I agree with Zoogs. He gets 4 seasons before ant rumblings at all. This enables him to get his recruits in, all with the same vision and mission. It will enable him to completely install his system with depth and experience.
I also think that he is allegedly installing a new offensive scheme, a new defensive scheme and its his first year in the B1G. I look at how Bo had to adjust.
On the plus side, our O should be potent and allowed us to win 9 last season. If Banker can get our D to only slow down the run, that's good for at least one more win. We have two tougher OOC games in BYU and Miami that could cause some issues, making this years first few games harder than last years schedule IMO. The same cast of characters again in Wisky, Iowa and Minnie. I also think that just the experience of this staff is good enough for an additional win. Riley was also able to coach his guys up for the big games looking at his record at OSU he seemed to
I truly don't see us falling below the 9 win season set by Bo. If we do, it will be year 1 as the staff tries to figure out the B1G. It might be advantageous to us as well as teams try to figure out a competent (experienced) staff from top to bottom.
With Riley's positive attitude and likable personality, the wheels would have to completely fall off the cart for him to be in jeopardy of getting let go. Even if he turns in some 8 win seasons. I am impressed with the recruiting thus far as he appears to a) do a great job holding the class together and b) seems to be getting some highly rated recruits in next years class. Recruiting, paired with experience is a winning combination. So far, Riley is doing well in the tangibles that build success.
Looking back on Bo's tenure. He won in spite of his short comings. Poor recruiting (misses and lack of production), a staff that had little to no experience and no real bond with the fans, administration, former players or media. All of this hurt him. You can only motivate with the us against them mentality before it wears you down.