It’s that annual time of year again. As the football season approaches, both administrators and fans have their own reasons for feeling anxious. For administrators, it’s the tricky task of managing the athletic budget while hoping the football coach does not fall short, potentially leading to an expensive buyout by the holiday season. Fans, on the other hand, are quick to assign blame if their team fails to make the 12-team playoff.

Last year’s list highlighted five coaches who were let go for various reasons, notably the high-profile Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M and Mel Tucker from Michigan State. Coaches like Neal Brown, Butch Jones, and Eli Drinkwitz managed to keep their jobs, but the threat of dismissal is ever-present.

While it’s unfortunate for anyone to face job loss, college athletics operates on a razor-thin margin for success, and fans have little tolerance for losing streaks.

Here are the college football coaches whose positions are precarious as we head into the 2024 season.

Billy Napier, Florida

With the ample resources, traditions, and talent pool in Florida, this should be a standout program. However, Napier’s 11-14 record over his initial two seasons has turned Gator Nation into an afterthought. With a tough upcoming schedule featuring top teams like Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State, the administrators at Florida might soon be contemplating a coaching change to revive their status in college football.

Ryan Day, Ohio State

Not winning against Michigan for three consecutive years is viewed as a major failure. The placement of Day here reflects the expectations of Ohio State and the actual performance of the team. This elite program boasts exceptional talent, yet the Buckeyes’ fans desire national championships; anything less may result in calls for a change in leadership.

Butch Jones, Arkansas State

Jones has had a challenging time at Arkansas State, raising eyebrows as to why he was retained for a fourth year despite only 11 wins over three seasons. Though 2023 saw a modest turnaround with solid performances and a bowl game appearance, repeating such a performance in 2024 is essential for job security.

Sonny Cumbie, Louisiana Tech

Cumbie faces extinction if he cannot avoid a third consecutive season without a winning record, attempting to restore Louisiana Tech’s former glory that has eluded them since the end of the last decade. Entering 2024, the Bulldogs are on a six-game losing streak. However, with Conference USA offering a chance at success, Cumbie must revitalize the defense or face consequences.

Clark Lea, Vanderbilt

Winning at Vanderbilt is a tough challenge. While some argue they may not belong in their current conference, coaches know the risks involved when accepting a position here. The Commodores ended 2023 with a 10-game losing streak and continually allowed at least 31 points per game. Such a lack of competitiveness on both sides of the ball could lead to a quick exit for Lea as another coach enjoys their upgraded facilities.

Sam Pittman, Arkansas

Bringing in former head coach Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator may offer a fresh perspective and renewed vigor for Arkansas’s program. Unfortunately, they are up against the challenges of the SEC, where difficulties abound. With departing players like quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Raheim Sanders, transfer Taylen Green now holds the position. For Pittman, a trip to a bowl game is crucial, yet it might not secure him a job for another season.

Lincoln Riley, Southern California

Riley’s decision to leave Oklahoma for Southern California was thought to be a way to escape the pressures of the SEC. However, with the Trojans joining another powerhouse conference, they will now need to improve their defense if they wish to contend for championships. Although Riley may have a longer tolerance than some other coaches, failure to produce a Heisman finalist or qualify for the playoff could lead him to consider other opportunities, such as the NFL.

Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati