Tag Archive: College Football

College Football Fans: Ditch the Super League Hype, Get Ready for Bundled Bliss (& Bigger Paydays)

May 19, 2024 0 Comments

The Super League is a Pipe Dream (and Here’s Why)

Everyone’s talking about a Super League—fans, pundits, even coaches who think they’re the next Nick Saban. Patrick Crakes, former FOX Sports VP, dropped the cold, hard truth on Canzano & Winer, the podcast—it ain’t happening, and here’s why.

Money, Money, Money

Forget the on-field drama for a second. To build a Super League, you need investors willing to drop not only a billion or two but something north of ten or twenty. Billion. That’s buyout money for Fox and ESPN’s conference rights, building an entire network infrastructure, the whole shebang. And then there’s the next chore: finding someone to actually distribute it.

Do you think you can buy out the rights, restructure everything, and then sell it back to those networks for a fat profit? Dream on!

The only scenario where a Super League might make sense is if Fox and ESPN are in as partners, partial owners even. But even then, the whole thing is a financial Jenga tower. Why spend billions to reinvent the wheel when they’re already raking in the dough?

The Future Isn’t Super, It’s Bundled

So, what’s the future of college football broadcasting if not a Super League? It’s all about bundles.
Remember when you actually had to go to a game to see your team play? Yeah, me neither. Then came regional sports networks, streaming rights, and the expectation that every game should be available for a price.

But here’s the problem: those bundle prices are usually by conference. That works great regionally but not so much nationally. It’s pushed us towards these mega-conferences, trying to get fans in California to care about ACC football so they’ll buy the bundle and watch their former Pac-12 team.
The future is one giant bundle. A Toledo fan paying for the Oklahoma State game even though he couldn’t care less. That’s where the networks see maximum value.

What This Means For You

So, ditch the Super League fantasy and prepare for the bundled future. It’s coming, whether we like it or not. Your team’s value isn’t just about wins and losses anymore; it’s about how they fit into this bigger picture. So, the next time you’re cheering in the stands or screaming at your TV, remember: it’s not just about the game but the future of how we watch it.

Coaches Hot Seat

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Big 10 Preview: Michigan Wolverines Fans, Prepare Yourselves – 2024 Football May Be a Bumpy Ride

May 16, 2024 0 Comments

The Michigan Wolverines have a target on their backs. Defending national champions, yes. But the throne is shaky with Jim Harbaugh gone and a roster full of holes. College football analyst Ralph Russo isn’t sugarcoating it: he sees a potential 8-4 (or worse) season in Ann Arbor.

A recipe for disaster:

  • Coaching Carousel: New staff, new systems, new culture. The Harbaugh magic is gone.
  • Quarterback Conundrum: Who’s the guy? Uncertainty breeds instability.
  • Schedule from Hell: Texas, USC, Oregon, Ohio State – a gauntlet of powerhouse programs.
  • Unrealistic Expectations: A top-10 preseason ranking sets a dangerous bar even with lowered projections.

The Hot Seat Heats Up:

If Russo’s right, new coach Sherrone Moore will feel the heat quickly. Seven or eight wins is unacceptable for a program with championship DNA. The fan base is rabid, the media is relentless, and the alumni are demanding. The honeymoon period will be short-lived.

Coaches Hot Seat Perspective:

Look, I’m not saying Russo is a fortune teller. But he’s a seasoned analyst, and his concerns are legitimate. Michigan is facing a perfect storm of challenges. They need a miracle season to avoid a crisis of confidence.

Buckle up, Wolverines fans. This could be a bumpy ride.

Coaches Hot Seat

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Big Ten Football Preview – Ohio State: Can the Buckeyes Conquer Michigan And Win a Natty in 2024?

May 15, 2024 0 Comments

 

Buckeye Nation is buzzing with anticipation as Ohio State football enters the 2024 season with sky-high expectations. The team’s dominance on the field and prowess in recruiting have fueled predictions of a championship run. But can they finally break their losing streak against their arch-rivals, the Michigan Wolverines?

Advanced Metrics Love the Buckeyes

Based on our analysis, Ohio State is the second-best team in the nation heading into the 2024 season, trailing only the Georgia Bulldogs. Based on a blend of efficiency statistics, recruiting data, and recent performance, these rankings suggest that the Buckeyes are a force to be reckoned with.

One of the most promising aspects of the team is the defense. CHS predicts Ohio State will boast the number-one defense in college football this year. With seven returning starters, including seasoned veterans in the front and secondary, and the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, this prediction isn’t surprising.

