With some new faces, and six PAC-12 teams finishing in the top 25, there aren’t many coaches on the hot seat. But, there is a pair that are feeling (at least some) heat.
Jedd Fisch (Arizona) Warmish: The only reason why Jedd Fisch is included on this list is that he hasn’t gotten to a bowl game in his first two years. If 2023 results in another below .500 year, there is a chance he may be fired. However, Arizona saw a great improvement in 2022, and I expect them to make a bowl this upcoming year.
Justin Wilcox (Cal) Hot: This is a different situation. Going into his 7th season with Cal, Justin Wilcox has made only two bowl games. The Golden Bears have posted a 10-18 record over the past 3 seasons, and change might be warranted in Berkeley. The tricky part is that in 2022 Cal signed Wilcox to a contract extension that runs until 2027. The buyout is just under 4 million, which isn’t terrible, but I’m not sure why he received the extension in the first place with the Bears trending down. The good news is that Cal returns a solid group on defense, and if the offense can take a step forward there is a possibility of success in 2023. 7 wins should definitely save Wilcox’s job, but another losing season will have him out at California.
