Top 5 Big 12 Coaching Flops of the Decade

This decade, the Big 12 has seen some surprising teams with new coaches take control of the conference. Big 12 teams have seen all-time highs, and all-time lows. Traditional powerhouses have lost prestige, and new, younger coaches have brought programs to heights they have never seen.

This slideshow tells the tale of the other end. The coaches had both daunting tasks at their respective programs, and those who had the opportunity to build on previous success. Some had fat paychecks and high expectations, some had some success at some point, and some had none. Nonetheless, all of them have jobs elsewhere.

Who tops them all?

#5: Gene Chizik

Gene Chizik's short tenure at Iowa State was disappointing to say the least. Going 5-19 in two seasons with a 2-14 conference record after two seasons was enough for him to get the boot at a program without high expectations.

This year, under 1st year head coach Paul Rhoads, the Cyclones went 7-6. Good Move Iowa State.

He somehow landed a job at Auburn over Turner Gill, but it somehow worked out for him this year.

#4: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is still the Head Coach at Colorado, despite dwindling crowds, angry boosters, and more and more losses piling up.

Hawkins took over a Colorado team that had played in a bowl game 3 out of the past 4 years and finished 1st in the North 4 out of the 5 years before him, and has made it to one bowl game, which ended in a loss.

Hawkins owns a 16-33 overall record at Colorado.

#3: Ron Prince

While Prince's record isn't terrible (17-20), his tenure at Kansas State was a disappointment.

Prince signed 19 JUCO transfers in Feb. 2008. Yes, 19. A sign of desperation? You decide.

Prince refused to disclose the reason of his quick departure at Kansas State, but there are many questions surrounding a "secret deal" with former AD Bob Krause, giving him an extra $3.2 million via a scam company, if he were to be fired.

#2: Kevin Steele

Although his Head Coaching career at Baylor started in 1999, I can't help but include him. Steele owns a 9-36 record and a 1-31 Big 12 record with Baylor.

Steele's time at Baylor didn't have a single bright spot, even from his first year, heading the worst Baylor team in school history, going 1-10. With blowout losses the norm, and questionable play calling, it was obvious from the get-go Steele wasn't ready for the big time.

#1: Bill Callahan

While Bill Callahan is the only coach on this list with a winning record, he tops my list for biggest flop. Sports Illustrated agrees with me, calling him the "worst hire of the decade".

Callahan was Nebraska's 5th choice after the firing of Frank Solich, beating out interim coach Bo Pelini, following a 9-4 season

Callahan didn't waste time setting records in Lincoln. 1st losing record in 40 years, most points allowed (70), most points allowed again (76).

During a 5-7 season in 2007, boosters were keeping their money and fans calling for Callahan's head thanks to his total alienation to the rest of Husker nation. The AD, Steve Pederson, who gave Callahan a fat extension the year before was fired. Insert Nebraska coaching legend Tom Osborne, exit Callahan at the end of the season.

Callahan insisted, even after his firing, that he had done an "excellent job in every aspect."

Callahan left Nebraska one of the most hated college coaches of the decade and one of the worst defenses in school history.

(Comments welcome!)