While ranked 20th, the offense is still a potent unit. With the Big Ten’s leading rusher, TreVeyon Henderson, bolstered by the addition of transfer Quinshon Judkins, the Buckeyes have a formidable ground game. The experienced offensive line and the return of star receiver Emeka Egbuka further solidify their offensive potential. The quarterback position remains a question mark, but with options like Will Howard, Devin Brown, and Lincoln Kienholz, the Buckeyes are well-equipped to find a capable leader.

The Big Ten Landscape

The new-look Big Ten is poised to be one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, with four teams ranked in the top ten. Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, and Penn State are all expected to be contenders.

Despite losing several key players from its national championship team, Michigan still boasts a top-ranked defense. Adding talented recruits and the presence of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly could also boost Ohio State’s offensive performance.

Overcoming the Michigan Hurdle

Ohio State’s recent losses to Michigan have left a bitter taste in the mouths of Buckeye fans. However, this year’s projections offer a glimmer of hope. FanDuel predicts that the Buckeyes will secure at least 10.5 wins, while Michigan is projected to win 9.5 games. This suggests a potential shift in the rivalry, with Ohio State possibly ending their losing streak.

Can the Buckeyes Live Up to the Hype?

While projections and rankings are exciting, they don’t guarantee success. The Buckeyes must overcome a challenging schedule featuring tough matchups against Oregon, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa, and Nebraska. The non-conference slate is expected to be less demanding, but upsets are always possible.

The quarterback position will be crucial in determining the Buckeyes’ ultimate success. Their offensive potential will skyrocket if they can find a consistent and reliable leader under center.

The road to a championship is never easy, but with a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and favorable projections, Ohio State football is poised for a memorable 2024 season. The question remains: Can they overcome the Michigan hurdle and claim the ultimate prize? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—this season is shaping up to be exciting for Buckeye Nation.

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Coaches Hot Seat

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Unlimited Coaches in College Football: Is This the Winning Play or a Fumble?

May 13, 2024 0 Comments

“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker

Buckle up, folks. College football is teetering on the edge of a seismic shift, one that could change the game as much as NIL deals and the transfer portal.

We’re talking about unlimited coaches.

That’s right. The days of strictly capped coaching staffs could be going the way of the wishbone offense. Soon, hundreds of analysts and quality control coaches might be unleashed on the field, transforming the coaching landscape and potentially widening the gap between the haves and have-nots.

The Coaches Association is Going All In

According to a story by The Athletic’s Chris Vannini the change supported by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Craig Bohl, the executive director of the AFCA, isn’t mincing words: “This is a hill the AFCA will die on.” They’re pushing hard for this change, arguing that it’ll open up more opportunities for young coaches to learn and grow.

And it’s not just the AFCA. Coaches like Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire are singing its praises, too. He sees it as a way to empower the talented young coaches currently stuck in analyst roles.

But Wait, There’s Resistance

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some worry about ballooning staff salaries and a potential brain drain from smaller programs to the Power 4 powerhouses.

Ryan Silverfield, the head coach at Memphis, isn’t thrilled. He’s concerned about unintended consequences, like the Power 4 poaching even more talent from the Group of 5. Plus, he raises a valid point: is there such a thing as too many cooks in the kitchen?

Compliance: A Hot Mess

Here’s where it gets interesting. The current rules are so convoluted and hard to enforce that some programs are already ignoring them, letting analysts coach under the radar.

Cincinnati’s head coach Scott Satterfield is frustrated by this inconsistency. He’s playing by the rules, while others are bending them to gain an edge.

The Big Questions

Will This Actually Level the Playing Field? Or will it just further entrench the advantages of the big-budget programs?

What About the Graduate Assistants? How will this impact these staffers who are often just starting their careers?

Can Schools Afford This? With massive payouts looming for some schools, will they have the cash to expand their coaching staffs?

The Bottom Line

One thing’s for sure: College football is at a crossroads. The NCAA is loosening its grip, and we’re seeing major changes left and right. Unlimited coaches could be the next domino to fall.

Whether this is a game-changer or a recipe for disaster remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the coaching profession is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

Stay tuned. This is one story you won’t want to miss.

Coaches Hot Seat

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Steal Their Playbook: The 3 Psychological Power Moves Elite Coaches Use to Win (and How You Can Too)

May 12, 2024 0 Comments

X’s and O’s are only half the battle. The other half? Owning the mental game, both coaches and your players. I’m not just talking rah-rah speeches, but the subtle psychology behind how you connect with your players and staff. Done right, it’s the difference between a ragtag bunch and a well-oiled machine.

