As we reach the halfway point of the college football season, the coaching landscape seems to be a bit calmer than usual. This can be attributed to the higher-than-expected turnover in the past two seasons and the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff, which is extending the timeline for some coaching searches. However, things could soon pick up in the Group of 5 level. Let’s take a closer look at the midseason assessment of FBS coaching situations based on conversations with industry sources.
AAC
Mike Houston, East Carolina: 3-3 record this season
Mike Houston, with a successful stint at James Madison, has had a mixed bag of results at East Carolina. The recent loss to Charlotte and the injury to cornerback Shavon Revel have put pressure on him. With challenging games ahead, Houston needs to secure more wins to solidify his position.
Mike Bloomgren, Rice: 2-4
Bloomgren faces a tough job at Rice, with limited chances of becoming bowl eligible this season. Despite a recent win against UTSA, the road ahead looks challenging for the Owls.
Stan Drayton, Temple: 1-5
Drayton has struggled to gain momentum at Temple, with only two wins in AAC play so far. A win against Tulsa could provide a much-needed boost for the team.
Trent Dilfer, UAB: 1-5
Dilfer’s tenure at UAB has been rough, with the team struggling to secure wins. The upcoming games against Tulsa, UConn, and Rice will be crucial to show progress and silence critics.
ACC
Mack Brown, North Carolina: 3-4
Despite previous success, Mack Brown is facing challenges at North Carolina this season. With four consecutive losses, the pressure is mounting on Brown to turn things around and secure wins in the remaining games.
Big 12
Dave Aranda, Baylor: 2-4
Aranda has faced ups and downs at Baylor, with the team struggling to find consistency. The upcoming games present an opportunity for Aranda to showcase improvements and secure wins.
Big Ten
Mike Locksley, Maryland: 3-3
Locksley’s fast start has slowed down, with the team facing challenges in recent games. However, Locksley’s past success may afford him some leeway this season.
Ryan Walters, Purdue: 1-5
Walters faces a tough challenge at Purdue, with the team struggling to secure wins. The upcoming games will be crucial for Walters to show progress and potentially secure his position.
Conference USA
Sonny Cumbie, Louisiana Tech: 2-4
Cumbie’s tenure at Louisiana Tech has been mixed, with the team struggling to secure wins against FBS teams. The upcoming games will be critical for Cumbie to show improvement and potentially secure his position.
MAC
Mike Neu, Ball State: 2-4
Neu, despite previous success, is facing challenges at Ball State this season. The team’s shaky start raises questions about Neu’s future at the school.
Joe Moorhead, Akron: 1-6
Moorhead has struggled to gain momentum at Akron, with the team facing challenges in securing wins. The upcoming games will be crucial for Moorhead to showcase improvements.
Mountain West
Tim Skipper, Fresno State: 3-3
Skipper’s tenure at Fresno State has been mixed, with the team showing promise in early games. The upcoming games will be crucial for Skipper to secure wins and potentially solidify his position.
Nate Dreiling, Utah State: 1-5
Dreiling is still searching for his first FBS win at Utah State, with the team facing challenges in recent games. The future looks uncertain for Dreiling at this point.
SEC
Sam Pittman, Arkansas: 4-2
Pittman’s success at Arkansas has been notable, with the team securing key wins this season. The upcoming games will be crucial for Pittman to continue his success and potentially secure his position.
Billy Napier, Florida: 3-3
Napier faces challenges at Florida, with the team showing mixed results this season. The upcoming games will be critical for Napier to showcase improvements and potentially solidify his position.
Sun Belt
Shawn Clark, Appalachian State: 2-4
Clark’s tenure at Appalachian State has been challenging, with the team facing losses in recent games. The upcoming games will be crucial for Clark to secure wins and potentially solidify his position.
Butch Jones, Arkansas State: 3-3
Jones has shown progress at Arkansas State, with the team aiming for bowl eligibility this season. The upcoming games will be crucial for Jones to continue his success.
Will Hall, Southern Miss: 1-5
Hall has faced challenges at Southern Miss, with the team struggling to secure wins. The future looks uncertain for Hall at this point.
In conclusion, the midseason assessment of FBS coaching situations highlights the challenges and opportunities facing coaches in various conferences. The upcoming games will be crucial for coaches to showcase improvements, secure wins, and potentially solidify their positions in their respective programs.
