Coaching status reports: ACC
There are six Saturdays between now and the end of the regular season. If the season were a game, we'd be nearing the end of the third quarter and headed toward the fourth. In other words, if the season were condensed into a single game, we'd be barreling toward Winning Time. It's when plays need to be made to either erase a deficit or turn a late lead into a victory. Mistakes that were costly earlier become fatal now.
It's through that lens that we'll view the following coaches that could either work their way into new jobs, hang on to their current one or, if things break the wrong way, lose their jobs.
We'll start with the ACC.
Movin' on Up
Dave Doeren, NC State
Tenure: 31-27, 13-23 ACC
This year: 6-1, 4-0 ACC
Doeren has won between six and seven regular season games for the past three seasons, but has a chance to break through this season. As we sit today, NC State is a legitimate College Football Playoff contender with a No. 14 AP ranking and games against No. 9 Notre Dame and No. 7 Clemson in the next two weeks. Win those, and Doeren should be in the ACC Championship at 11-1.
Dino Babers, Syracuse
Tenure: 8-12, 2-6 ACC
This year: 8-12, 4-8 ACC
Babers is more than his record, with a trip to the FCS quarterfinals at Eastern Illinois and a MAC championship at Bowling Green under his belt prior to his arrival at Syracuse. He's also the one coach in college football to run the Art Briles offense without any of the Briles stench. Babers grabbed attention with a win over Clemson two weeks ago, and pushed No. 8 Miami on the road on Saturday. Though trips to Florida State and Syracuse won't be easy, an 8-4 regular season is not out of the question.
Holding On
Steve Addazio, Boston College
Tenure: 28-31, 13-24 ACC
This year: 4-4, 2-3 ACC
Plenty of surprising things have happened this season, but BC's offensive explosion easily leads the list. After scoring a total of 47 points in their first four games against Power 5 competition, the Eagles erupted for 45 points in a win at Louisville and 41 in a win at Virginia. A resurgent club now returns home for important games against Florida State and No. 14 NC State before closing with Connecticut and Syracuse.
What on Earth is Happening?
Larry Fedora, North Carolina
Tenure: 41-32, 26-19 ACC
This year: 1-7, 0-5 ACC
In nine seasons as a head coach, Fedora has never posted a sub-.500 conference record. He may not win another game this year. A UNC program that was an onside kick and a Hail Mary from pushing Clemson to overtime in the ACC title game now has the ACC's worst team. North Carolina was bludgeoned 59-7 by No. 13 Virginia Tech on Saturday and has games with No. 8 Miami and No. 14 NC State ahead.
