could seal Carr's fate. How far can Carr carry the Wolverines this year? If Carr has can exorcise his Ohio State demons, then Michigan has a BCS date in the Rose Bowl to show for its season.
And for a run-down of coaches who's seat is still smoking hot:
John L. Smith, Michigan State
Karl Dorrell, UCLA
Dennis Franchione, Texas A&M
Larry Coker, Miami
Chuck Amato, NC State
Houston Nutt, Arkansas
Mike Shula, Alabama
John Bunting, North Carolina
Sly Croom, Mississippi State
Comments:
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 3, 2006 9:36 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
Tyrone Willingham at Washington gets my vote. Tremendous job. And, I predict and won't even bother to explain why, that Washington does a respectable job against the Trojans on the road this week. It's a fact that Washington will not be blown out this weekend. Take the points.
The Pac-10 needs this guy and so does Washington. It is great to see the Huskies start to come back. Best thing in the world for the Pac-10. Big-Time coaching job here.Tommie T
Regan said:
posted on October 3, 2006 10:59 PM — 152.163.100.196 — link — abuse?
Tommy Bowden is, and always shall be, on the hot seat.
Why? Because Clemson accomplishes virtually impossible things when he is fighting for his job. Don't ask how, but if Tiger fans were in an uproar all year round, we would have won seven national championships.
Okay, it's really important that you don't ask how; thanks - I will now continue. :)
Personally, I have always liked and supported Tommy, even after the Wake loss in '03. Yeah, I know coaches make millions, but the expectations are beyond reason at this stage most of the time.
What happened to Willingham at ND and Zook at Florida was really not cool, IMHO; but my pet theory is that the schools were jockeying for available replacements and stepped up the firing squad for that reason.
When you think about all the time and energy these guys put in (never forget, to us this is just a hobby - coaching is 24/7), and the impact this has on their families, their staffs (and their families) and all the kids that have signed to play football there, it really is worth giving a second thought to the game day rant when your team loses.
IMHO, of course...
A. Nutfan said:
posted on October 4, 2006 1:10 AM — 24.95.70.157 — link — abuse?
Kevin,
It does apear that Lloyd Carr has gotten himself out of the doghouse with an impressive win over Notre Dame. Your point that I question is that if {and this is a big IF} he somehow manages to exorcise his demon {Jim Tressel}, and derail the OHIO STATE train he should be heading to Glendale not the Rose Bowl.
posted on October 4, 2006 12:35 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
Are we adding Mike Riley to the Hot Seat list? I certainly can't justify saying that he's thriving this year.
Chris Hummert said:
posted on October 4, 2006 1:11 PM — 216.210.178.26 — link — abuse?
There have been calls for his head over the past 2 loses. The after game call in shows have been nothing but "fire mike riley." At the last game fans brought signs that said "Can Riley" and placed them throughout the stadium.
mahout said:
posted on October 4, 2006 1:24 PM — 70.153.137.198 — link — abuse?
Hot Seat vs. Slow Boil
For coaches and for programs, sometimes a hot seat is better than the proverbial "slow boil"...where the frog doesn't realize it's being boiled alive. A "hot seat" or a "frying pan" gets you motivated and moving.
The Alabama situation has covered a decade of a slow boil...The fans have adjusted to a new reality...For Alabama and for Shula this year will be relatively painless, but if this program doesn't start to look and act like a Championship level program; the end result will be the same as a frying pan...they're cooked.
David said:
posted on October 4, 2006 2:58 PM — 216.226.180.3 — link — abuse?
Bama dropping 2 straight has the Bama Nation in bedlam. Here's the facts, Shula will not lose or keep his job based on the AR or FL game, although he is solely responsible for the AR choke. He will be the coach at Bama for the reminder of this year and next year (barring being caught in bed with a live boy or dead woman) ... his job depends on the outcome of the games against TN and awbarn, that simple ... mark it down so you won't have to be reminded!
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 4, 2006 9:58 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
Mark:
You know I really don't want for the Trojans to slaughter too many other Pac-10 teams unless they have bad coaches that need to go. For what Koetter did with Sam Keller - I say poor it on! Carpenter did a real good job last year after AZ State had already played the toughest part of the schedule. Now that he is having to face the very best of the Pac-10 he isn't doing so well, is he? It was a real bad move and it has affected the moral of his entire team - I am sure. So, I really hope that Arizona State gets leveled by everyone and this guy gets to go.
Tommie T
So Cal USMC said:
posted on October 4, 2006 10:04 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
Tommy Bowden/Clemson has already beat Florida State... I imagine that thats a noteable accomplishment from their program's perspective (and their fans'). Even if they go on to lose to VTech and/or some other teams, the Win over FSU will probably carry a long way.
