Some college basketball coaches will fight for a championship in March. Others fight to keep their jobs. The 2025 season has put various head coaches on the hot chair, with frustration of fan frustration and athletic directors who weigh their options. From Underwhelming -records to programgagnation, these five coaches are on their way to their conference tournaments under a serious pressure.
1. Kyle Neptune – Villanova Wildcats
2024–2025 Record: 18–13 General, 11-9 in Big East Play
Why he is on the hot chair:
Neptune stepped in big shoes after the departure of Jay Wright and inherited a program with a rich tradition of success. Under his leadership, however, Villanova has difficulty retaining his elitestatus. This season, the Wildcats placed a record of 18–13, with a Subpar 11-9 conference performance, which led to worries about the direction of the program.
The inconsistency of the wildcats, especially in narrow games, has been a point of discussion. Fans who are used to deep NCAA -Tournooiruns are now confronted with the possibility of missing the tournament for the second consecutive year. If Villanova has no significant impact on the upcoming Big East tournament, the term of office of Neptune could be in danger.
2. Hubert Davis – North Carolina Tar Heels
2024–2025 Record: 20–12 General, 13–7 in Acc Play
Why he is on the hot chair:
Davis led the Tar Heels to the national championship game in 2022, but the following seasons were less impressive. This year’s record of 20-12, although respectable, is short of the elevated expectations of North Carolina. A record of 13–7 conference places them in the middle of the ACC package and raises questions about the process of the program under Davis.
Critics point to inconsistent performance and a perceived lack of players’ development. Now that the ACC tournament is approaching, a strong show is crucial for Davis to re -confirm his position and to suppress the growing doubts under the Tar Alle Faithful.
3. Rodney Terry – Texas Longhorns
2024–2025 Record: 17–14 General, 6-12 in Big 12 Play
Why he is on the hot chair:
After a commendable run to the Elite Eight as an interim coach in 2023, Terry got the reins full-time. However, the Longhorns have struggled since then and ended this season with a record of 17-14 and a disappointing 6-12 Mark in Big 12 competition.
The attacking struggles of the team, in combination with defensive, have been fierce. Recruitment efforts still have to translate into success on the field, which leads to speculation about the future of Terry. Without a deep conference tournament -Run can wear administrative patience thin.
4. Fran McCaffery – Iowa Hawkeyes
2024–2025 Record: 16–15 General, 7–13 in Big Ten Play
Why he is on the hot chair:
The long term of office of McCaffery in Iowa has seen moderate success, but the 16-15 record of this season and a 7-13 conference that was shown are disappointing. The defensive shortcomings of the Hawkeyes have been maintained and offensive inconsistencies have further hindered their performance.
Fan frustration is increasing, especially with the lack of important late season performance. The upcoming Big Ten tournament offers a chance for repayment, but another early exit could lead to discussions about the future direction of the program.
5. Jeff Capel – Pittsburgh Panthers
2024–2025 Record: 17-14 General, 8-12 in Acc Play
Why he is on the hot chair:
Capel led the Panthers to the NCAA tournament last season, but supporting that success has been a challenge. The record of 17-14 this year, with a .400 conference performance, has been underwhelming for a program that strives for higher ambitions.
Inconsistency has plagued the team, with impressive victories followed by enigmatic defeats. While the ACC tournament is looming, Capel’s ability to lead Pittsburgh to a deep run will be crucial in determining his viability in the long term as head coach.
