NCAA Basketball: 15 head coaches on early hot seat for 2020-21 season

12. Chris Collins (Northwestern)

There are multiple reasons why Collins will probably retain his job even if things don’t greatly improve for the Wildcats, but let’s look at the whole situation. Northwestern joined a reloading Nebraska team in the Big Ten basement this season, but how much of that blame falls onto Collins?

Northwestern made their very first trip to the NCAA Tournament back in 2017 under Collins, but a lot can happen in three years. The former Duke assistant got this team into the Dance and seized a first-round win, but has lacked the ability to build a consistent program. In the three years since the Wildcats have won just 13 Big Ten games and watched the talent on the roster diminish with each season. The offense was a real struggle, battling a Big Ten that was tougher maybe than it’s ever been. Nobody expects Northwestern to compete for an NCAA Tournament bid anytime soon.

However, should this mean the end for Collins? He did get this program to the promised land and will certainly be given plenty of leeway in the future. Predecessor Bill Carmody lasted thirteen years without a single Tourney bid, while Collins is about to begin his eighth season in Evanston. This Northwestern team should certainly be improved next year, but another year in the Big Ten cellar certainly won’t help Collins cool down his seat.