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10 college football coaches on the hot seat in 2015

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Nov 22, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden (L) congratulates Virginia Cavaliers head coach Mike London (R) after their game at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers won 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden (L) congratulates Virginia Cavaliers head coach Mike London (R) after their game at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers won 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Willie Taggart argues a call with an official during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Willie Taggart argues a call with an official during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Willie Taggart became a hot coaching prospect after he inherited a Western Kentucky team that went 0-12 in 2009 and led them to 18 wins in three seasons – including back-to-back winning campaigns in 2011 and 2012. Despite having played quarterback for the Hilltoppers a little more than a decade earlier, Taggart took an opportunity to leave for USF – a program located in much more fertile recruiting soil and on the slightly bigger stage of the AAC.

However, things have not gone according to plan in two seasons in Tampa. After a disappointing 2-10 record in 2013, the Bulls posted a 4-8 mark last season. Taggart’s Bulls showed improvement where it mattered most in Year 2 (the win column), but many concerns remain moving forward.

USF has recruited well under Taggart, but that talent has yet to gel – especially on offense. The Bulls have scored just 15.5 points and gained only 280.5 yards of total offense (including a measly 99 rushing yards) per game over the last two seasons.

As a desperate Taggart tries to right the ship, he’s hired two new offensive co-coordinators. However, the head coach will still be the team’s primary play-caller, which sounds like an awful lot of cooks in the kitchen.

On defense, former Ole Miss assistant Tom Allen as USF’s new defensive coordinator. Allen, who coached linebackers for the Rebels’ No. 1 scoring defense last season, will try to turn around a unit that allowed an average of 27 points and 403 total yards per game last season.

Most experts expect USF to finish in the bottom half of the AAC East in 2015, and a tough non-conference schedule that includes Florida State, Maryland and Syracuse will make it difficult to qualify for a bowl game. Another losing season could cost Taggart his job.

Next: 6. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa

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