Jeff GoodmanESPN Insider
These rankings go in descending order, from least to most stable. Keep in mind that stability is not solely determined by whether a program will want to part ways with its head coach if there are perceived failings; often, success will make it difficult, if not impossible, for a program to keep a coach from leaving for a seemingly better job. Here is the breakdown of each ACC coaching situation.
Jim Christian, Boston College Eagles
Third season, 20-44
It hasn't been a pretty start to the Christian regime in Chestnut Hill, but in all fairness he didn't inherit a ton from the Steve Donahue era. Christian's contract runs through 2019 (he inked a five-year deal when he was hired in 2014), and his future could ultimately be linked to that of athletic director Brad Bates -- who also hired football coach Steve Addazio. The Christian-Addazio duo didn't win a single ACC game this past season. BC is a difficult job, but Christian needs to make progress -- and quickly.
Leonard Hamilton, Florida State Seminoles
15th season, 278-178
It was a little surprising to see Hamilton receive a two-year extension this past year, but his deal had only one year left on it so the administration needed to make a decision one way or the other -- especially for recruiting purposes. Hamilton, the youngest-looking 67-year-old I've ever met, hasn't been to the NCAA tournament since 2012, but he continues to bring in high-level talent to Tallahassee. This coming season, one in which he'll have more than enough talent to get back to the tournament, could determine his fate.
Brad Brownell, Clemson Tigers
Seventh season, 107-87
This is a tough one to evaluate. Clemson is obviously a football school, and that's ultimately what matters. Brownell is considered a terrific X's and O's guy, but the question is whether he can recruit at a high enough level. He went to the NCAA tournament in his first season (with Oliver Purnell's players) but hasn't returned since. He signed a new deal in 2014 that runs through 2020, but there's still some pressure on Brownell to get back to the tournament.
Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Orange
41st season, 988-346
If Boeheim sticks to the plan, one he made public in March 2015, he will retire after two more seasons. Boeheim is 71, and is an institution at Syracuse. The question is whether he would want to go beyond the two years, and whether anyone would stand in his way if he tried to put off retirement. His good friend, soon-to-be-former ESPN executive John Wildhack, was recently hired as the athletic director. The good news for 'Cuse fans is that there's already a plan in place with assistant Mike Hopkins pegged as the coach-in-waiting when Boeheim does retire.
Danny Manning, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Third season, 24-38
Manning didn't inherit much from a Jeff Bzdelik regime that was 17-51 in the ACC in four seasons. Not much was expected the first two years from Manning, and not much has been delivered -- with a 24-38 overall mark and a 7-29 league record. Now Manning, whose current deal runs through 2019, will need to start to turn things around. If he doesn't make progress in the next couple of years, the fans will start to get restless -- as was the case with Bzdelik.
Roy Williams, North Carolina Tar Heels
14th season, 365-108
Williams nearly cut down the nets this past April, but it has been a tough go of late. He has dealt with the academic scandal in Chapel Hill, and also health issues (vertigo and also knee problems). It doesn't look as if he'll get hit hard at all when the NCAA announces the UNC penalties, and if that's the case, he might go a few more years. Then again, the 65-year-old could retire sooner and it wouldn't shock anyone.
Rick Pitino, Louisville Cardinals
16th season, 391-134
This is a difficult one without knowing exactly what the NCAA has dug up and been able to prove from the stripper/escort scandal. Pitino is under contract through 2026, and AD Tom Jurich has been in his corner through a pair of major scandals. But Pitino is 63 and could still bolt elsewhere, retire or be forced out depending on what comes from the NCAA folks. Then again, if he gets through this unscathed, he could remain in Louisville until he's 70 and it wouldn't be shocking.
