College football coaches on the hot seat in 2021

As the summer winds down, temperatures remain high for college football coaches on the hot seat in 2021. For many historic programs, one more disappointing season is all it would take to make a change. 

Prior to the start of the season, Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports analyzes which coaches may be in the midst of their final hurrah. Thamel points out which college football coaches are on the hot seat in 2021.

College football coaches on the hot seat in 2021, according to Pete Thamel:

Big Ten

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan. While Harbaugh may have received an extension this offseason, Thamel mentions that it wasn’t exactly a vote of confidence. To illustrate, he states Harbaugh went from one of the five highest paid coaches in the country at more than $8 million, to one of the four lowest paid coaches in the Big Ten at $4 million. 

This season, the results must improve for the Wolverines, or else Harbaugh’s mission to return his alma mater to glory will be over. He overhauled his coaching staff, time will tell if it yields the results he seeks.

Scott Frost, Nebraska. As Frost enters a pivotal season for the Cornhuskers, Thamel mentions the NCAA’s investigation into Nebraska for holding illegal workouts and illicit use of analysts as a rough sign. Continuing, his 9-17 record in the Big Ten doesn’t help.

“If Nebraska loses its Week 0 opener at Illinois, it’s hard to see Frost surviving until Christmas,” writes Thamel.

While an opening week victory won’t completely cool his seat, a loss will for sure turn the heat up.

Pac-12

Clay Helton, USC. To begin, Thamel mentions that while Helton may be the Trojans’ most successful coach since Pete Carroll, it’s widely believed he can’t deliver a championship.

“Helton has gone 18-13 the past three years,” writes Thamel. “And it’s abundantly clear to nearly everyone in the sport that he’s not a national championship caliber coach.”

In 2021, Helton needs to show the school he has the team headed in the right direction.

Chip Kelly, UCLA. While Kelly’s first act with the Oregon Ducks was tremendous, his second foray with the UCLA Bruins has been less fruitful so far. However, Thamel expects them to reach a bowl game this season.

“UCLA seems poised to win this season, but Kelly’s future could get dicey with no bowl game,” writes Thamel.

If Kelly wants a chance to live up to his reputation, he’ll have to begin doing so this season.

Herm Edwards, Arizona State. When it comes to Edwards, Thamel believes there’s a better chance he returns to television than coaching after this season. Moreover, he mentions the ongoing NCAA investigation into the football program allegedly arranging and hosting visits during the pandemic as the reason why.

Instead of enduring an investigation, Thamel believes Edwards may just simply walk away from it all.

ACC

Justin Fuente, Virginia Tech. “We must and will do better,” stated Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock following last season. As Thamel mentions, there’s few more obvious signs that you’re on the hot seat than being called out by your boss

While Fuente seemed like a home run hire, it hasn’t worked out that way for the Hokies. After this season, Thamel believes a split may be on the horizon. 

Big 12

Matt Wells, Texas Tech. Since the firing of Kliff Kingbury, the Red Raiders haven’t had a winning season. Continuing, Thamel mentions that Texas Tech is notoriously impatient, and that Wells may be running out of time.

“Patience has never been a Texas Tech administrative trait, and it appears to be running out here,” writes Thamel. “A loss to open the season against Houston at NRG Stadium could re-shake the hornets’ nest in Lubbock.”

In 2021, Wells has to prove he has what it takes to win in Lubbock.

SEC

As for the SEC, Thamel doesn’t believe anybody’s seat is inherently too hot. However, he says the temperature of Ed Orgeron’s seat at LSU is worth monitoring.

“Winning trumps everything at LSU, where the school’s actions have dictated that ethics are gauged by the win column,” writes Thamel. “Orgeron better keep winning.”

Much like Orgeron, winning is the antidote for many coaches on the list. Alas, they have their work cut out for them to cool down the temperature on their seats in 2021.