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10 college football coaches who need turnarounds to avoid 2017 hot seat

By Zach Bigalke

Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly argues a call in the fourth quarter against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC won 45-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly argues a call in the fourth quarter against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC won 45-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Kliff Kingsbury checks the clock against the Baylor Bears at AT&T Stadium. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Kliff Kingsbury checks the clock against the Baylor Bears at AT&T Stadium. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

It would seem as though Kliff Kingsbury is safe in his position at his alma mater. After all, Texas Tech gained national attention less because it was a powerhouse than because of its philosophy of airing out the ball at every opportunity. Kingsbury, who blossomed into one of college football’s best quarterbacks under Mike Leach, has continued that tradition. And athletic director Kirby Hocutt has no questions that he has the right head coach to lead Texas Tech forward.

Of course, we have seen plenty of athletic directors issue votes of confidence that have been worth little more than the air to broadcast them. The Red Raiders fan base has not been as universally supportive of the head coach as Hocutt, and another losing season would force the AD to consider his options with Kingsbury. Consistent postseason appearances is a realistic expectation at a school like Texas Tech.

The key for the Red Raiders in 2017 will be getting some semblance of defense. Texas Tech finished dead last among 128 FBS teams in scoring defense last year, giving up an average of 43.5 points per game. Three times teams hung 66 or more on the Red Raiders. Kingsbury needs to sort out his defense and return to the postseason to prevent from plopping down in the hot seat.

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