ESPN Big East Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett

Occasionally this season, we'll check the temperature under the chairs of each Big East coach, ranking from hottest to coldest:

1. Greg Robinson, Syracuse.

Temperature: Blazing inferno.

If Robinson can't lead the Orange past Northeastern, he'll go down in flames.

2. Dave Wannstedt, Pittsburgh.

Temperature: Almost boiling.

Pitt fans are starting to lose patience especially after a disappointing start to what was sold as a promising season. Beating Iowa tomorrow would be a big help.

3. Bill Stewart, West Virginia.

Temperature: Warming.

Only in this current reactionary climate could a guy in his fourth game, one of which was a Fiesta Bowl victory, already be hearing calls for his head. But that's our society.

4. Steve Kragthorpe, Louisville.

Temperature: Falling.

Kragthorpe was facing more heat from fans after getting blasted in the opener by Kentucky, falling to 0-2 against his main rival. But Wednesday's win over Kansas State has brought more people on the bandwagon. And he still has unwavering support from athletic director Tom Jurich.

5. Greg Schiano, Rutgers.

Temperature: Above freezing.

It's crazy for anyone to suggest Schiano be fired since Rutgers would barely have a program without him. Then again, the last two years haven't gone very well in Piscataway, and there is some definite unrest from fans who quickly got used to winning.

6. Brian Kelly, Cincinnati.

Temperature: Sub-zero.

Maybe the best coach Cincinnati has had in 50 years. No concerns here.

7. Jim Leavitt, South Florida.

Temperature: Arctic.

Leavitt is South Florida's program. The only concern would be, the more he raises expectations, the more fan pressure will follow.

8. Randy Edsall, Connecticut.

Temperature: Dry ice.

Edsall might be the best overall coach in the Big East. And like Leavitt at USF, UConn would be nothing without him.