Let’s break down the three communication techniques that top-tier coaches have mastered and how you can steal their playbook:

Active Listening: The Belichick Blueprint

Ever notice how Bill Belichick barely blinks during press conferences? It’s not boredom; it’s hyper-focus on extracting every ounce of information. He listens to opponents, media, even his own players, with an intensity that’s almost unnerving. But it’s why he’s always two steps ahead.

The Lesson: Active listening isn’t passive. It’s leaning in, asking clarifying questions, even mirroring body language. It shows you give a damn, and that builds trust faster than any pep talk.

Clear and Concise Messaging: The Popovich Principle

Gregg Popovich, the Spurs’ legendary coach, is famous for his no-nonsense communication. His message is always crystal clear, delivered in a way that leaves no room for misinterpretation. It might be gruff, but it’s undeniably effective.

The Lesson: Cut the fluff. Be direct, but not disrespectful. Your players shouldn’t be guessing what you meant; they should be executing your plan.

Feedback and Recognition: The Kerr Culture

Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors’ mastermind, has created a culture of accountability and celebration. He’s not afraid to call out mistakes, but he’s equally quick to praise effort and achievement. This balance fuels a team that’s both hungry and confident.

The Lesson: Feedback is the breakfast of champions, but don’t forget the dessert. Recognition reinforces good habits and creates a positive feedback loop that drives your team to new heights.

Bottom Line:

Coaching isn’t just about Xs and Os. It’s about mastering the psychology of communication. By actively listening, delivering clear messages, and providing both feedback and recognition, you can transform your team from a group of individuals into a cohesive unit that’s primed for success.

So, take a page from Belichick, Popovich, and Kerr’s playbooks. Steal their moves, adapt them to your style, and watch as your team clicks on a whole new level.

Coaches Hot Seat

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The Overlooked Competitive Edge That Could Take Your Team to the Next Level

May 10, 2024 0 Comments

I’ve always been fascinated by mental toughness. It’s the difference-maker. That’s why my ears perked up during Shane Parrish’s interview with performance psychologist Dr. Jim Loehr on The Knowledge Project Podcast.

See, we think it’s the talent, the training, the raw grit. And those all matter. But the real power lies in the stories we tell ourselves. Change those, and you change the game entirely.

Athletes: This Is For You

You already know the drill: positive self-talk is key. It’s that “belief boost” when nothing seems to go your way. But Dr. Loehr takes it deeper.

Do you think you’re limited by what your body can do? Nope. You’re limited by the story you tell yourself about what your body can do. The same applies to relationships, performance under pressure, and heck, every single part of your life.

How Do We Change The Story?

We need to be uncomfortably honest. Your inner monologue is full of hidden traps: “I’m not good enough,” “I’m afraid to fail,” “I’ll never be like them…”

The answer isn’t slapping on a bunch of fake positivity. It’s actively working to transform those destructive narratives. Journal, meditate or talk to someone who sees your potential more clearly than you do. Build a practice around re-wiring those stories.

The Power of Mental Toughness

It’s not just about the feel-good stuff. True mental toughness—that bulldog-like determination to keep going—comes from the way you talk to yourself.

And hey, this isn’t some secret sauce for solo athletes. Those narratives have ripple effects. Coaches and veterans on the team set the tone for the rising stars. Positive talk isn’t a weakness; it creates a breeding ground for champions.

This Hits Me On Another Level

The thing is, I’m never just writing about sports or coaches. I’m writing about how we operate in this world. Whether you’re on the field, in the office, or struggling through a creative block, those inner voices are running the show.

So, the next time you aim for a goal, don’t just train the body. Train the mind. Because the strongest weapon you’ll ever have is the story you tell yourself.

Coaches Hot Seat

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Forget the Coaches, Your Agent Calls the Shots in the NIL Era

May 8, 2024 0 Comments

NIL was supposed to be about the athlete, right? Well, surprise, surprise – those agents you used to just see sniffing around pro prospects now hold all the cards in college sports. It’s their world, and the rest of us are just living in it.

Think about it. Before, agents were hunting for that big payday down the road – the NFL contract. Now? They can make bank the second a kid steps on campus. Top recruits aren’t looking at coaching staff or fancy facilities anymore. They’re listening to the agent whispering about six-figure brand deals and local sponsorships. Universities can’t play that game; their hands are tied.

