No matter where you coach in college football, Year 3 is pivotal. Why so? Because Year 3 is the year that you no longer have any excuses.
Seventy-five percent or more of the roster has been recruited and signed by you. You have had time to install your coaches, your system, and instill your vision. No longer can someone say that you are winning with someone else’s players (for the most part), and you have had more than enough time to learn the ins and outs of your particular program.
If you are not successful in Year 3, then you are to blame.