Tag: Coaching Hot Seat

ESPN’s Mina Kimes: Commanders’ Dan Quinn on the hot seat

This is just silly.

Thursday once again reminded us that those who cover the NFL nationally might see the Commanders much differently than those residing in the DMV.

“The Mina Kimes Show,” featuring Larry (ESPN product) with guest Kevin Clark, found Kimes and Clark discussing whom they felt were the top ten current NFL coaches.

After each produced their top ten and the reasons why, the two transitioned to discussing which five NFL head coaches are “on the hot seat.” These five coaches could very well lose their jobs if they don’t have a successful 2024 season.

Both Kimes and Clark agreed that the top two NFL coaches on the hot seat are Robert Saleh (Jets) and Mike McCarthy (Cowboys). Clark felt Nick Sirianni (Eagles) is his third on the hot seat, declaring the Eagles is a really good job, and therefore, there will be candidates interested, and the ownership will also be interested in those candidates.

Kimes then declared that all four NFC East coaches could be on the hot seat. Interestingly, Clark had already said “three;” however, when Kimes stressed all four, Clark backed down, saying, “I completely agree.”

Well, you didn’t completely agree a minute ago, and she has not even defended her claim, and you now already “completely” agree? It was strange.

“Dan Quinn did not make my top five (list), but he could,” said Kimes. “If there is one coaching hire who might be one and done, it would be him. I cannot believe he was their first choice.”

Clark quickly responded, “What gave that away?”

“I am very nervous about the situation Jayden Daniels is walking into behind that offensive line,” continued Kimes. And if it looks bad, to me, new ownership, I could see him (Quinn) getting the axe.”

Clark added, “The thing about Dan Quinn, he is going to be a victim of his own success, if Jayden Daniels looks good. People are going to want that job in a way they didn’t want it three months ago.”

“There will be people calling Adam Peters, ‘Just saying, I might be available this year,'” added Clark.

Remarkably, Kimes pointed to new ownership (Josh Harris Group) and then explicitly declared she could see the new ownership firing Quinn.

Wait, why?

What about Josh Harris has pointed to him being impatient? What about Josh Harris has she observed that could result in Harris wanting to rid himself of Quinn after only one season?

Remember, Harris is the guy hiring and permitting Adam Peters to hire a new front office.

Consequently, why would you begin to agree with Kimes here? All the evidence points to Harris permitting Peters to execute a long-term plan. Remember several of the free agent signings were only one-year deals?

Both Kimes and Clark are incorrect in their assessment of the Commanders’ direction. Josh Harris is not quick to pull the trigger. Harris has not shown himself to be near-sighted or quick-tempered.

Dan Quinn is not on the hot seat.

ESPN lists Texas coach Steve Sarkisian on “hot seat watch” for 2023

Steve Sarkisian faces a crucial year three as Texas’ head coach.

Steve Sarkisian faces a crucial year three as Texas’ head coach this upcoming season. Continue reading “ESPN lists Texas coach Steve Sarkisian on “hot seat watch” for 2023″

10 Power Five football head coaches who need a strong first month of the season

These coaches could find themselves on the hot seat if their teams have a rough start.

We’re still more than a month away from toe meeting leather when Week 0 college football action kicks off, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to take a look at coaches who could be in a bit of trouble entering the 2022 season.

A number of coaches in the Power Five survived last fall by the skin of their teeth and enter this season under quite a bit of pressure to turn things around quickly. Others are early in their tenure but have still yet to deliver much in the way of proof of concept and face what could prove to be pivotal campaigns.

We saw an absurd amount of movement within the Power Five during this past coaching carousel, and given the changing state of college football and the amount of money in coaching, that’s a trend that we likely haven’t seen the last of.

Early impressions during the first month of the season can be crucial in determining a coach’s ultimate fate. With that in mind, here are 10 guys who need those impressions to be positive. Not all of these coaches are necessarily on the hot seat, but they all need strong starts to keep perception on their side — or, in some cases, get it back on their side.

One analyst believes the Bryan Harsin discussion boils down to recruiting

So now we are blaming the recruiting, goal posts keep moving.

While the Bryan Harsin watch continues into Monday, everyone is weighing in on what is going down on the plains. Some believe the administration wants to move on from the head coach at any cost. But why are we at this point?

There are wild accusations on just about every college football message board. They have grown legs to the point outgoing school president Jay Gogue addressed the situation at a Board of Trustees meeting. The administration was addressing “future litigation matters” behind closed doors on Friday. Everyone can read between the lines, this had everything to do with the head coach.

According to the latest from Andy Staples of The Athletic, he believes this boils down to recruiting. He addressed it in his latest article on the Harsin situation (subscription required). Before you roll your eyes on that comment, let’s take a look at the premise here.

The answers may or may not help separate the fact from the fiction. But there is one fact that no one will or can dispute, and it probably explains better than any other why Harsin’s job is at stake so early in his tenure. If we want to make it as simple as possible, we can boil it down to one number.

No. 141.

That is the highest ranking on the 247Sports composite of any of Auburn’s signees in the class of 2022.

Shouldn’t Harsin have more time to establish his recruiting ties before he gets judged too harshly?

History says we can render a verdict on Harsin as a recruiter right now.

What exactly are we doing here?

More often than not when media, fans, or pundits call for a change at head coach due to lack of recruiting, it usually bleeds onto the field. However, in this instance, the administration could want change at the head coach because of one class. It is a tale as old as time: The brass is having buyer’s remorse.

The issue here, for me anyway, is holding Harsin accountable after one class. That one class finished in the top 20 of the 247Sports composite team rankings. Why should they hold Harsin to a higher standard than previous coaches? Staples mentions a top-five class being the measuring stick, that’s the bar.

Since 2000 the Auburn Tigers have secured a top-five class once: 2011. They have been close, but the Tigers haven’t shown the ability to consistently recruit at that top-five level other schools have.

Seems as though this is just another scapegoat to get rid of a coach the board never wanted in the first place.