Coaches on hot seat

[mustangfan01]

North Texas (home), UTEP (home), UCF (home), Tulane (home), Rice (home)


That's 5 home games that SMU should be favored in. That doesn't mean we don't blow one of them, but last year we went 5-1 in Ford all year and our only loss came to Houston who somehow avoided a safety in the endzone and subsequently completed one of their two 3rd and 31 conversions.

With last year's track record at home, and 5 of the 7 "should win" games on our schedule being at home...Memphis and Arkansas State on the road...there is no way that we can't win at least 6 and go to one of the 4,323 bowls that C-USA has this year.


I really just can't foresee Bennett going anything less than 6-6...it doesn't seem probable without some sort of injury plague.

[expony18]

I personally think PB is one of the best things to happen to the program in a long time. But I know I'm in the minority on that one.

this might be the first time we've agreed on something....

[emmitt01]

I hope Phil gets it done this year...I really do. However, if he doesn't, here's a few people that we may want to look into.

Dan Mullen, Offensive Coordinator - Florida
Pro: The guy has been instrumental in Urban Meyer's success. He calls the plays at UF and has coached QBs under Meyer from 2001-2002 at Bowling Green, 2003-2004 at Utah, and at the present time.
Con: He doesn't have Texas ties. Also, if the Gators have tremendous success once again, he will probably be one of the hottest commodities in the coaching market.

Bo Pelini, Defensive Coordinator - LSU
Pro: A lot of Nebraska fans felt he should have been hired as their head coach following the dismissal of Frank Solich. He's had great success since then as the DC at Oklahoma followed by LSU. He recruits Texas and is a big-name, to a degree.
Con: Pelini is already one of the highest profile coordinators in the game, and he will probably have several offers on the table.

Jim [deleted], Defensive Coordinator - Ohio State
Pro: He's responsible for one of the nation's premier defenses.
Con: His defense looked silly against Florida. No Texas ties.

Brent Venables, Defensive Coordinator - Oklahoma
Pro: OU's defense has been very good during Venables' 9-year stint as the Sooners' defensive coordinator. He recruits Texas well.
Con: Would we be his most enticing offer? One would think not

Jimbo Fisher, Offensive Coordinator - Florida State
Pro: There's a reason why FSU hired Fisher away from LSU: the guy is a quality coordinator.
Con: If FSU turns it around, Fisher will have HC offers from BCS schools. Count us out if that happens.

Dirk Koetter, Offensive Coordinator - Jacksonville Jaguars
Pro: The guy consistently had Arizona State in a bowl and was one of the first successful coaches at Boise State (1998-2000, with records of 6-5, 10-3, and 10-2, respectively). If he decides to jump back down to college after his taste of the NFL, he could be a good choice.
Con: He never got ASU over the hump, and that's why they let him go.

Calvin Magee, Offensive Coordinator - West Virginia
Pro: He has studied under Rich Rodriguez and would probably instill a similar offense if he were to come to SMU. With a mobile QB in Willis and several good RBs, SMU could have success with the spread option.
Con: He doesn't call the plays at WV. No Texas ties.

A couple of these were hot names when North Texas did a coaching search this last year, especially Jimbo Fisher. In fact there was even a rumor that circulated that he had the job for a while there. Of course, if we wanted him that kinda strikes him from your list huh?

[ALEX LIFESON]

For someone that claims to dislikes SMU, you sure spend a massive amount of time over here. Not angry, just an observation.

[LA_Mustang]

wow! Todd Graham is getting 1.1 million from Tulsa?? No wonder he left Rice.

[DickerJames]

I do not believe for one minute that Mike Price is on the hot seat at UTEP. He is the first coach in many years at that school to actually have a winning record there, and has gotten them great recognition with his name.

[LonghornFan68]

I do not believe for one minute that Mike Price is on the hot seat at UTEP. He is the first coach in many years at that school to actually have a winning record there, and has gotten them great recognition with his name.

True that. Assuming he can stay away from strippers and booze.

[abezontar]

It wouldn't have been a problem if there had been fewer Christians in Alabama and more Pastafarians. Who can get upset at a coach experiencing the stripper and beer heaven that awaits in the afterlife a little early?

[LonghornFan68]

It wouldn't have been a problem if there had been fewer Christians in Alabama and more Pastafarians. Who can get upset at a coach experiencing the stripper and beer heaven that awaits in the afterlife a little early?

Preach on, brutha.

[RHS]

I guess we all get caught up in our own situation. I was surprised (or forgotten) how many other name coaches are on the "hot seat". Who on this board wasn't envious of UTEP hiring Price for instance. Who would still like to consider him if this season goes down in flames?

Price isn't going anywhere. He can coach in El Paso as long as he wants to. Don't put too much faith in the list.

I don't see Rocky Long on the hot seat either.

Houston Nutt led Arkansas to the SEC title game last year and if Darren McFadden can repeat next season, they may be back in the SEC title game again next year. Nutt led Arkansas to the SEC title game twice and lost it the first time on a fluke play. That is some sports writer making too much of the Mitch Mustain fiasco. Nutt is safe for another year or two.

Mike Leach is safe at Tech through the 2008 season. He isn't anywhere near the hot seat right now but could be if he doesn't produce with an experienced team with improved talent in 2008. We could have a losing season and he would still be back for one last shot in 2008.