In the high-pressure world of NCAA Men’s Basketball, the success or failure of a team often falls on the shoulders of the head coach. The 2023-2024 season has been no exception, with several teams underperforming and their coaches facing intense scrutiny. Here, we delve into five head coaches who are speculated to be on the brink of losing their jobs due to disappointing team performances.
Top 5 NCAA Coaches on the Brink of Losing Their Jobs
Larry Stewart at Coppin State: A Rocky Start
Larry Stewart, in his first season as the head coach of Coppin State, has found himself in a challenging situation. Despite his history as a player for Coppin State from 1988 to 1991, Stewart’s tenure as head coach has been marked by a troubling 2-14 record.
The Eagles have struggled to score, leading to two seven-game losing streaks. With conference games just beginning, Stewart has a narrow window to turn things around and avoid potential dismissal.
New Mexico State’s Jason Hooten: A Struggle for Consistency
Jason Hooten’s inaugural season with New Mexico State has been a mixed bag. The Aggies hold a disappointing 8-10 record in the NCAA tournament, with struggles on the offensive front.
While their regular-season performance has been underwhelming, a slightly better conference record offers a glimmer of hope. Hooten faces the challenge of harnessing this momentum to secure his position and elevate the team’s performance.
Juwan Howard’s Controversial Season with Michigan Wolverines
Juwan Howard, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, has been embroiled in controversy. His absence due to heart surgery and rumored conflicts, coupled with anger management issues, has overshadowed the team’s performance.
With the Wolverines holding a dismal 7-11 record and Howard’s coaching ability under question, the management may reconsider his role unless there’s a significant turnaround.
If EA dropped NCAA Basketball 25, who would be on the cover? pic.twitter.com/skgmOczvHj
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) January 19, 2024
Kenny Payne’s Louisville Cardinals: A Campaign of Complications
Kenny Payne’s tenure with the Louisville Cardinals has been fraught with difficulties. Despite being relatively new to the role, Payne’s team has failed to make a significant impact, reflected in their 6-11 record and mounting fan frustration. The team’s loss to long-term rivals, the Kentucky Wildcats, has only intensified the pressure on Payne to deliver results.
Marvin Menzies’ Struggles at Kansas City
Marvin Menzies, appointed as the head coach of Kansas City in 2022, hasn’t managed to steer the team to success. The Roos’ 7-12 record and low conference win rate have put Menzies in a precarious position. With expectations high based on his extensive experience, Menzies needs to leverage his skills to turn the team’s fortunes around and secure his job.
