Scott Satterfield is entering a pivotal season with the Cardinals.

Louisville went 6-7 last season, but left multiple potential wins on the table. Going into Year 4, Satterfield is 18-19 as Louisville’s head coach.

Depending on how this season goes, Satterfield could find himself on the hot seat. According to an anonymous ACC assistant coach, that’s the broader expectation going into 2022.

“It’s win-now time. Other than Georgia Tech, this is the job that people think is going to come open in the league,” the anonymous assistant told Athlon Sports. “You watch the coaching and player turnover stack up, and it seems like they’ve drifted from what made [Scott Satterfield] successful at Appalachian State.”

Satterfield’s contract runs through 2024 — he’s still on the original 6-year deal that he signed with the Cardinals prior to the 2019 season. The relatively short-term contract means it could be easier for the Cardinals to part ways with Satterfield, if they choose to do so.

There is reason for optimism in Louisville, however. Quarterback Malik Cunningham is back, as are key pieces like tight end Marshon Ford and linebacker Yasir Abdullah.

Louisville opens the 2022 season with Syracuse on Sept. 3.