Football: What's The Temperature Again?
By Peter Schinkai
pschinkai@themacdaily.com
Every college football coach knows that contstant scrutiny is just part of the job. There is no position cooler when you win and no seat is hotter when you lose. Here is our 2010 look at which MAC coaches have the warmest seats.
Cool As Ice
Rob Ianello (Akron)
He's the new guy with a strong background at a school with high hopes, but little successs. The Zips want wins, but they'll give him some time.
Dave Clawson (Bowling Green)
No, he didn't win the MAC East and no, somehow, he didn't win his bowl game. But Clawson kept the Falcons soaring and the fans appreciated his effort. If he leaves this year, it will be on his terms.
Dan Enos (Central Michigan)
It won't be easy taking over the MAC's most successful team. But, CMU fans understand that this team has some pretty significant losses. Even if the Chippewas have some growing pains, they'll stand behind their man.
Jerry Kill (Northern Illinois)
Coming into 2010, he might be the most beloved coach in the MAC. Kill's teams are not flashy, but he consistently wins. Plus, he's built a great rapport with his fan base.
Frank Solich (Ohio)
Under Solich's reign, Athens has become one of the better football teams in the MAC. He doesn't scream and shout like some of his counterparts. Instead, his quiet demeanor and calm confidence have built him a lot of support from the Ohio faithful.
Al Golden (Temple)
To Temple fans, his name says it all. He's the gold standard in success. The Owls are not worrying about firing Golden. They just worry that he's going to jump to the BCS. A solid coach who is building a great program.
What's Dripping On My Floor
Jeff Quinn (Buffalo)
Buffalo fans are pretty understanding and Quinn brings solid name recognition. Still, he's got some big shoes to fill and that will raise the notch a little for any new coach.
Ron English (Eastern Michigan)
Last year was awful, but not many people thought English was at fault. This year might not be much better, but once again, they're not English's players. If he leaves after this year, it's much more likely it would be because he can't stand the losses anymore. He's not a quitter though, so look for English to be back at EMU in 2011.
Tim Beckman (Toledo)
Year one had some bumps, but overall, the season went all right. Toledo is one of the dark horses this year, and the fans would like to see a bowl game. Even if UT misses out again though, Beckman should be safe.
Bill Cubit (Western Michigan)
At this time last year, I'd have said that nothing would stop Cubit from coaching at WMU past 2010. But, some small cracks developed in his armor last season. The Broncos struggled to overcome injuries, and some fans were frustrated with looking up at CMU again. Still, anything better than 0-12 and Cubit should be fine.
It's Time To Check The AC
Stan Parrish (Ball State)
When he was hired last year, he received mixed reviews at best. He's got to do a lot better this year than running a 2-10 team and constantly fighting with the local media. If not, Parrish might be looking at retirement.
Mike Haywood (Miami)
The pedigree is good, but man, his first year in Oxford was a mess. Miami has a very proud football tradition. They're expecting signs of improvement over last year's one-win team. Otherwise, the Haywood experiment might be short lived.
Boy, It's Hot In Here
Doug Martin (Kent State)
Doug Martin has never had enormous fan support, and after last season's finish, it was a little surprising that he was retained. Anything less than a bowl game and this job will likely be open come January.