Flames Licking at Their Heels: What Coaches are on the Dreaded Hot Seat?
By Cam Newton
Craig Robinson – Oregon State
Dec 18, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Craig Robinson cheers on his team against Towson Tigers in the second half at Gill Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Craig Robinson is President Obama’s brother-in-law, but it looks like not even an executive order could save this Oregon State Beavers Coach (I’ll see myself out for that terrible joke). Currently in his 6th season with the Beavers, Robinson has been familiar with three postseason appearances, all of which being the CBI. At the moment, Robinson holds an 85-94 record and has had only one winning season in his time in Corvallis.
Not only has Oregon State had lackluster success in non-conference play (being upset by Coppin State in the season opener and losing to perennial cellar dweller DePaul), but this season could certainly get even more out of hand for Robinson once conference play starts, as the PAC-12 is finally getting back to being a premier conference after having a few down seasons. With two undefeated teams remaining in the PAC-12, making a total of 7 who have 10 wins already, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the Beavers were able to muster only 1 or 2 conference wins, which would more than likely come from an equally weak Washington State team.
The main thing that I could see keeping Robinson around for at least one more season is his recruiting. Next season, Robinson has three recruits coming in, one of which is a four star center named Isaiah Manderson. I still don’t think it will be done though, because Robinson’s top three scorers are all seniors. If he can’t win with an older team, the talent he’s bringing in won’t matter.