College Football Coaches on the Hot Seat

I know it's only the halfway point of the college football season, but it's never too early to discuss what coaches could be looking for work at the end of the year.

These dudes need to get their résumés ready:

Mack Brown, Texas ... Just because Mack beat Oklahoma doesn't mean he's out of the woods yet. He still has the heart of his Big XII schedule to go, which includes Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech, all ranked in the Top 25. If Mack wins all or most of these games, his job still might not be safe. Changes are coming to Texas. However, if he loses all three, Longhorn fans will try once again to make a call or two to Tuscaloosa, and Mack can start cashing his 401(k).

Mark Richt, Georgia ... Some people may say this is unfair, but hey, when isn't Richt on the hot seat? This was supposed to be the Bulldogs' year, and yes, they have had a boatload of injuries. But so has everyone else. And the dents and dings have been on offense, not on defense, where the problem continues to be. So when does the Georgia administration finally admit that the problem is Richt's defensive philosophy and not his players.

Bob Stoops, Oklahoma ... Bob Stoops? Yes, Bob Stoops. He used to be known as 'Big Game Bob,' but lately, he's been known as 'Big Choke Bob.' Oklahoma just doesn't seem to know how to win the tough games anymore, and much of that should fall on Stoops. He's been so busy of late bashing the SEC that he hasn't been paying attention to his own team. The Sooners have become Laters, as they haven't been to a BCS game in years. On top of that, they've been losing big, especially to their rivals, and every season now, they get knocked out of national championship contention early. This is not your daddy's OU team, so it's time to wonder how long Stoops' losing will be tolerated.  

Dan Mullen, Mississippi State ... Bulldog fans are starting to get antsy. They expected more from the former Florida assistant and what they've gotten is a 33-25 overall record, which includes a 14-21 record in the SEC. Mullen and the Bulldogs haven't posted a single win against the top half of the SEC, and they are starting to lose ground against rival Ole Miss, to whom they lost last season after starting the season 7-0. Mullen is a good coach, coaching in a great league, and it's making him look like he's in over his head. Any openings in the MAC this winter?

Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia ... How would you like to be on this dude's roller coaster? A couple of years ago, he was the toast of Morgantown, winning the Big East and getting a huge blowout win in the Orange Bowl over Clemson. Two years later, he's in a more competitive conference,his best player is in the NFL, and he has an overall record of 5-8 in the Big XII. As down as that conference seems to be, you'd think the Mountaineers would be better, but they're struggling big time, and it won't be long before fans will be looking to burn Holgorsen's couch instead of their own. 

Dabo Swinney, Clemson ... I know it's a stretch, but for every big victory (see Georgia) Swinney has, there is always a blowout (see Florida State). He also hasn't beaten Steve Spurrier yet, either, which I know doesn't sit well with Tiger fans. Swinney might not be on his way out the door, but his seat is getting warm.

There are surely others who are thinking of putting their houses on the market, as the college scene has become as much of a win-now operation as the pros. Back in the day, it was rare to see a college coach dismissed during a season. Now, it's an afterthought.

And don't be surprised if there's an afterthought or two joining Lane Kiffen this year.