List of college football coaches fired for inappropriate behavior

The world of college football, often revered for its displays of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, is not immune to the shadows of controversy. In recent years, several prominent coaches have faced termination due to their involvement in inappropriate behavior. From violations of university policies to instances of misconduct and moral turpitude, these incidents have not only rocked the foundations of their respective programs but have also sparked conversations about ethics and accountability within collegiate sports.

Clint Conque: Stephen F. Austin Head Coach

In June 2018, the reputation of the Stephen F. Austin football program was tarnished when head coach Clint Conque faced suspension following an investigation into alleged violations of university policy.

Bob Davie: New Mexico Head Coach

New Mexico's head coach Bob Davie faced a suspension without pay in February 2018 after the university probed allegations of obstruction of cases involving some of his players. Despite the suspension, Davie's absence was limited, with the timing strategically minimizing any significant impact, considering it occurred shortly after National Signing Day.

Turner Gill: Liberty Head Coach

Turner Gill, the head coach of Liberty University, encountered a setback in October 2016 when he and assistant Ron Brown each served separate one-game suspensions due to a secondary NCAA violation. While Gill retained his position, Brown ultimately departed for Nebraska, marking a consequential shift in the coaching staff.

Kyle Flood: Former Rutgers Head Coach

The fall from grace for former Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood unfolded in September 2015, with a suspension lasting three games and a hefty fine of $50,000. Flood's alleged involvement in discussions with a professor regarding a player's eligibility led to his eventual dismissal toward the end of the season, culminating in a tumultuous tenure that resulted in a mixed overall record of 27-24.

Bobby Petrino: Former Arkansas Head Coach

In 2012, the Arkansas Razorbacks were thrown into disarray when head coach Bobby Petrino was embroiled in controversy following a motorcycle accident involving athletic department employee Jessica Dorrell. The subsequent revelation of an "inappropriate relationship" with Dorrell led to Petrino's swift dismissal, though his coaching career saw subsequent chapters with stints at WKU and Louisville.

Dave Christensen: Former Wyoming Head Coach

Former Wyoming head coach Dave Christensen faced repercussions for a notorious outburst directed at Air Force coach Troy Calhoun, resulting in a one-game suspension in 2012. Christensen's resignation in 2013 marked the end of a coaching tenure that failed to achieve the desired results, concluding with a 27-35 record over five years before his eventual transition to the role of offensive line coach at Arizona State.

Jim Tressel: Former Ohio State Head Coach

In a high-profile case that reverberated through the collegiate sports world, former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel faced a five-game suspension in 2011 for his involvement in the cover-up of players selling memorabilia and tattoos. Tressel's subsequent resignation and a five-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA marked the end of his coaching career, leading to a new chapter as the president of Youngstown State University.

Gary Pinkel: Former Missouri Head Coach

The career of former Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel encountered turbulence in 2011 when he was suspended for one game following a DWI arrest, coupled with a year-long freeze on his salary. Despite weathering this storm and achieving further success with the program, Pinkel's retirement in 2015 due to lymphoma marked the poignant conclusion of a career defined by both triumphs and tribulations.

Mel Tucker: Michigan State University

The most recent addition to this ignominious list, Mel Tucker, faced termination from Michigan State University in a cloud of controversy surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct. Accusations from activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy detailed inappropriate behavior during a phone call, leading to a formal complaint with the university's Title IX office in December 2022. Despite an investigation that initially resulted in no immediate consequences, the publication of Tracy's allegations in September 2023 prompted Tucker's suspension and eventual firing for actions deemed to disgrace the institution and breach his contract.

The narrative of college football coaches being fired for inappropriate behavior serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and ethical standards within the realm of collegiate sports. These incidents not only underscore the need for stringent policies and robust oversight but also highlight the significant impact that the actions of coaching figures can have on the reputation and culture of the programs they lead.