Michigan beating Notre Dame is arguably the "Best Win" any team has had this year - deserving of the most credit, if you will (not scoring margin type of stuff)... but Loydd Carr/Michigan still has Ohio St, Michigan St to deal with.
Ty Willingham/Washington has done fairly well so far, but thats if you fail to consider that that Washington has argueably been the country's most Under-Acheiving team the past 2 seasons prior! And recruiting at Washington has slipped under Ty Willingham - that'll show in the next couple of years.
MSU FAN IN CHATTANOOGA said:
posted on October 4, 2006 11:41 PM — 68.53.215.88 — link — abuse?
REGARDING CROOM AT MISSISSIPPI STATE, WHY ARE THE LOSERS SAYING GIVE CROOM ANOTHER 3-5 YEARS? WHEN HAS THIS MAN PROVEN THAT HE CAN COACH UNIVERSITY LEVEL COLLEGE FOOTBALL? LOSERS ACCEPT LOSING AND THE LOSERS ARE THE ONES SAYING GIVE CROOM 3-5 MORE YEARS. DO YOU THINK BEAR BRYANT WOULD GIVE CROOM 5 MORE YEARS? HOW ABOUT JIMMY JOHNSON? NO WAY. WINNERS WANT RESULTS NOW, NOT IN FIVE YEARS. SYLVESTER CROOM SHOULD NOT LAST THE SEASON...SOMEONE PLEASE EDUCATE ME...CAN THIS MAN COACH COLLEGE FOOTBALL OR NOT? WEST VIRGINIA 51, MISSISSIPPI STATE 10 (GO SEC!)
Bring Brady Back MgoBlue said:
posted on October 5, 2006 10:25 AM — 216.46.212.117 — link — abuse?
So Cal: At the beginning of this season,I was prepared for a loss to Michigan State,but that has changed as we find Michigan State has mentally and physically fallen apart. Michigan State has had three injuries to their offensive line since the start of the season,they have lost their starting running back for the rest of the season,and their QB Drew Stanton has bruised ribs and may not play the entire game. Michigan State has no defense and since the start of the season has lost about half of their offense. Michigan will have to play good against Iowa and then at Penn State,with two wins here the 11-0 Wolverines and the 11-0 Buckeyes would face each other in a Big Ten championship game. But there are a few places they could trip and find their faces in the mud.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 5, 2006 11:49 AM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
Diggs:
I agree with you. The Big East is bouncin' back real nicely after "the supposed Big Boyz" left the conference. I guess you're getting the last laugh now that Miami and Virginia Tech are floundering somewhat - while West Virginia, Louisville and even Rutgers are starting to get a lot more national recognition. The Big East is doing a great job - no question about it.
Tommie T
Brushpile Bill said:
posted on October 5, 2006 12:51 PM — 129.112.109.250 — link — abuse?
Gary Pinkel at Mizzou was on most of the lists before the season started. Seems to be doing fine now that they are 5-0 against really, really bad opponents, but second guessing him hasn't gone out of style. The latest barb is questioning why Daniel didn't start last year in front of the Brad Smith (career leader in every offensive catagory)and have Smith move to reciever. Gotta feel a little sorry for a guy who has a successful alum in the NFL, gets off to a good start with an effective replacement for him, and still gets bad mouthed for what he didn't do last year.
So Cal USMC said:
posted on October 5, 2006 7:32 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
Brady Back,
Thats right QB Stanton is banged up (he's a wild card as it is). But isnt that what Michigan State always seems to do? They get a Win when their 'not supposed to' and get a Loss or two the same way.
Everything points to Michigan winning, I agree with the pick, but still...
maddog said:
posted on October 6, 2006 12:53 AM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
You forgot Bobby Bowden at FSU. He no longer coaches. He is merely on the sidelines. His son Jeff is unqualified to be offensive coordinator and shows it with his inept game plans and hideously predicable amd unimagiable play calling. Both Bobby and Jeff need to go, Now.
FSUman79 said:
posted on October 6, 2006 2:50 AM — 68.212.152.28 — link — abuse?
I think Jeff Bowden is long overdue. His inability to motive, inspire, and be creative has taken FSU and all it's opportunities and flushed them down the drain. He calls conservative plays- which simply does not utilize all the talent that we have! He is a SELFISH s.o.b. who should definitely be removed by Dave Hart, if not by Daddy'o. No coach should be bigger than the Program!!! Jeff Bowden..............go to Hell!
