Another edition of the “Hot Seat Meter”, and this time we are diving into the Big Ten.
Ryan Day (Ohio State) Room Temperature: Let’s get this one out of the way first. Ryan Day is 45-6 at Ohio State, two of the losses coming in the College Football Playoff, and also has two Big Ten titles in that timeframe. Losing to Michigan back-to-back years does sting, but it’s the nature of the beast. Ohio State would be taking a heavy gamble if they moved on from Day, even if the Buckeyes fall to 9 wins with a loss to Michigan this upcoming year. Ryan Day’s seat isn’t warm, but it’s not exactly cool.
Mel Tucker (Michigan State) Getting Warm: It’s no secret that Mel Tucker received a massive contract at the end of the 2021 season that saw the Spartans finish the year 11-2 with a Peach Bowl win against ACC Champion Pitt. What might be concerning to fans is that sandwiching that big year is a combined record of 7-12. Tuck’s seat isn’t warm yet, but another subpar year and there might be “buyout” talks in East Lansing.
Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern): Warmer: Pat Fitzgerald turned Northwestern from the doormat of the Big Ten to a respected program in the conference. Unfortunately, the last few seasons have seen the Wildcats lose to FCS opponents, and are at the bottom of their division three out of the last five years. After 17 seasons things might be going stale in Evanston, but if history has taught us anything, you cant keep Coach Fitz’s Cats down for long.
Tom Allen (Indiana) Getting Hot: We all remember the Hoosiers run in 2020 finishing the year ranked 13th in the country. However, Tom Allen has four losing seasons in the last six years, and it’s not looking good for 2023. There is a ton of upperclassmen in the program right now, but if the Hoosiers don’t make a bowl game Tom Allen may be out at Bloomington.
Photo by MICHAEL HICKEY/GETTY
