At the end of every football season, there are coaches who are fired. Some are fired for teams that have just gone stale, some are fired for teams that underachieve, and some are fired because the off-field issues have become the focus and football the afterthought.
As we enter the 2008 season there are coaches that fit squarely in all three of those molds.
Here is a look at 10 coaches who will enter the 2008 season looking over their shoulders. These coaches must have a great season in order to feel a little bit of security.
Greg Robinson, Syracuse
Record at Syracuse: 7-28 (.200) Last season: 2-10
Record at Syracuse: 7-28 (.200) Last season: 2-10
The fact that Greg Robinson wasn’t canned a year ago is amazing. Keeping his job after this season may take a miracle. The Orange once were an eastern power, but the program has become the bottom feeder of the Big East and has been lapped by the rest of the league.
Robinson was brought in to energize the program, but it has only gotten worse under his leadership. Unless the Orange make it to a bowl game this season, Robinson will most likely be shown the door. He may be shown the door even if they do.
Chance of being fired: 99 percent
Syracuse just doesn’t have “it” anymore. That something special that makes you want to believe in them. Sure there is some talent on the team, but I don’t think they know how to win anymore. It’s time to move on. A new coach needs to come in and energize a team that has lost all hope.
Syracuse just doesn’t have “it” anymore. That something special that makes you want to believe in them. Sure there is some talent on the team, but I don’t think they know how to win anymore. It’s time to move on. A new coach needs to come in and energize a team that has lost all hope.
Ty Willingham, Washington
Record at Washington: 11-25 (.305) Last season: 4-9
Record at Washington: 11-25 (.305) Last season: 4-9
After four consecutive losing seasons, it’s do-or-die time for Ty Willingham. If the Huskies are going to turn things around, their roster full of underclassmen will have to grow up in a big hurry. That may be easier said than done in the Pac-10.
One positive for the Huskies is their outstanding sophomore quarterback, Jake Locker. But the Huskies will need freshmen to bolster both lines and at wide receiver where five seniors were lost from last season’s team.
Ty Willingham, who no longer has Athletic Director Todd Turner in his corner, will have to lean on a slew of untested players to help fortify his job security.
Chance of being fired: 75 percent
The Pac-10 is just too tough. The Huskies are sick and tired of losing. Attendance is down and the fan base has stopped believing. Ty Willingham just doesn't have the moxie needed to bring this once-proud program back to its feet.
The Pac-10 is just too tough. The Huskies are sick and tired of losing. Attendance is down and the fan base has stopped believing. Ty Willingham just doesn't have the moxie needed to bring this once-proud program back to its feet.
Mark Snyder, Marshall
Record at Marshall: 12-23 (.343) Last season: 3-9
Record at Marshall: 12-23 (.343) Last season: 3-9
After winning just 12 games in three seasons, Mark Snyder needs to win now. With eight returning starters on both sides of the ball and seven junior college transfers, they may have the experience to reach a bowl game.
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