T-Mac said:
posted on October 6, 2006 3:00 AM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
Man,was I ever wrong on Florida State this season.I thought they had a chance to run the table with their defense.Weatherford hasn't been too bad,but not spectacular either.Everybody has called for Coker's job.I understand that Bowden is getting on up there in years now.I understand that.There comes a time though that you have to step down.Bowden,Joe Pa.2 Great coaches.Some of the best ever.There is far too much talent at FSU for them to be a 2-loss team.Too much talent.It's time to hand over the reigns after this season.Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant knew when it was time to walk away.He died soon after.He left with his head held high and a winning tradition that is second to none.These coaches are great ones.There comes a time in life where they will have to walk away from coaching College FB.Bear Bryant didn't do it too long and hang around and lose.Leave with Dignity!T-Mac
easternfan said:
posted on October 6, 2006 8:03 AM — 67.72.98.83 — link — abuse?
It would be crazy for MSU to get rid of Croom at this point. The guy took over a school on probation that was full of thugs. He appears to me to be a decent man and a good coach. These things take time. We, in the east, remember his predecessor Jackie Sherril from his days at Pitt. I am sure Mark May might disagree, but during his tenure there Pitt was a dirty team. Won a NC but dirty and cheap none-the-less. Wasnt it, correct me if Im wrong, but Texas AM that old Jackie also left on probation. Sherril was one of those old school dogs who should be in jail not the CF hall of fame. I mean no disrespect to Pitt, TAM or MSU...just to Sherril.
Bring Brady Back MgoBlue said:
posted on October 6, 2006 4:00 PM — 216.46.213.156 — link — abuse?
So Cal: You are sooo right.
But most of the highly ranked teams Michigan State has beaten in the past,were at the beginning of the season,before they had lost,and then after they lose the one game they were supposed to win they fall apart and the underdog factor is gone. If Michigan State was 5-0 at this point I would say it would be a very close game,and even if they were 0-5 but had a healthy team I would respect their chances,but they have lost an emotional game to Notre Dame and lost to Illinois and I believe they are missing four starters on offense,and they have no defense.
It could be a close game simply becouse it's a rivalry,but if it were not a rival game I would have to say Michigan by 28,but it is,so I will say Michigan by 7!M GO BLUE!
(it has been sixteen years since Michigan State has beaten Michigan in Ann Arbor) just to prove state does not always give Michigan a good game-in 2002 Michigan torched state 49-3 ouch!
Yes,just four years ago. In the last 34 years the worst Michigan has lost by to Michigan State was in 1984 and the score was 19-7. Michigan has beaten state by more than 30 points five times.
nolentally said:
posted on October 6, 2006 8:14 PM — 69.246.165.156 — link — abuse?
It is amazing to me that Bobby Bowden's name is not listed on the hot seat. It is time that FSU get rid of this "cult of personality" with Bobby Bowden. This is the time to make major changes.
T-Mac said:
posted on October 6, 2006 8:27 PM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
jimmy,post #24.I think Coach Cutcliffe would make an excellent fit at Florida State.Look how he has already turned the offense around at Tenn.He also has molded Erik Ainge into what appears to be an above average QB.I don't want to say great yet.You feel me on that?Let Coach Cut take over the reigns at FSU next year and he can bring in his own staff.Just a little something to think about for all the Noles.T-Mac
Jeremy Hoffer said:
posted on October 8, 2006 10:05 AM — 72.155.169.135 — link — abuse?
I believe Joe Tiller's name should be on this list. Purdue has suffered numerous defeats over the past five years due to lackluster play calling, which has cost Purdue recruits and victories. Over the past two years Tiller has been unable to recruit calibar high school kids, consequently Tiller is recuiting from junior colleges. Tiller has lost his magic. It is time for Purdue to stop accepting mediocrity. If Loisville can consistently win and recruit why can't Purdue. Ask former Purdue star Bernard Pollard why he left college and turned pro. He said he was mistreated by the coaching staff. Having Pollard in the secondary this year would have made a big difference. Way to go Tiller!
Bring Brady Back MgoBlue said:
posted on October 8, 2006 3:56 PM — 216.46.211.238 — link — abuse?
If Michigan is 11-0 going into the Ohio State game,and Michigan loses,and are still ranked in the top ten,will they still get a rosebowl appearance?
Also,if Ohio State is 11-0 and ranked #1 and Michigan is ranked #5 and Michigan beats Ohio State,will Michigan get a rosebowl? I guess what I am saying is,should Michigan be 11-0 going into the Ohio State game,will their bowl appearance change with a win or loss?
If Ohio State goes un-defeated,they get a NC.If Michigan only loses to #1 They should finish a top ten team,so I am thinking a Michigan win over Ohio State get's them a rosebowl,and a loss to Ohio State get's them a rosebowl.
