Ranking the Power Five vacancies
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What happened: After a 58-0 loss to Clemson in October, the worst
in program history, Al Golden was fired. Interim coach Larry Scott is
2-1 coming off a 59-21 loss to North Carolina.
Recruiting: The Hurricanes are fourth in the ACC and No. 20 overall, slipping
after Golden's dismissal. Four-star wide receiver Ahmmon Richards was a big decommitment recently.
Overview: Golden finished 32-25 overall, 17-18 in ACC games and that was the issue -- the Hurricanes were largely irrelevant and had not regained national prominence during his tenure. The Miami job is near the top of this list because of great history and tradition and an established recruiting base, but game day atmosphere is average at best and with Florida and Florida State rolling there are built-in challenges. The next coach (a national search is expected) will need to keep local talent home and put Miami back on the national stage to
achieve success.
3
What happened: Steve Spurrier resigned after a 2-4 start and a 45-24 loss to
LSU. He goes out the winningest coach in Gamecocks history. Interim coach Shawn
Elliott is 1-3.
Recruiting: The Gamecocks are No. 12 in the SEC and ranked No. 43 overall.
Four-star defensive tackle Darius Whitfield committed to South Carolina after Spurrier stepped
down.
Overview: Spurrier did a phenomenal job in Columbia and there is nothing but
respect for turning that program into an SEC East contender. But it was time for
fresh blood in there, someone younger who could recruit better and that seems to
be the direction South Carolina is going. The SEC, the undying fan base and a
young, vibrant staff could turn the Gamecocks around. It's not easy, though,
with Clemson in-state and the dog-eat-dog recruiting of the SEC year-in and
year-out.
4
What happened: Longtime coach Frank Beamer announced that he will retire at the end of this season. Beamer has led the Hokies to 22 straight winning seasons and bowl game appearances, though the program has slipped of late. After eight straight years of double-digit wins, the Hokies are 27-22 the last four seasons.
Recruiting: The Hokies have the ninth-best class in the ACC and they're No. 50 overall. Virginia Tech's lone four-star in the class is Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy defensive back Khalil Ladler.
Overview: Beamer will always be remembered as a legend in Blacksburg, but there has been stagnation there and a new regime could spark the Hokies again. Whether that's Rich Rodriguez coming back to the area or the hiring of a young, hot name (there are plenty out there), Virginia Tech needs to have a more succinct recruiting plan and hit Florida more often among other hotbeds. Winning can be done there and a fresh approach might be the best thing even though it hurts to lose Beamer.
5
What happened: Gary Pinkel announced earlier this month that he will
retire after the season due to health reasons.
Recruiting: The Tigers have the second-worst recruiting class in the SEC ahead
of only Vanderbilt. Missouri is No. 46 overall with two four-star commitments.
Overview: By going to the SEC championship game in its first two seasons in the conference, Missouri has proven it can compete and be a winning program. That's the good news. The bad news is the SEC is so cutthroat
that each and every week is crucial and the competitiveness is off the charts. Pinkel did a great job in Columbia and the new coach -- whether the Tigers go young or with a veteran name -- will have success to build on but also an SEC East that could be getting a lot better.
6
What happened: Randy Edsall was fired in October after the Terrapins lost in three straight blowouts. Interim coach Mike Locksley is 0-4.
Recruiting: The Terrapins have the eighth-best recruiting class in the Big Ten and they're No. 38 overall. Maryland has four four-star commits, more than nine other conference teams.
Overview: Maryland gets mixed reviews. Money should not be a problem as Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank could flood the place with a lot of dough. The recruiting territory is rich and the Big Ten draw helps get top recruits. There are many issues, though. The Terrapins don't have much of a winning tradition to build on. Playing in the Big Ten is a murderer's row, too, especially in the Big Ten East Division, which is by far tougher.
7
What happened: Tim Beckman was fired a week before the season opener after allegations surfaced that he attempted to influence medical decisions and tried to have injured players play hurt. Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit took over as interim coach and is 5-5.
Recruiting: Illinois has the No. 12 recruiting class in the Big Ten and No. 54 overall. Its only four-star pledge is from O'Fallon, Ill., running back Kentrail Moran.
Overview: The best thing going for any new coach is that expectations cannot be too high, too early so he'll have a chance to build back the program his way and have ample time to get it done. The worst part is there is a lot of rebuilding to do and the Big Ten is an unforgiving conference. The Midwest is loaded with young, exciting coaches who could get things done in Champaign, the first being the hope that the Illini could return to some semblance of glory. The recruiting base isn't great, but there is some history within the program and that's a start.
Adam Gorney
National Recruiting Analyst
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