It was a particularly gory Black Sunday, as five college coaches were fired, with others still waiting for the axe to fall. The quintet that were let go included Missouri’s Barry Odom, Matt Luke at Ole Miss, Boston College’s Steve Addazio, South Florida’s Charlie Strong, and University of San Antonio’s Frank Wilson.
Most of the firings were expected, especially Addazio and Odom. Addazio was a 12/1 pick to get the axe, while Odom had odds at 10/1. Strong, though, had the lowest odds. He was a 3/1 pick to be shown the door.
Here’s a look at why these coaches no longer have jobs, and two others who could be out of work by the end of the week.
The Ousted Five
Barry Odom, Missouri
Odom was let go after four seasons, compiling a 25-25 record, including a 13-19 mark in the SEC. Odom began the year 5-1, but dropped five straight.
Missouri finished this year 6-6, and would have been bowl eligible, but the NCAA upheld a ban on the Tigers after a former football team tutor admitted to completing coursework for student-athletes.
Matt Luke, Ole Miss
Luke’s firing upset several players who walked out of a meeting when told the news. Luke was 15-21 in the three years he was at the university. The team was 4-8 this season.
Ole Miss had a chance to defeat rival Mississippi State on Saturday, but receiver Elijah Moore was assessed a 15-yard celebration penalty when he pretended to urinate like a dog after scoring.
Charlie Strong, South Florida
Strong’s dismissal came after a 4-8 season, and a blowout loss to rival Central Florida. Strong did have a winning overall record at 21-16, but it was not enough to save him.
“I have tremendous respect for Coach Strong and his dedication to recruiting and developing young men of talent and character, and leading them with integrity,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement.
Steve Addazio, Boston College
Despite leading the Eagles to bowl eligibility in six of the seven years he was there, BC let Addazio go on Sunday. He had a career record of 44-44 overall, and 22-34 in the ACC.
Boston College evened this year’s record to 6-6 and will be headed to a bowl game, but Addazio won’t be the coach. Wide receivers coach, Rich Gunnell will serve as Boston College’s interim coach.
Frank Wilson, University Texas, San Antonio
In football-crazy Texas, Wilson never stood a chance. He lasted for three years, but had an 11-25 record over that time.
“While decisions like this are never easy, it is important that we take the steps that will help us build for the future, and keep UTSA Athletics a vital part of the community,†athletic director, Lisa Campos said in a statement.”
College Coaches on Hot Seat
Clay Helton, USC
Helton was one of the favorites to be the first college coach fired this year, with his odds getting as low as 2/1 at one point. Then he started winning, despite losing two quarterbacks to injuries.
The Trojans handed No. 6 Utah its only defeat of the year, and they battered rival UCLA, 52-35.
Still, rumors are rampant about Helton’s future, and one report has him fired by the end of Monday.
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
Though Harbaugh has said he is not leaving, the decision might be made for him. After being embarrassed by Ohio State, 56-27, BetOnline put out a line for him to be the coach next year. He is even with the field at -120.
Michigan officials have said his job is safe, but he has been linked to other possible openings, including the Dallas Cowboys gig, should Jason Garrett be fired.