Other college hoops hot seats

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Good morning! You made it to the weekend. Today’s Daily is written by Tristan Freeman. Follow him on X.com/Twitter @hoopsnut351.

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1. Coaches who are on the hot seat in 2025-26

Billy Lange decided to leave St. Joe’s ahead of what was expected to be a trying season. He’d been with the Hawks six seasons and never made the Big Dance. That’s hot seat material.

His replacement, Steve Donahue, isn’t in the same boat. Probably. But several others will be feeling the heat this season. Here are five to monitor.

Matt McMahon, LSU

He went to three NCAA Tournaments in his last five seasons at Murray State, but, McMahon has struggled at LSU. He’s just 14-40 in three years in conference play, and finished last two of those seasons. He stands as the SEC coach most likely to be looking for work next season — though one can empathize with trying to win in an uber-competitive league like that.

Hubert Davis, North Carolina

I wrote about the Heels last week, about how Davis — despite a national championship appearance and an ACC title on his resume — made big moves this spring and summer for a big season. The inconsistencies throughout his UNC tenure haven’t endeared him to fans. This is year five. He needs a great season.

Bobby Hurley, Arizona State

The Sun Devils had two 5-star prospects last year … and finished just 4-16 in the Big 12. With just three NCAAT appearances in 10 years (and no wins) and a roster that appears devoid of high-major talent, Hurley and ASU could be due to part ways soon. This isn’t the first time he’s entered a season with that hanging over his head.

Red Autry, Syracuse

It’s rough following in the footsteps of legendary head coaches. Autry is 34-31 in two seasons and has finished 80th and 115th in KenPom. He’s got a talented roster, which includes the offspring of a Syracuse legend. If they finish below .500 again, that’s a problem. It might even be a problem if they don’t make the Big Dance.

Wes Miller, Cincinnati

Miller was once viewed as a future candidate for North Carolina. Forget UNC. After four seasons at Cincy and no postseason appearances, he may not even be the Bearcats’ coach of the future. Throw in the sudden departure of leading scorer Jizzle James, and both Miller and the Bearcats could be in trouble this year.

Steve Pikiell, Rutgers

After nine years, a case could be made that he’s overachieved expectations with the Scarlet Knights. However, after missing the NCAA Tournament despite having two NBA Draft picks on your roster (Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper), a case can be made that it may be time for the program to make a change. A bottom-tier finish could justify it.

Steve Forbes, Wake Forest

Wake Forest has zero NCAA Tournament appearances in Forbes’ five seasons and that’s usually because it’s been on the wrong side of the bubble in each of the last four years. Does his job status depend on finally getting Wake back to the Big Dance?

2. Notes from the Big East schedule release

The Big East announced its full schedule for the 2025-26 season, with plenty of notable must-see matchups. Here’s a rundown of what you can’t miss.

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