This week at FootballScoop we're taking a look at on-the-bubble coaches across every conference, starting with the ACC.
That could be on-the-bubble good, as in moving to a Power 5 job, or on-the-bubble bad, as in losing your job completely. This being the American, we'll find more of the first group than the second.
Movin' On Up
Scott Frost, Central Florida
Tenure: 12-7, 8-4 AAC
This year: 6-0, 4-0 AAC
Many of the same players that didn't win a single game two years ago may very well not lose a game this fall. UCF has been far and away the best team in Group of 5 thus far, as a 31-21 win at Navy is the closest thing the Knights have come to being challenged. Frost will have his choice of jobs this offseason, or he could display the same patience that got him the Central Florida job in the first place. The world is Frost's oyster right now: having his pick of the jobs this winter, or biding his time in Orlando while he waits for the job to open.
Mike Norvell, Memphis
Tenure: 14-6, 8-4 AAC
This year: 6-1, 3-1 AAC
Norvell inherited a good program from Justin Fuente and put his own spin on it. Memphis has lost only at Central Florida so far this year, and beat UCLA at home. Norvell is an offensive guy, but a 17-0 comeback at Houston shows his coaching acumen extends well beyond simply slinging the ball across the yard. With multiple SEC West openings likely, Norvell is in a great spot.
Chad Morris, SMU
Tenure: 12-19, 6-13 AAC
This year: 5-2, 2-1 AAC
Look at it this way: Morris put up 36 points on TCU, more than Oklahoma State and more than West Virginia. The schedule gets very tough in November, with a home game against No. 18 UCF and then back-to-back trips to Navy and No. 24 Memphis, but the program has progress to a point where the Mustangs shouldn't get swept in that 3-game swing. The Ponies' first bowl game since 2012 looks all but certain.
Biding His Time
Ken Niumatalolo, Navy
Tenure: 82-44, 17-4 AAC
This year: 5-2, 3-2 AAC
How much does BYU regret not pulling Kenny out of Annapolis two winters ago? Come to think of it, what's stopping them from trying again. The program is in a serious rut right now and, considering Niumatalolo's Polynesian heritage and his Mormon faith, there isn't a more perfect coach for BYU than him. In the meantime, Niumatalolo is a made man. At 52, he's a decade into a job that he's clearly figured out. He can either keep racking up wins in Annapolis until he decides to hang 'em up, or he can wait it out until the right job comes along.
Just Holding On
Scottie Montgomery, East Carolina
Tenure: 5-15, 2-10 AAC
This year: 2-6, 1-3 AAC
ECU AD Jeff Compher released a "stay with us, please" statement last week, but that won't suffice for official statements this season. Montgomery did beat BYU 33-17 on Saturday, but BYU may be the worst- or second-worst team in FBS this season.
What on Earth is Happening?
Philip Montgomery, Tulsa
Tenure: 18-16, 10-10 AAC
This year: 2-6, 1-3 AAC
Two months ago I'd have bet the farm Montgomery would be in that first group. Tulsa finished last season 10-3, falling at Ohio State, by seven at Houston and by two at Navy; this was a team that averaged 46.3 points over its final seven games. The offense has dropped from sixth to 42nd in scoring, but the defense has plummeted from 49th to 129th in yards per play allowed.