Top Five: College Coaches on the Hot Seat

November 26, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley (7) gets a play from head coach Lane Kiffen during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Welcome to the first edition of Top Five! Today, we’re taking a look at the top five college football head coaches who need to preform well this year, or else they could be looking for a job elsewhere.

5. Gary Pinkel, Missouri

Pinkel is the third winningest coach in Missouri history, but that doesn’t secure his job for 2013. Pinkel preformed well in the Big 12, but needs a strong showing in 2013 to prove he can handle SEC competition. The fact that Texas A&M’s switch to the SEC was much more successful doesn’t help Pinkel, either.

4. Bo Pelini, Nebraska

This might be a little bit of a surprise. But if Pelini can’t win in a conference as weak as the Big 10, he should be gone. Nebraska was poised to win the Big 10 in 2012 and play in the Rose Bowl. But then a 6-6 Wisconsin team thrashed the Corn Huskers 70-31. Pelini needs to prove this season that he can win big games.

3. Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech

Johnson should have been gone after the 2012 season. Rumor has it that the only reason Tech didn’t can Johnson is because they didn’t have the money to pay off the rest of his contract for an early termination. Paul Johnson’s option offense puts up a ton of rushing yards, but they just can’t seem to score enough points or finish games. Plus, not being able to contend with rival Georgia really bothers the school and fans of Tech.

2. Mack Brown, Texas

After three consecutive disappointing seasons, Longhorn fans would love to see the team move in another direction. But if Brown makes it four seasons in a row? He’s definitely gone. It’s not like the past few years have been awful, but it is sub-par to what Texas fans expect. Brown needs double digit wins in 2013 to climb back into the BCS spotlight and keep his job.

1. Lane Kiffen, USC

This is no surprise at all. It’s hard to believe the Trojans were ranked number one in the preseason. They finished 2012 with six loses and lost to Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl. Kiffen has had incredible talent on his roster with the likes of Matt Barkley, Marqise Lee, Robert Woods, and Matt Kalil. Unfortunately though, Kiffen hasn’t been able to win enough with the potential this team has. If USC doesn’t compete for the Pac-12 title and a spot in the Rose Bowl, expect to see Lane Kiffen in the unemployment line.

Who do you think is on the hot seat in 2013? Voice your opinion in the comments section, and let me know what Top Five you would like to see.

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