Pandemic puts first-year football coaches in deeper bind
FILE - In this Dec. 18, 2019, file photo, Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin discusses the team's signing class during a press conference at the Manning Center in Oxford, Miss. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The ensuring national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for next season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something from the ground up. (Bruce Newman/The Oxford Eagle via AP, File)/

FILE - In this Dec. 18, 2019, file photo, Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin discusses the team's signing class during a press conference at the Manning Center in Oxford, Miss. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The ensuring national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for next season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something from the ground up. (Bruce Newman/The Oxford Eagle via AP, File)/

Apr. 10, 2020 09:10 AM EDT
FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 file photo, Arkansas' Sam Pittman watches his players run off the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Fayetteville, Ark. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for the 2020-21 season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something new from the ground up. (AP Photo/Samantha Baker, File)

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 file photo, Arkansas' Sam Pittman watches his players run off the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Fayetteville, Ark. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for the 2020-21 season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something new from the ground up. (AP Photo/Samantha Baker, File)

Apr. 10, 2020 09:09 AM EDT
FILE - In this Dec. 3, 2019, file photo, Washington NCAA college football defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake speaks during a news conference about taking over the head coaching position, in Seattle. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The ensuring national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for next season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something from the ground up. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 3, 2019, file photo, Washington NCAA college football defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake speaks during a news conference about taking over the head coaching position, in Seattle. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The ensuring national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for next season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something from the ground up. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Apr. 10, 2020 09:09 AM EDT
FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2020, file photo, Baylor's new head football coach Dave Aranda addresses the media during an NCAA college football news conference in Waco, Texas. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The ensuring national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for next season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something from the ground up. (Jerry Larson/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2020, file photo, Baylor's new head football coach Dave Aranda addresses the media during an NCAA college football news conference in Waco, Texas. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The ensuring national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for next season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something from the ground up. (Jerry Larson/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP, File)

Apr. 10, 2020 09:10 AM EDT
FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, file photo, Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich walks the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Boise State, in Boise, Idaho. Nick Rolovich dived right in when Washington State hired him in January. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for the 2020-21 season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something new from the ground up. (AP Photo/Steve Conner, File)

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, file photo, Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich walks the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Boise State, in Boise, Idaho. Nick Rolovich dived right in when Washington State hired him in January. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for the 2020-21 season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something new from the ground up. (AP Photo/Steve Conner, File)

Apr. 10, 2020 09:09 AM EDT