And here are our five most-secure coaches in the conference:
5. Steve Addazio, Boston College: He has a pair of seven win seasons in his first two years on the job. By comparison, the Eagles won a two-year total of six games before he arrived. His infectious personality has breathed life into the program.
4. Dabo Swinney, Clemson: The Tigers look good on paper this year. If they don’t live up to expectations, grumbling may start, but he’s a couple of sub-par years away from a hot seat.
3. Pat Narduzzi, Pitt: In his first year on the job, as long as Narduzzi doesn’t lie on his resume or punch the chancellor, he should be safe, no matter what happens.
2. Jimbo Fisher, Florida State: The 2013 national title helped Fisher become a made man in Tallahassee.
1. David Cutcliffe, Duke: If Cutcliffe isn’t careful, and the team slips to two or three losing seasons in a row, they may not name the field after him when he retires.