Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson

With the news of Memphis coach Tommy West and Western Kentucky coach David Elson being fired this morning, it’s time to look at some other non-AQ coaches that might be on the chopping block during the final month of the season.

This isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s part of the game.

WORRIED

Mike Sanford, UNLV (4-6, 2-4 MWC): There has been grumblings about Sanford’s departure since last season and if he doesn’t win out and go to a bowl those rumors might become a reality. Winning out won’t be easy with games against a tough Air Force team and a San Diego State squad that’s been playing well of late.

J.D. Brookhart, Akron (2-7, 1-4 MAC): Brookhart led Akron to a MAC championship in 2005, but the team hasn’t won more than five games in any season since. There were off-field problems this season that led to the dismissal of the starting quarterback and an assistant coach. Brookhart needed to show progress this season and the Zips have regressed.

Todd Dodge, North Texas (2-7, 1-5 Sun Belt): After the first game of the season, it looked like UNT might find a way to turn its fortunes around. That optimism was short-lived. Dodge, who came from the high school ranks, has struggled in his first collegiate stint with just five wins in his three seasons. The Mean Green have been more competitive this season, but nowhere near where they thought Dodge could take them when he was hired.

MODERATELY WORRIED

Mike Price, UTEP (3-6, 2-3 C-USA): Price won eight games each of his first two seasons with the program and hasn’t been that successful since. This was supposed to be the year the Miners turned it around, but they would have to win out to become bowl eligible. Price’s saving grace might be wins against Houston and Tulsa, but I’m not sure how much time that will buy him.

Mike Locksley, New Mexico (0-9, 0-5 MWC): Normally, a first-year coach wouldn’t be on this list, but Locksley’s off-field problems coupled by the on-field issues could be a recipe for termination. I don’t think Locksley will be fired for going winless this season (if the Lobos go winless). It’s the off-field transgressions that might put New Mexico in a bind, especially if they’re dealing with a lawsuit from a former assistant coach. It’s a lot of baggage for a first season.

Steve Roberts, Arkansas State (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt): There’s no doubt that the expectations for the Red Wolves were high this season and the team has fallen quite short. Roberts hasn’t finished better than third in the conference since winning it in 2005, but he has done some good things with this team. Roberts should be around at least another year, but he’s got to compete for a conference title in 2010.

FAN WISHFUL THINKING

George O’Leary, UCF (5-4, 3-2 C-USA): While fans have been clamoring for O’Leary’s firing, I think the Knights are going to do enough to make a bowl and keep O’Leary’s job safe for yet another season. The Knights have shown some fight in conference this year. There are two winnable games remaining on the schedule, though this week’s game against Houston could be trouble.

Dick Tomey, San Jose State (1-7, 0-4 WAC): This has been a bad season for San Jose State, no doubt, but this is the same team that won six games a year ago and probably should have gone to a bowl game. The problem for the Spartans is that they don’t have the offense to keep up with the rest of the WAC. Subsequently, the defense has struggled from being on the field too long. Tomey’s a good coach, but he needs to bring in some offensive firepower to get this team back into the win column in 2010.

Greg McMackin, Hawaii (1-5, 3-6 WAC): McMackin didn’t do himself any favors with his preseason comments about Notre Dame, but what’s transpired on the field can’t all fall on him. The Warriors have dealt with multiple key injuries this season and were young to begin with. Yes, a lot of people thought this team would be better, but sometimes stuff just happens. McMackin coached Hawaii to a decent season a year ago and it can still be a top WAC team in the future.