Hot Seat Watch: 10 college football coaches feeling the heat in 2019

6. Chris Ash, Rutgers

As last season approached, Rutgers athletic director Pat Hobbs scoffed at Ash ranking highly on a hot seat list from Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports. But after whatever perceived progress there was in 2017 (4-8, 3-6 in the Big Ten), the Scarlet Knights took a step back and went 1-11 last season with zero conference wins for the second time in Ash’s three seasons as head coach.

Before last year was even over, it was reported Ash would return for a fourth season at Rutgers. A university official went a bit further, telling NJ Advanced Media Ash is not now and has never been, on the hot seat. But the time might be approaching where that will change.

Had he been fired after last season, Ash would have been owed a $9.8 million buyout. After the 2019 season, that drops to $8 million. At that point, as cited by Forbes, Rutgers would be close to the start of the 2020-21 academic year and finally getting a full revenue share from the Big Ten. A buyout for a coach, significant or otherwise, will instantly feel more palatable with an influx of money coming in.

There can’t be great expectations for Rutgers football, with everything outside of Greg Schiano’s tenure as head coach as proof. But Ash has to show some progress in the win column next season, or he will be gone.