Top 15 College Football Coaching Misfires of the Decade
Hiring a college football coach can often feel like a high-stakes gamble. Athletic directors may conduct extensive research and vetting processes, but the unpredictability of success in coaching makes outcomes uncertain. The reality is that even the most promising hires can lead to disappointing results, leaving schools to pick up the pieces. This article reviews 15 of the most problematic coaching hires from the past decade in college football.
15. Chris Ash – Rutgers (2016-2019)
Record: 8-32
Taking over a struggling program left by Kyle Flood, Ash’s tenure quickly spiraled as the Scarlet Knights failed to win a Big Ten game for three out of four seasons. His immediate firing in 2019 highlighted his inability to succeed in his first head coaching role.
14. Nick Rolovich – Washington State (2020-2021)
Record: 5-6
Replacing esteemed coach Mike Leach posed a significant challenge, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rolovich managed a subpar record before being dismissed due to noncompliance with state vaccine mandates.
13. Scott Frost – Nebraska (2018-2022)
Record: 16-31
Coming off a perfect season at UCF, Frost promised to restore Nebraska’s glory. However, his inability to lead the Huskers to bowl eligibility solidified a disastrous legacy, culminating in a series of disappointing seasons.
12. Kevin Sumlin – Arizona (2018-2020)
Record: 9-20
Sumlin arrived with a respectable resume from Texas A&M but ultimately could not elevate Arizona’s program. His performance fell short of expectations, leading to an early exit after a lackluster record.
11. Mel Tucker – Michigan State (2020-2022)
Record: 20-14
Despite a strong 2021 season, Tucker’s tenure faced scrutiny due to a significant drop in performance and serious allegations that culminated in his departure from the program.
10. Bryan Harsin – Auburn (2021-2022)
Record: 9-12
Harsin struggled with support from the Auburn community and failed to connect in recruiting, resulting in a brief and unimpactful reign at the helm.
9. Herm Edwards – Arizona State (2018-2022)
Record: 18-20
Edwards’ return to college football after years in the NFL was met with skepticism. While he showed initial promise, off-field issues, including an NCAA investigation, overshadowed his coaching efforts and led to his removal.
8. Jimmy Lake – Washington (2020-2021)
Record: 7-6
Lake faced significant challenges during his brief time as head coach. A promising 2020 season quickly unraveled in 2021, culminating in a series of damaging losses and his eventual firing after a disciplinary incident with a player.
7. Mike Riley – Nebraska (2015-2017)
Record: 19-19
Riley struggled to find success after taking over a program expecting improvement. Under his leadership, Nebraska recorded its first losing season in nearly a decade, leading to his departure.
6. Geoff Collins – Georgia Tech (2019-2022)
Record: 10-28
Collins’ flashy reputation failed to translate into wins at Georgia Tech, where his teams consistently underperformed against conference competition.
5. Jeremy Pruitt – Tennessee (2018-2020)
Record: 5-19
Pruitt’s tenure was marred by an NCAA investigation into major recruiting violations, which ultimately led to his firing and the vacating of all his wins during his brief tenure.
4. Willie Taggart – Florida State (2018-2019)
Record: 9-12
Taggart’s stint at Florida State saw an inexperienced handling of a traditionally strong program, resulting in disappointing performance and a significant financial buyout following his dismissal.
3. Ryan Walters – Purdue (2023-2024)
Record: 5-19
Walters struggled to build on previous successes, leading the Boilermakers through a rough transition marked by numerous defeats and failures to capitalize on the team’s potential.
2. Les Miles – Kansas (2019-2020)
Record: 3-18
After a successful career at LSU, Miles’ hiring by Kansas proved to be an unexpected turn that quickly unraveled, resulting in controversy and a mutual separation due to misconduct allegations.
1. Chad Morris – Arkansas (2018-2019)
Record: 4-18
Morris’ inability to adapt to the rigors of coaching in the SEC led to an abysmal record and unprecedented losses, making his tenure one of the least successful in program history.
Each of these coaching hires illustrates the unpredictability and risks involved in college football leadership. The consequences of these decisions can resonate for years, impacting not only the teams in question but also the wider landscape of college athletics.