Just about every season, there are some huge job openings that are once in a lifetime opportunities. And for every big name job, a coach had to not take advantage of that chance.

So for every season that a big name program has a sub-par record, the seat gets hotter and hotter. Here are a few names that are feeling the heat and need a good season to safe their job.

1. Rich Rodriguez at Michigan

I have strongly opposed this coaching hire since it was rumored three years ago around January. The spread option can’t consistently work in the Big Ten thanks to the cold weather and the recruiting aspect. He’s a great coach, he just doesn’t fit the team. He’ll need at least 6 wins to keep his job, and Les Miles, Jim Harbaugh, and Butch Davis are great fits.

2. Ron Zook at Illinois
A great recruiter, Zook never could get over the hump in Florida and never have a consistent winning team in Illinois. Unless he goes at least 7-5, he could be on his way out after a few great recruiting classes. It should be an appealing job if he does leave, and they’ll have a chance to get a big name guy.

3. Dan Hawkins at Colorado
They’ve given Hawkins enough time to restore the once great program, and nothing has materialized yet. After his most recent recruiting class featured zero four or five star recruits, the future doesn’t look bright. If he can win 7-8 games with his son at the helm this season, he’ll have a shot. Otherwise, look for a Pac-10 recruiter or Dave Christiansen (formerly of Missouri as OC, now at Wyoming) to be in the market.

4. Mike Stoops at Arizona

He’s been on the hot seat the past four seasons, but always seems to finish just strong enough to warrant keeping his job. He’s likely safe for one more year, but if he gets less than 5 wins, they might look at finding an upgrade. USC, Washington, Oregon, and Stanford all having well-respected and young coaches, they might see the need to play catch-up.

5. Ralph Fridgen at Maryland

Fridgen made this Maryland program relevant, and I do hope that he doesn’t get the boot at the end of the season. But after a 2-10 season, another sub-four win season could have the program looking for a change. They won’t lure in any big name non-BCS guys, but it could be a landing place for a Phillip Fulmer or Mike Leach.

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