Every year, several coaches find themselves where no coach ever wants to be, on the Hot Seat.  If you don’t know, this term refers to coaches who have underperformed and are dangerously close to being out the door.  This list includes five coaches who desperately need to win now in order to save their jobs.

Jerod Haase- Stanford

The former UAB Head Coach has led the Cardinal to a 33-33 record in two seasons. And that’s in what is considered to be a very weak Pac-12. To make matters worse, Haase lost All Pac-12 big man Travis Reid as he transferred to Kentucky. Getting young talent to Stanford should not be an issue, given the resources and history of the program. It’s also considered to be the Harvard of the West Coast. He is likely safe to finish this season, but should the Cardinal finish in the middle of the pack of a weak Pac-12, Haase will find himself squarely on the hot seat.

Danny Manning- Wake Forest

The only thing saving Manning from losing his job might be Wake Forest’s surprising NCAA tournament bid in 2017. Other than that, the numbers aren’t pretty. During his tenure, Manning holds a 54-73 record in four seasons. The Demon Deacons’ outlook for this upcoming season isn’t promising either. Manning’s squad were picked to finish 11th in the ACC, with a loaded conference schedule that makes you wonder where the wins are going to come from. Not to mention, the roster lacks talented, experienced players to compete in the ACC. Manning will need five-star recruit Jaylen Hoard to have a big year if he wants to keep his job.

Ernie Kent- Washington State

The Cougars have gone 47-77 in four years under Ernie Kent. The head coach of 30+ years has a great history and track record, but unless something drastically changes this season, he’s definitely a coach who will be looking for a new job. Kent saw five players transfer elsewhere, which includes second leading scorer Malachi Flynn. Senior guard Robert Franks returns, and he’ll need to do it all for the Cougars if Kent has any chance of staying in Pullman another season.

Wayne Tinkle- Oregon State

If you haven’t noticed, yes, another Pac-12 coach might be looking at his last season or two. Tinkle may have some leniency though, as his son is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. A 57-70 record over four seasons isn’t terrible, but again this is looking like another disappointing Pac-12 conference. Finishing in the bottom of the conference again will have Athletic Director Scott Barnes looking for a possible replacement soon.

Richard Pitino- Minnesota

Another disappointing season for the 36-year old coach and he’ll be looking for another job like his father.  Pitino has gone 90-78 in six seasons, with only one tournament appearance.  Year seven might be his last unless the Gophers manage to make the Big Dance.  There might be reason for optimism, as they return two of their top three leading scorers from a year ago.  This may be a make-or-break year for Pitino and he’ll need to finally put it all together this season.

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