Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans have vastly underachieved this season

The Worst Coaching Jobs of 2023

Author:
Mike Farrell
Publish date:
Oct 26, 2023

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, I tackled the best coaching jobs this season in college football. Now it's time to take a look at the worst.

1. Lincoln Riley, USC

— He hasn’t fixed the defense and won’t go to the playoff with the best QB he’s ever had. He could be a glorified Offensive Coordinator.

Sep 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. — Sep 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Brian Kelly, LSU

— The defense is a disaster, and fans will cling to the fact he inherited a depleted roster, but things should be better on that end in year two, and they aren’t.

Sep 3, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; LSU head coach Brian Kelly talks to Kirk Herbstreit before the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium. — Sep 3, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; LSU head coach Brian Kelly talks to Kirk Herbstreit before the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium.
© Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

3. Mario Cristobal, Miami

— He has to make the list simply for blowing the Georgia Tech game. That was inexcusable and ruins an otherwise good season. We should be celebrating a 6-1 team; instead we are still shaking our heads at 5-2.

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Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Utah State Aggies during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Dec 1, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA;The jersey and helmet of injured UCF Knights quarterback McKenzie Milton sits on the team bench during the second half against the Memphis Tigers at Spectrum Stadium.

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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) lines up for a snap during the game against UTSA at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

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Oct 7, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal gestures in the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Hard Rock Stadium. — Oct 7, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal gestures in the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Hard Rock Stadium.
© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

4. Sam Pittman, Arkansas

— Things are getting very ugly at Arkansas, and firing Dan Enos is a sign that the heat is on. 2-6 overall and 0-5 in conference is terrible.

Oct 7, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman reacts to a referee after a penalty during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. — Oct 7, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman reacts to a referee after a penalty during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Shane Beamer, South Carolina

— The momentum of last year is completely dead, and 2-5 could end up 4-8 overall.

Oct 14, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer walks off the field following a loss to the Florida Gators at Williams-Brice Stadium. — Oct 14, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer walks off the field following a loss to the Florida Gators at Williams-Brice Stadium.
© Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

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