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Coaches on the hot seat

Sporting News, The, Oct 28, 2005 by Michael Bradley

ACC Chan Galley, Georgia Tech. The October 6 game between Georgia Tech and N.C. State might have been a coaching elimination showdown. Both Galley and the Wolfpack's Chuck Amato had been the topics of dissatisfied whispers, and the Jackets' 17-14 loss didn't help Galley's status. There's still time for a rebound, but Galley hasn't exactly thrilled the Ramblin' Wreck faithful with three straight seven-win seasons--especially because former coach George O'Leary won at least eight games in each of his final four years in Atlanta. With four of their remaining five games against Miami, Clemson, Virginia and Georgia, it might be tough for the 4-2 Jackets to reach even seven victories this season. If Georgia Tech decides to make a change, it likely will look for an offense-minded coach such as Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who played tight end and quarterback for the Yellow Jackets from 1980-84.

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BIG 12 Mark Mangino, Kansas. It has been fun having Mangino around, if only to make lighthearted references to his size. But a coach known for building offensive powerhouses at Kansas State and Oklahoma had better do more than just pile it on against undermanned foes--the Jayhawks had only three points against each of his former schools. Mangino needs to get it done in conference play, and that hasn't happened. He entered this year with five Big 12 wins in three seasons-and it doesn't look as though he'll pad that figure much with trips to Colorado and Texas and a visit from Nebraska still on the docket.

BIG EAST Greg Schiano, Rutgers. When Rutgers held on to topple Pittsburgh, 37-29, Schiano seemed secure. But, as we have learned, nothing is certain in New Brunswick, N.J. Schiano entered 2005 with a 12-34 record over four years, not exactly what the school had in mind when he was lured from Miami's staff. But patience remained the word. Still, there will be no excuses after this season because the Big East is down, the Knights' nonconference schedule included Illinois, I-AA Villanova and Buffalo and Schiano took control of the defense. Rutgers' next four games are against Connecticut, Navy, South Florida and Louisville. Split those and a bowl berth and job security virtually are assured for Schiano. Stumble and Rutgers could be in the market for a coach.

BIG 10 Lloyd Caw, Michigan. Some thought he was going to step down after last season, but Carr stuck around. With talk swirling that Michigan might turn down a bowl bid if it's not a New Year's Day gig, Carr's position can't be stable, particularly if he falls to 1-4 against Jim Tressel.

C-USA Phil Bennett, SMU. SMU's win over TCU in September was great, but the Mustangs have struggled since. And Bennett (8-34 in four years) could be in big trouble, particularly with tough league games remaining against Tulsa, Houston and UTEP.

MAC Jim Hofher, Buffalo. The deal is just about done at Buffalo, where Hofher's Bulls are staggering at 0-6 after going 7-39 the past four years. With games against Toledo and Miami (Ohio) remaining, the chances for more than a one-game turnaround are nonexistent.

MOUNTAIN WEST Tom Craft, San Diego State. Pile a 3-4 start on top of a 14-22 record entering 2005 and you have a coach on the hot seat. His situation is complicated by the good job Jim Harbaugh, his expected successor, is doing at the University of San Diego.

PAC-10 Bill Doba, Washington State. He may not be in big trouble, but his veteran club was supposed to take a step forward after last season's 5-6 performance. Early Pac-10 losses to Oregon State and Stanford have given Wazzu a big hill to climb against a rugged remaining schedule.

SEC Rich Brooks, Kentucky. He was a curious hire to begin with. If Brooks makes it through the rest of the season, it'll be big news. The list of candidates to replace him begins with Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and includes UTEP's Mike Price and Wyoming's Joe Glenn.

SUN BELT Andy McCollum, Middle Tennessee. That win over Vanderbilt helped him buy time. But if the Blue Raiders don't make a strong showing in what has become a wide-open Sun Belt race, McCollum will suffer his fourth consecutive losing season.

WAC Jack Bicknell, Louisiana Tech. There is a shortlist of potential candidates for Bicknell's job, even though the Bulldogs aren't in serious trouble yet. Because Bicknell has produced just two winning seasons during his six years in Ruston, he needs to finish above .500 this year.

Coaches on the hot seat

Sporting News, The, Oct 28, 2005 by Michael Bradley

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