Top 10 college football programs who put the most pressure on head coaches

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban yells from the sidelines against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

9. Alabama Crimson Tide

For many, “Alabama head coach” is still synonymous with Paul “Bear” Bryant. During Bryant’s 25 season reign, he turned the Alabama program around to the tune of 6 national championships and 24 consecutive bowl appearances, all while wearing his signature houndstooth hat (which is why you can still see Alabama fans decked out in houndstooth to this day). After a man like that has been in the head coaching position, it’s only natural for expectations of the next head coach to be extremely high.

Comparatively, Alabama has had good luck when it comes to hiring quality head coaches. Many – like Bill Curry and Gene Stallings – left by choice after a few successful years, despite Alabama wanting them to remain. Some of the more awkward coaching tenures can be found in Mike DuBose, who lead the Crimson Tide to a 4-7 record in his first year and their first ever loss to Kentucky in a blowout. He only lasted three seasons.

Then there was Dennis Franchione, who did a great job resurrecting Alabama post-DuBose, but then told his players and staff that he would not be returning after only two seasons through a video conference. Talk about a cold-hearted break up. After him, Mike Shula came to town but was also fired after only three seasons.

It’s safe to say that Alabama has found their new gem in Nick Saban, and he doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. He’s built up a solid amount of winning seasons to call for a little slack from the program even if Alabama posts a few mediocre seasons in the future. Enjoy him while it lasts, Alabama fans, because the ride on the coaching carousel can be a long and unforgiving one.

Next: Notre Dame