By Steven J. Gaither
This is the time of year that coaches with less-than-stellar records don’t sleep too much. And with the volatile nature of the coaching profession, it’s hard to blame them.
Three weeks ago, FAMU fired Earl Holmes as head coach. On Monday, Prairie View did the same for Heshima Northern. Here are a few coaches we think could be the next to go.
FINALLY STARTING TO COOL OFF
Reggie Barlow, Alabama State
It seems crazy to find Barlow on this list as the former NFL receiver was just given an extension and a raise by Alabama State LAST MONTH. Only a few weeks after that was reported, however, Barlow told the media he had been asked to resign as head coach. Since then his team has picked up a winning-streak, knocking Grambling out of the ranks of SWAC perfection. A win against D2 Stillman on Saturday would give Barlow a winning record for a fifth-straight season, something most HBCU coaches can’t say.
IS THAT STEAM?
Pete Adrian, Norfolk State
Three years ago, Adrian led Norfolk State to its first-ever MEAC title and an FCS playoff game appearance. Since then, he’s 11-23, including a 4-7 record in 2014. His contract doesn’t expire until after 2015, so he’ll likely get another year to prove himself, but the pressure is on.
IS SOMETHING BURNING?
Kermit Blount, Delaware State
Most people thought coming into this season that it would be a make-or-break year for Blount. The former WSSU head coach will wrap up his fourth season as DSU head coach on Saturday when his team faces Morgan State. DSU is currently 2-9 and on a four-game losing streak. Blount is 16-28 in four seasons at Delaware State.
THIS. SEAT. IS. ON. FIRE!!!
Harold Jackson, Jackson State
It seems nearly impossible that he’s at the top of this list. After all, Johnson was hired as JSU head coach just over 11 months ago. The JSU alum and former NFL player got off to a 2-0 start this season, then things went downhill from there. Jackson has gone 2-7 since then, including a five-game losing streak through the middle of the season. Things got so bad that after a homecoming loss to Mississippi Valley, someone started a petition to have the coach removed.