Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool

The Pool is getting more clear by the minute, which means we have a better picture at this point on who is likely to be fired as of now. That also means that we can kick off our annual feature of "As the Carousel Turns", as we can start to break down who may be available to replace our drowning victims. Here's this week's look at who is swimming for their lives...

Bill Blankenship, Tulsa
It is largely accepted around the nation that Blankenship is done at the end of the season. Tulsa has gone through a rough period with him in charge, and they are more than ready to move along. Expect this drowning to be official in a week or two.

Paul Rhoades, Iowa State
Many people feel that ISU simply does not have the cash to buy out Rhoades currently. I've also heard that they are trying to find the cash to make it happen as soon as possible. It may take another year to do so, but the reality is that, short of a miracle, Rhoades is done at Iowa State.

Kevin Wilson, Indiana
One can hardly blame a coach for injuries, and the Hoosiers have had their share. This season was supposed to be a turning point at IU, and that this has not happened is a major thorn in Bloomington. According to several sources, it's more likely than not at this point that Wilson does not survive another season.

Tim Beckman, Illinois
Overall, the Illini are not as bad as they were a year ago. This isn't saying much, because Illinois is still really awful for the most part. A 6-6 record may be enough, but I doubt it according to several sources. Beckman's days are numbered and the administration is already quietly putting out feelers.

Paul Haynes, Kent State
This job hasn't generated any chatter, but that hardly matters, as Kent State hasn't generated much buzz in the last 30 plus seasons. Haynes will not last, and his firing would come and go with hardly any notice or flair. It's about who comes in and replicated what Darrell Hazell was able to do in his short tenure.

Norm Chow, Hawaii
Chow is now 7-28 at Hawaii. They could pick up a win over UNLV this weekend, and that would be huge, but what Chow has seen under his watch is dreadful. This program loses about $400,000 per season, and attendance has fallen to almost 50% of what it was in 2007, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. UH needs a boost, and Chow isn't it. The June Jones rumors are swirling like mad.

Bobby Hauck, UNLV
Hauck is largely believed in the Las Vegas community to be gone, short of beating Hawaii and Nevada in the closing weeks. Most people in the media feel that Hauck is gone even if all of that happens. If he fails to win another game, this will be his fourth two win season at UNLV. Unacceptable.