Opinion

By Matt Hayes

updated 7:14 p.m. ET Oct. 17, 2008

Matt Hayes

Take a look at James Davis earlier this week, openly weeping over the firing of Clemson coach Tommy Bowden. Hiring and firing coaches, everyone, is a painful business that goes well beyond guaranteed contracts and legal battles over buyouts.

Clemson's star tailback could've left early for the NFL last year, but returned because of Bowden — and now has weeks of uncertainty and upheaval remaining in his college career. The reality is, coaches are paid an exorbitant amount for running the business. But that doesn't make the sudden end any easier to embrace.

A look at this week's coaching hot seat:

A matter of when, not if
Tyrone Willingham, Washington
The final days: Back-to-back home games against Oregon State and Notre Dame will end this failed run. By the time the Irish roll into town and hand the Huskies their seventh straight loss this season (and ninth overall), there will be numerous empty seats at Husky Stadium and the end will come quickly — as soon as the Monday after the Notre Dame game.
The fit: Lane Kiffin, former Oakland Raiders coach

Greg Robinson, Syracuse
The final days: If the Orange haven't made the change already, don't look for much action until the end of the season. This likely means Syracuse doesn't feel it has a chance with Kiffin.
The fit: Todd Graham, Tulsa

Joe Glenn, Wyoming
The final days: Glenn is too well-liked in Laramie to be fired midseason, but it's obvious the program needs new direction.
The fit: Bobby Hauck, Montana

Chuck Long, San Diego State
The final days: There is some thought within the program that maybe SDSU is panicking after only three seasons. But the trends don't look good for Long, who hasn't been able to win consistently despite the rich San Diego-area recruiting advantage and a winnable conference.
The fit: Chip Kelly, Oregon offensive coordinator

Needs a miracle — or a big turnaround
Tommy Tuberville, Auburn
The final days: It's all imploding on Tubs, a terrific coach in an untenable situation. Even an unheard of six straight wins over Alabama won't be enough to stop the Tide of discontent. Yes, pun intended.
The fit: Will Muschamp, Texas defensive coordinator

Phil Fulmer, Tennessee
The final days: The Vols haven't lost to Mississippi State since 1994, and you better believe a loss in Neyland Stadium on Saturday — with empty seats all around — could be devastating for Fulmer.
The fit: Brian Kelly, Cincinnati

Mike Stoops, Arizona
The final days: Disastrous loss to Stanford last week likely keeps this team from winning seven games. And 6-6 — bowl or not — means Stoops is gone.
The fit: Pat Hill, Fresno State

Bought precious time
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
The next slip: Since when is a win over Indiana a program saver? Ferentz has much more to do to keep his job — starting with a home victory over reeling Wisconsin. Lose that game, and the heat is white hot.
The fit: Gary Patterson, TCU

Al Groh, Virginia
The next slip: The two-game winning streak slowed momentum to end the Groh era. But check out the schedule: The Cavs may not win again.
The fit: Tim Murphy, Harvard

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