USC's spree of elite commitments felt like a reminder of the Pete Carroll

Many college football programs face pivotal seasons for various reasons and the same goes for coaches, a few still in their infancy at new programs while others watch their leashes continue to shorten. Massive buyouts tend to keep coaches employed longer than they should be at times, before boosters or decision-makers finally have seen enough and pull the plug.

In college football, job security changes on an annual basis. You're judged by how well you recruit and your win-loss record — and there's not much else that matters. Forward progress and staying nationally relevant are necessities if longevity is wanted.

Within the Power Five ranks, all of this is multiplied in the sizable TV revenue era. Coaches are paid to be successful, hire staffs that last and acquire talent leading to difference-making seasons. When this doesn't happen, they're placed under the microscope and each pending move is scrutinized. We're continuing that here.

Way too early 2023 college football bowl projection, playoff predictions

Here are five coaches within the Power Five ranks who need to show forward progress this season.