The countdown to the 2024 college football season has begun, and with it comes the inevitable scrutiny of coaches under pressure to deliver results. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg recently unveiled his list of coaches who are feeling the heat or inching closer to it as they head into the upcoming season.
At the forefront are three coaches squarely on the “hot seat”: Sam Pittman of Arkansas, Dave Aranda of Baylor, and Billy Napier of Florida. Their teams’ performances in 2024 will be closely scrutinized, and the pressure is on.
In addition to these hot seat occupants, Rittenberg highlights five other coaches from Power 5 conferences who should be monitored closely. These coaches find themselves in situations where the expectation to perform is palpable.
Among this group is the prominent figure of Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State. Day’s coaching record stands at an impressive 56-8 overall, but recent setbacks against arch-rival Michigan have amplified the scrutiny. The Wolverines’ resurgence, coupled with the arrival of a new athletic director, Ross Bjork, has raised the stakes for Day. The Buckeyes have also made bold moves in personnel during the offseason, intensifying the pressure for success in 2024. Day faces intriguing scenarios: a victory over Michigan but an early College Football Playoff (CFP) exit, or a loss to Michigan followed by a deep CFP run. A fourth consecutive loss to Michigan, especially against a potentially weakened Michigan team and on Ohio Stadium turf, would pose a significant challenge for Day, despite his impressive track record.
Among the coaches mentioned, Chip Kelly of UCLA is the only one who secured a winning season in 2023 with an 8-5 record. The others struggled to maintain a winning record. Rittenberg emphasizes that a loss to Michigan would likely spell trouble for Day unless he manages to clinch the 12-team College Football Playoff championship.
In the realm of college football, expectations can vary greatly from one location to another, and the spotlight burns particularly bright in Columbus, Ohio. The 2024 season promises to be a pivotal one for these coaches as they navigate the pressures of their respective programs.