As the college football landscape continues to ebb and flow with seismic shifts due to the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations and the ever-present transfer portal, the patience for coaching success has exponentially diminished. Coaches are finding themselves under immense pressure to deliver immediate results, a reality further intensified by roster turnovers that can significantly alter a team’s fortunes almost instantly. With this backdrop, Fifth Quarter takes a deep dive into coaches who will be under the microscope in the 2024 season, based on initial projections and analysis.
Billy Napier at Florida finds himself in a precarious position. Despite entering Year 3 of his tenure, his track record is less than stellar, with his team notching a record below .500 and missing out on bowl season participation for the first time in a decade. The Gators face a challenging schedule in 2024, but Florida’s athletic director has expressed unwavering support for Napier, emphasizing the importance of perspective in assessing his job security.
Over at Arkansas, Sam Pittman is confronting similar scrutiny. After a promising start, Pittman’s Razorbacks have struggled, matching Napier’s win-loss record over the past two seasons. In an attempt to revitalize his team, Pittman has brought in an experienced offensive coordinator, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing on-field issues. Despite rumblings about his job security, the Arkansas athletic director publicly backed Pittman, signalling a commitment to stability for now.
Meanwhile, Dave Aranda at Baylor is grappling with the consequences of a downward trend since the high of winning the Big 12. Following a particularly disappointing 3-9 season, Aranda has opted for change, bringing in a new offensive coordinator in hopes of sparking a turnaround. This move shows a recognition of the urgent need for improvement and a willingness to make significant adjustments.
The situation at UCLA with Chip Kelly is slightly different. Despite enduring a challenging season, Kelly’s job appears safe for the moment, bolstered by a key victory over a rival and speculation regarding NFL interest. However, transitioning to the Big Ten poses a new set of challenges that Kelly must navigate to secure his position further.
Clark Lea at Vanderbilt faces an uphill battle to demonstrate progress in a program that has struggled to compete in the SEC. With only two conference wins under his belt, the urgency for Lea to showcase improvement is paramount, especially after losing talent to the transfer portal and undergoing coaching staff overhaul.
At Pittsburgh, Pat Narduzzi is another coach whose future is being watched closely. Following an ACC championship and a subsequent nine-win season, expectations were high, but recent performances have not met these standards. As Narduzzi prepares for his 10th season, his track record of league performance will be scrutinized.
Ohio State’s Ryan Day, despite a record of success, is facing increasing pressure mainly due to consecutive losses to Michigan. The upcoming season is seen as critical, with a strong roster suggesting that championship aspirations are within reach, failure to achieve this could invite further scrutiny.
Kalani Sitake at BYU is confronting the reality of competing in the Big 12, a significant step up in competition. After a losing season, there’s an acknowledgment that recruiting efforts must be ramped up to ensure competitiveness in the more challenging conference landscape.
Additionally, seasoned coaches like UNC’s Mack Brown, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham, and Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz are on retirement watch, hinting at potential transitions in leadership that could reshape their respective programs.
The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be one of high stakes and dramatic storylines, with coaches across the country facing the daunting task of meeting elevated expectations and navigating the complexities of the modern collegiate athletic environment.
