Football is a dog-eat-dog business and programs cannot afford to fall behind rivals. While the recruitment process can make it particularly tricky, coaches are still expected to get the most out of what they have and put their team on the map. Let’s take a look at which names may struggle to keep their jobs if they do not get off to a fast start in 2014.
Will Muschamp – Florida
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Muschamp is in a ‘must win’ situation with Florida after a miserable season that saw the Gators finish a 4-8 record that included a loss to Georgia Southern. The 2008 national champions are abysmal on offense and Kurt Roper – who achieved great success with Duke in 2013 – has been brought in to install a new offense.
Charlie Weis – Kansas
The former New England Patriots offensive coordinator and Notre Dame Head Coach has a 4-20 record in charge of the Jayhawks. After failing to develop talent with the Fighting Irish many have suggested he is more suited to the pro game. Nevertheless, with state rivals the Kansas State Wildcats performing above expectations the pressure is firmly on Weis’ shoulders.
Mike London – Virginia
Since London took Virginia to a bowl game in 2011, he has just two conference wins to his name after 2013 turned into a wash out. With Florida State, UCLA, BYU and Louisville all on the schedule it is likely the Cavaliers will have a new Head Coach for the first time in over five years.
Kevin Wilson – Indiana
Wilson enters his fourth year in Indiana without reaching a bowl game. The Hoosiers are far from a football powerhouse but it is not too much to ask is it? Former Wake Forest defensive coordinator Brian Knorr has been hired to shore up a tragic unit, but is it too little too late?
Troy Calhoun – Air Force
A former player at Air Force, Calhoun has a 49-41 record over eight seasons. There are worse statistics out there but since winning nine games in 2010 the Falcons have won seven, six and two games in the past three years. Many will beg the question if the Air Force football program has peaked under Calhoun.
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