Welcome back to the in-depth analysis of the Big Ten Head Coach Hot Seat Index. As the season progresses, the coaching situations in the conference continue to evolve. Week 12 brought a mix of results, with some coaches facing more pressure while others held their ground.

Unraveling the Fates of Big Ten Head Coaches

Scorching: Ryan Walters (Purdue)

It is becoming increasingly evident that Walters' tenure at Purdue is on the line. Reports suggest that a loss to Michigan State this week could lead to his removal before the regular season finale against Indiana. The current state of Purdue's performance is dire, leaving them with no other option but to make a change. The pressure on Walters is mounting, and it remains to be seen if he can turn things around.There is a sense of urgency surrounding Purdue's situation. The team has struggled to find consistency and has failed to meet the expectations set for them. With each passing game, the likelihood of Walters being retained as the coach diminishes. It is a critical time for Purdue, and they need to make a decision that will ensure the future success of the program.

Hot: Lincoln Riley (USC), Sherrone Moore (Michigan)

Riley's Trojans achieved a significant victory over Nebraska last Saturday, but it came in a dramatic and controversial manner. Nonetheless, any win is crucial at this stage for USC. His decision to bench Miller Moss in favor of Jayden Maiava paid off handsomely, as Maiava passed for three touchdowns and added another on the ground. However, Riley still has one more game to win in order to qualify for a bowl.Moore's Wolverines had a bye week, but their recent two-game losing streak has raised concerns. As defending national champions, a 5-5 record is unacceptable for a program of Michigan's caliber. If Moore can manage to defeat Ohio State in the regular season finale, it could significantly shift public opinion of him. The pressure is on Moore to turn things around and restore Michigan's winning ways.

Warm: Mike Locksley (Maryland), DeShaun Foster (UCLA)

Locksley and Maryland suffered a home loss to Rutgers on Saturday. This defeat makes it highly unlikely that the Terrapins will make it to a bowl game, considering they have to win their final two games, including one against Penn State. A coaching tenure that fails to lead a team to the postseason is a cause for concern. Maryland needs to find a way to turn things around and regain their competitive edge.Foster and the Bruins saw their three-game winning streak come to an end with a 31-19 loss to Washington. However, the Bruins have shown signs of improvement in the second half of the season and have managed to ease the pressure on Foster. If Foster can win his final two games, it will further enhance his standing and give the Bruins a chance to end the season on a high note.

Room Temperature: Greg Schiano (Rutgers), P.J. Fleck (Minnesota), David Braun (Northwestern), Matt Rhule (Nebraska), Kirk Ferentz (Iowa), James Franklin (Penn State), Bret Bielema (Illinois)

Schiano and Rutgers have won two games in a row, improving their record to 6-4. They face a tough challenge in their final two games, against Illinois and Michigan State. Finishing the regular season with an 8-4 record would be a significant achievement for a program that is not accustomed to such success. Schiano has led Rutgers to some positive results, and they will be looking to build on this momentum.Fleck's Golden Gophers had a week off, so there was no change in their position on the index. Braun and Northwestern were beaten soundly by Ohio State, as the Wildcats struggled to contain the Buckeyes' offense. Northwestern was not expected to be competitive in this game, and the result was not a surprise. The team will need to regroup and work on their performance for the remainder of the season.Rhule and the Huskers have been struggling in recent weeks. After a promising start to the season at 5-1, they have lost four games in a row and are now in danger of missing a bowl game again. Nebraska needs to find a way to turn things around and win one of their remaining games. Despite the challenges, the program's future looks bright with true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola at the helm.Ferentz's Hawkeyes had a bye week, while Franklin and Bielema secured easy victories. Penn State is in a great position to secure an at-large playoff bid with a 11-1 record, but questions still remain about their ability to win big games. Bielema and Illinois dominated Michigan State, winning 38-16 and having a surprisingly successful season.

Ice Cold: Dan Lanning (Oregon), Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Ryan Day (Ohio State), Jonathan Smith (Michigan State), Luke Fickell (Wisconsin), Jedd Fisch (Washington)

These coaches find themselves in a relatively comfortable position on the index. Lanning, Day, and Cignetti lead playoff-contending teams that are also in a strong position to compete for the Big Ten title. The Hoosiers will face a tough test this week when they travel to Columbus to face Ohio State. If Indiana cannot compete with the Buckeyes, their playoff hopes may be dashed. However, Cignetti's recent contract extension gives him some security for the time being.Smith and Michigan State were beaten by Illinois, bringing their record to 4-6. It is only his first season, so he has some leeway to experience losses as he builds the program. Fickell and Wisconsin came close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the season but fell short in a 16-13 loss to Oregon. They then made a decision to fire their offensive coordinator. Fickell has had a challenging season but has handled it with dignity. Fisch and the Huskies improved to 6-5 and earned a bowl appearance in their first season, which has been a mix of highs and lows.The Big Ten Head Coach Hot Seat Index will continue to fluctuate as the season progresses. Some coaches will face more intense pressure, while others may see their situations stabilize. Stay tuned for the next update to see how the coaching landscape in the Big Ten unfolds.