College football hot seat watch: 3 coaches who need to win in Week 3
The college football hot seat watch looks at Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy who needs a big win in his season debut after a tumultuous offseason.
Another week of college football has arrived for everyone to get acclimated to. It may be Week 3, but for some programs, it’s the first game of the season. That means, getting off on the right foot in a thrown-together season is of the utmost importance.
It’s the same song and dance as last week for a few of these coaches. Don’t get embarrassed in the opener and don’t provide a reason to give those in power any doubts.
Just ask Mike Norvell how his opening week at Florida State went. After the Willie Taggart era, Norvell needed to come in and put Georgia Tech away with a clean victory. Instead, the Seminoles floundered and everyone in Tallahassee is holding their heads in one big surrender cobra.
Now, it’s time to shift the focus to a few more coaches who could use a convincing victory in Week Three.
This week’s hot seat features three coaches that could be in position for a divorce if things go south in a hurry.
Mike Gundy – Oklahoma State
After an offseason of controversy, the thought of Mike Gundy no longer being at Oklahoma State isn’t exactly the craziest one in the world. In fact, where there’s smoke there’s fire and if things don’t go as expected this year, a split could become more likely.
According to The Oklahoman, OSU recently reduced Gundy’s buyout with the program, making a potential split more feasible in the future should the two decide to part ways.
This report also comes after Gundy took a pay cut. Reducing a buyout and a pay cut isn’t exactly something coaches that are secure in their position take. After 15 seasons in Stillwater, will the Gundy era come to an end?
Gundy’s 16th campaign with the Cowboys begins this week with a home contest against Tulsa. A slip up would not be a good look before conference play.
Dana Holgorsen – Houston
Not all first years are created equal. In this case, Dana Holgorsen is looking to shake off a tough first year in 2019 with Houston. After making the curious decision to leave West Virginia for the Cougars, Holgorsen’s first season fell flat.
At 4-8, Houston didn’t play much like the program from seasons prior. A transition is expected with a new staff, but after the events preceding it, you would have expected more than a four-win football team.
Houston has to get off to a quick start this season and they open things up with a trip to Waco on Saturday. A strong performance is needed to build some confidence.
Dave Doeren – North Carolina State
When Dave Doeren was hired by NC State, he went 3-9 in his first season in 2013. After that, he never won less than seven games until 2019. After back-to-back, nine-win seasons in 2017 and 2018, the Wolfpack fell flat at 4-and-8 in 2019.
For a coach entering his ninth year with the program, this is a pivotal season for Doeren. A winning season would certainly get the Wolfpack back on track. Another losing season would be a sign this ship is taking on water and a new captain might be needed.
With in-state rival North Carolina seemingly on the rise, Doeren has to be able to match some of that momentum. The Wolfpack opens the season at home against Wake Forest on Saturday, which could be a sign of what to expect this season.
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