Honorable Mention: Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
OK, so Jim Harbaugh’s been good against teams he should beat, but not very good against teams that are even or better.
They didn’t look motivated against Florida in their bowl game. Not only that, he hasn’t beaten Ohio State yet — this is year five for Harbaugh and he’s 0-4 against the Buckeyes. Ask John Cooper why he got fired from Ohio State; he’ll bring up his record against Michigan. According to umich.edu, Cooper went 2-10-1 against Michigan.
It doesn’t help that he’s 1-3 in bowl games as well.
Harbaugh’s won 10 games every year, save one, since coming to Ann Arbor, however, Michigan vs. Ohio State is one of the few rivalries left that can either save your job or get you fired.
Another thing you can never discount with Harbaugh is the NFL itch — he might put himself on the hot seat. There’s a real possibility that he feels like there is some unfinished business at the pro level. Barring an absolute disaster of a season, he’s safe this year, but if Harbaugh loses this to Ohio State year, his seat might get warm.