So aside from bragging rights A win or loss to Ohio State may not effect their post season,am I right?Bring Brady Back MgoBlue said:
posted on October 8, 2006 5:11 PM — 216.46.211.238 — link — abuse?
Loyd Carr is thriving.
I am now not so sure he was ever down,i'll explain. seeing the difference a new defensive coach and new offensive coach has made,I think the problem before was in the offensive and defensive coaching.
The Michigan playcalling has improved much on offense,but I think Michigan holds back against some of the weaker opponents,which is good if your a weak team playing Michigan,becouse it means Michigan is not going to blow you out. I guess what Loyd Carr lacks in coaching,he makes up,in being nice to weak teams. That is where Michigan Class comes from.
I see the same from Ohio State,they do not try to blow out teams,they try hard untill they have the game in hand,and then they simply run the clock out. The fans may not like it,and the polls might not like you,but teams will respect you for showing respect for their teams.
The SEC and Big Ten may or may not be the best conferences,but they are full of class that I do not see in the Big 12,Pac Ten,and ACC.
A 70-3 Texas win over Colorado was not needed.
A 70-14 USC win over Arkansas was not needed.
Show some respect.Joe said:
posted on October 9, 2006 6:52 PM — 69.244.71.182 — link — abuse?
Being from Florida - and NOT knowing all the end and outs of Alabama football. Can someone please explain to me why Shula is the coach at the probably the second best college football program (historically of course) in the country. Shula was suppose to be some offensive mind - alabama can't score against anybody. I mean to struggle against Duke (your not playing the basketball team). The only thing that is keeping alabama from having a losing season every year under Shula is having the BEST defense in the country. Whoever the defensive coach is they better double his salary - cause if he leaves??? How many times do y'all have to lose to Auburn under Shula before you think maybe this guy ain't the best coach in college football. How in the world did y'all go from Bear Bryant and Stallings to Shula???
Bulldog Fan in NC said:
posted on October 10, 2006 12:00 AM — 24.196.168.244 — link — abuse?
Wake up "MSU FAN IN CHATTANOOGA"--Sly took over a program in shambles. A program who wasn't winning before he got there, full of thugs AND on NCAA probation thanks to Jackie. Did you honestly expect a 'worst to first' turn-around? Sure, everyone would like to see wins, but not at the cost of the future of the program. Croom and Templeton said from the very beginning that this was going to be a marathon not a sprint.
CanesPride.com said:
posted on October 12, 2006 5:07 PM — 72.153.114.39 — link — abuse?
Larry Coker is definitely on the hot seat here in Miami. Calls for Butch Davis are nonstop on talk radio...
CanesPride.com
MSUFan said:
posted on October 21, 2006 5:43 PM — 24.127.222.113 — link — abuse?
Eastfan,
Croom's players at MSU have been in MORE trouble with the law than Jackie's players. The fact of the matter is that Jackie had thugs with talent. Croom has recruited thugs with NO talent. His record on the field and recruiting speaks for itself. MSU is in the bottom 10 in nearly every offensive category for the past three years under him and he is a self-proclaimed offensive coach. If he is not gone at the end of this year, his departure next year will take the AD Larry Templeton with him. The man is just plain in over his head. He has NO head coaching experience and is failing miserably. He is doing a dis-service to black head coaches and is hurting the cause.bubba said:
posted on October 22, 2006 11:35 AM — 64.68.162.138 — link — abuse?
shula should be on the hot seat--0 for 14 when behind in 4th quarter.the worst offense i have seen in years.every fan,opposing fan,&OPPOSING COACH can predict bamas offensedave rader could not call an original play for his salary -which is way too high.where is cutcliffe when his alma mater needs him so badly?
CrimsonTider said:
posted on October 23, 2006 11:00 AM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
Bubba, you are so right. I have been a Bama fan for my entire life, and all three of the Tide's losses this year have been coaching. Shula will keep his job this year, bama will be a 7-5 team. Radar has never been an effective offense coord., he got the job b/c he was Shula's QB coach when Shula played at Bama. Kines came out of retirement and took the Defense for Shula, b/c he was the Defense Coord. when Shula played at Bama. Shula put together the only staff he could muster under awful circumstances. If Shula wants to stay on as head coach after next year, and I say next year b/c he is in no danger this year, he needs to hire an offensive coord. in the off season and then have enough confidence in whoever he hires to allow the man to run the offense.
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Dave Frey said:
posted on October 3, 2006 9:17 PM — 66.186.246.19 — link — abuse?Hmmm. I'm not sure I'd call Shula's or Croom's seat "smokin' hot" at this point. I could be wrong, but I don't think either coach is in any danger of being fired at the end of this season, regardless of his team's record.