This is where it gets messy. See, it’s not just about snagging deals anymore. With no NCAA babysitting the NIL world, agents are the ones telling kids where to sign. They’re greasing the wheels with boosters, making sure those NIL opportunities are juicy enough to steer a recruit their way. Is it fair? Hell no. Is it smart? You bet.

Universities are scrambling, trying to talk about “tradition” and “academics.” Please. Kids are smarter than that. Forget the NCAA – they’re irrelevant now. What matters is if a school’s got a clear path to cash for the athlete.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about athletes getting paid. But if universities and those booster collectives want to stay in the game, they need to figure out how to play by the agents’ rules. And for the love of God, someone needs to educate these athletes. They need to know how this NIL stuff works, and how to pick a good agent instead of some sleazeball promising the world.

The NIL era is here, and it’s a Wild West show. Agents are running rampant, universities are lost, and only the athletes who know how to navigate this mess will actually win.

Coaches Hot Seat

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The Heat Is On: Why College Coaches Land on the Hot Seat

May 8, 2024 0 Comments

Look, the second you accept that head coaching gig, there’s a target on your back. Wins and losses aren’t just numbers on a screen—they’re a countdown clock for your career. So what sends a coach straight to the fiery depths of the hot seat?

  1. Underperformance: You don’t get into coaching to lose. When your team’s record looks more like a losing lottery ticket than a championship run, the heat starts to build. Nobody wants to be the architect of a mediocre program.
  2. Fans Gone Rogue: The roar of the crowd built this sport. But when that roar turns into a chorus of boos and demands for your head, it’s deafening. These are the people who buy tickets, bleed your team colors, and turn into absolute beasts when you let them down. Cross them at your peril.
  3. The Media Sharks Smell Blood: Journalists aren’t your buddies, especially when you’re tanking. They’ll circle your failures like sharks, churning the waters with speculation and scathing headlines. Their job is to stir the pot, and when you’re losing, you’re the main ingredient in their spicy soup.

Bottom Line: In the high-stakes world of college football, you’re only as good as your last game. The cheers fade fast. The critics? They never shut up. To stay off the hot seat, you gotta pile up the wins, appease those hungry fans, and learn to dance with the media sharks without getting bitten.

How do you assess your team’s performance? And hey, who’s YOUR ultimate coach hot-seat candidate right now? Spill the beans in the comments – I’m all ears.

Coaches Hot Seat

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Forget Your Feelings: We’re Ranking College Football Coaches on What Really Matters

May 7, 2024 0 Comments

Listen, I get it. We all love to argue about who’s the hottest coach in the nation. Is Matt Rhule on the rise? Is Billy Napier washed up? But let’s be real – those barstool debates are fueled by emotion, half-baked stats, and way too much bias.

At Coaches Hot Seat, we’re not about that noise. We want to cut through the chaos and get down to brass tacks: who’s actually DELIVERING results and whose seat is starting to scorch?

That’s why we’re building a ranking system that looks past the hype and digs into the cold, hard data. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s a hell of a lot better than just shouting our opinions into the void.

So, what’s our secret sauce? We’re starting with these core metrics:

  • Winning Percentage: The Great Equalizer. Duh. A coach’s job is to win games. How they’ve performed over their entire tenure at a school matters more than any single season.
  • Rivalry Rage: It’s Not Just a Game. Can you dominate those must-win matchups, the ones that make or break your legacy? Lose to your biggest rival year after year? Yeah, that’ll get you a one-way ticket to unemployment.
  • The Late Season Surge: Do You Peak or Fizzle? Great teams find another gear when the pressure’s on. Folding in November screams ‘pretender,’ while peaking in December earns you trophies.
  • Bowl Game Glory: The Spotlight’s on You. Do you own the big stage? Bowl wins combined with rivalry records paint a clear picture of who thrives (and who shrinks) under the brightest lights.

This ain’t the Bible, folks. It’s a conversation starter. We want YOUR take. Got a killer stat that proves a coach’s greatness (or mediocrity)? Think we’re missing something crucial? Hit us up in the comments, let’s get the debate raging.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about who’s the most popular or who talks the best game. It’s about who gets the results when it matters most.

Coaches Hot Seat

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Want a Sneak Peek of the Big Ten’s Future? Better Subscribe to the Pac-12 Network

April 20, 2024 0 Comments

Remember when geography meant something? Yeah, me neither.

Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington are gearing up for their spring games today. And guess where you’ll find them? Ironically, on the Pac-12 Network. Turns out, ditching conferences isn’t as easy as it looks.

Big Ten fans, you wanted a preview of your new favorite teams? Too bad. You’ll have to cough up the cash for the Pac-12 Network if you want to see what the future of the conference looks like (if it’s even available). Talk about an awkward transition period.

But hey, at least you have options. Here’s today’s spring game lineup:

ACC

Duke: Sat., April 20 at 6 p.m. on ACC Network
Florida State: Sat., April 20 at 4 p.m. on ACC Network
North Carolina: Sat., April 20 at 3 p.m., TV TBD
Stanford: Sat., April 20 at 3:30 p.m. on Pac-12 Network
Virginia: Sat., April 20 at 2:30 p.m. on ACC Network Extra
Wake Forest: Sat., April 20 at 2 p.m. on ACC Network

Big Ten

Illinois: Sat., April 20 at 2 p.m. on BTN
Iowa: Sat., April 20, Time and TV TBD
Michigan: Sat., April 20 at 12 p.m. on Fox
Michigan State: Sat., April 20 at 2 p.m., TV TV: BTN+
Minnesota: No Spring Game
Northwestern: TBD
Rutgers: Sat., April 26 at 3 p.m., TV TBD
USC: Sat., April 20 at 3 p.m. on Pac-12 Network
Wisconsin: No Spring Game

Big 12

Baylor: Sat., April 20 at 1 p.m. on ESPN+
BYU: No Spring Game
Iowa State: Sat., April 20 at 12 p.m., TV TBD

Kansas: Fri., April 12 at 8 p.m., TV TBD
Kansas State: No Spring Game
Oklahoma State: TBD
Texas Tech: Sat., April 20 at 2 p.m. on ESPN+

SEC

Mississippi State: Sat., April 20 at 1 p.m. on SECN+
Oklahoma: Sat., April 20 at 2 p.m. on ESPN+
South Carolina: Sat., April 20 at 7 p.m. on SECN+
Texas: Sat., April 20 at 2 p.m. on Longhorn Network
Texas A&M: Sat., April 20 at 2 p.m. on SECN+
Vanderbilt: No Spring Game

Look, I’m not one to dwell on the past. But sometimes, the absurdity of college sports realignment just cracks me up.

Coaches Hot Seat

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After 17 College Football Seasons Coaches Hot Seat Has New Owners – Thanks and Love Y’all

March 13, 2024 0 Comments

The Late Great author, adventurer, and essayist Louis L’Amour reportedly once said >

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.”

After 17 seasons of covering the Great Game of College Football here at Coaches Hot Seat the 7 original founders of CHS and the 500+ Members of CHS are bringing down the curtain on what has been tons of tremendous fun, lots of amazing adventures, and silliness from one end of America to the other doing Coaches Hot Seat since we cranked all this up in January 2007!

We are excited to see what the Terrific New Owners of Coaches Hot Seat are going to do with the CHS website, name, and social media accounts like Twitter and we believe they will bring lots of fresh new energy, loads of experience, and a more professional approach to Coaches Hot Seat that for lots of reasons we haven’t been able to do in recent years since we running around like crazy so much in our full-time jobs working hard to keep roofs over our families heads!

Please welcome the New Folks at Coaches Hot Seat with the same enthusiasm you have shown to us here at CHS for 17 Awesome College Football seasons now and we would like to say….

Thank You to Everyone out there that ever visited the Coaches Hot Seat website, interacted with us on Twitter, sent us emails and messages, and enjoyed what we have always loved doing which is….

Covering the Great Game of College Football and Coaches on the Hot Seat!

You will be able to find us and all our craziness, silliness, and love of the Great Game of College Football and Life itself at the Twitter or X handle…

@TahoeCFB

….so as you continue to follow what the Terrific New Folks are going to do @CoachesHotSeat follow us as well @TahoeCFB and we will all together get to keep on moving down the road on this Amazing Adventure called Life and we will just keep on keeping on and to Joseph Campbell’s question below….

“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.”

…we will keep saying…

Hell Yes!
Thanks and Love Y’all!

Everyone here at Coaches Hot Seat

Coaches Hot Seat, Coaches Hot Seat Quote of the Day

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Coaches Hot Seat Quote of the Day – Tuesday – March 12, 2024 – Helen Keller

March 12, 2024 0 Comments

 

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”  Helen Keller

Coaches Hot Seat, Coaches Hot Seat Quote of the Day

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