Looks like 2012 & 13 were down (5-7 both seasons). It would be interesting to know if he made any changes in coaching staff or style of play after either season.Kyle Whittingham might be an interesting comparison. He took over a hot Utah team from Urban Meyer in 05 and saw a few 10 win seasons shortly after. They jumped to PAC 12 and took their lumps early on. Still he has seen fluctuations of 5, 6, 7 win lulls in between 8, 9, 10 win seasons. It happens.
I think the idea that coaches can’t pull out of the slide is because they often don’t get time to do it. One 5/6 win season is enough to get canned at the places like Florida, Auburn, etc.