It’s about that time of year again for us to discuss the college basketball hot seat, discussing which coaches where need to turn things around before it’s too late.
Orlando Antigua, South Florida, Year Two: John Calipari’s former right-hand man was given a shot at USF after their first choice went down in flames, but so far, he’s yet to gain any sort of traction in the American conference, largely because Antigua has been unable to land any impact freshmen or transfers–something he thought former Maryland guard Roddy Peters could be for him. It’s only year two, and he’s got one four-star pledge in the 2016 class, but things aren’t looking up for the Bulls.
Trent Johnson, TCU, Year Four: This is, perhaps, the most difficult job on this list. Trying to compete with the big boys like Texas, Baylor, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State for Dallas area recruits is hard enough without having to account for SMU and Houston being plenty good as well. Still, this is a bottom line business and the Horned Frogs simply haven’t taken the next step in the Big 12 since Johnson took over.
Johnny Jones, LSU, Year Four: It’s a bit preemptive, I know, but if LSU misses the Big Dance, you’ve got to figure that Jones’ job will be at risk. Plenty of coaches have under achieved with top draft picks over the years at the likes of Texas, UNLV, and Kansas State, but there’s no excuse for LSU to be as bad as they’ve been at times this season. There’s still time to turn things around for the remainder of the year, but still.
Richard Pitino, Minnesota, Year Three: Many don’t realize, but this is actually a sneaky good job in the Big 10. With the Minneapolis metropolitan area being a hub for top basketball talent, UM doesn’t have to rely on areas like Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis, or Cleveland for their recruiting needs. Still, Pitino has yet to gain ground in the Big 10 and is looking at a third straight season without a winning conference record. Ever since beating SMU for the NIT title in year one, it’s been a downhill slide.
Travis Ford, Oklahoma State, Year Eight: All relationships eventually crumble in college basketball, with Ford’s tenure in Stillwater looking no different at the moment. The Cowboys haven’t won an NCAA Tournament game in six years and don’t look like they’ll even get a chance to this season. With the rumors flying a year ago about his dismissal, one has to think it’ll be become official this spring.
Josh Pastner, Memphis, Year Seven: For all the heat he’s taken on this site and others, it’s important to remember that Pastner has basically the same record as former Memphis head man John Calipari through the same amount of time. Still, talented recruits keep either underperforming or transferring out of the program and the Tigers haven’t hit their stride since leaving Conference USA and helping form the AAC.
John Groce, Illinois, Year Four: The injury issues that the Illini have had to deal with are unmatched nationally, but the lack of in-roads made into the Chicago basketball landscape is concerning for those both inside and outside the program. In fact, they’ve only signed one four-star recruit from the city in their time to together. Something like is unacceptable for the state’s flagship basketball program, especially when conference rivals, and many outside of the conference, haven’t had a hard time signing prospects from powerhouse Chicago programs.
