The coaching changes in college football began early in 2025 with UCLA dismissing DeShaun Foster and Virginia Tech parting ways with Brent Pry after both teams started 0-3 as of September 14. In the latest hiring cycle, 32 FBS teams sought new head coaches. Over the past three years, 93 head coaching changes have occurred, reflecting increasing pressure on coaches to deliver quick results, especially as programs invest heavily in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to enhance their rosters. If trends continue, the coaching carousel might resume its spin before the first month of the new season concludes.
Here are five coaches on the hot seat as the 2026 season unfolds:
1. Lincoln Riley, USC
In May, USC’s athletic director Jennifer Cohen expressed her expectation for the Trojans to reach the College Football Playoff this season. Lincoln Riley, who signed a 10-year, $110 million contract with USC before the 2022 season, was hired to elevate the team to national championship contention. Previously, Riley led Oklahoma to three playoff appearances in five years. His tenure at USC stands at 35-18 with his best performance in 2022, when USC ended 11-3 and quarterback Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy. However, the Trojans have not reached 10 wins since.
2. Mike Norvell, Florida State
Florida State showed promise last season by defeating Alabama 31-17 in the opening week. However, after a 3-0 start, FSU lost four consecutive games, finishing 5-7, yet an improvement from their 2-10 record in 2024. Despite being on the hot seat last year, Norvell returned for 2026 reportedly due to his buyout clause. With a 38-34 record at FSU, including a peak 13-1 season in 2023, his future is uncertain. Their College Football Playoff exclusion in 2023 was attributed to an injury to their quarterback, Jordan Travis. This season’s outlook for FSU is not strong, risking an early dismissal for Norvell.
3. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
Luke Fickell’s performance at Wisconsin has not met expectations since his hiring before the 2022 bowl game. His reputation was solid following a successful term at Cincinnati, which included a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021 and a New Year’s Six game the prior year. Fickell’s record at Wisconsin is 17-21, with only one winning season. After a 4-8 finish in 2025, athletic director Chris McIntosh highlighted intentions to support Fickell with better resources for recruitment and retention. Improvement is imperative for Wisconsin to maintain confidence in Fickell’s leadership.
4. Shane Beamer, South Carolina
South Carolina presents a challenge within the SEC. A 9-4 season in 2024 was a success, yet it was surrounded by less favorable results: 5-7 in 2023 and 4-8 (1-7 within the SEC) in 2025. With a 33-30 record over five years, Beamer now faces pressure to lead a successful season with quarterback LaNorris Sellers at the helm. Another losing season may spur South Carolina to seek new leadership.
5. Dave Aranda, Baylor
After steering Baylor to a top-tier season with a Big 12 title and Sugar Bowl win in 2021, Dave Aranda’s subsequent seasons have been mixed, resulting in a 36-37 overall record across six years. Following a 5-7 outcome in 2025, Baylor must compete strongly in a reshaped Big 12 minus Texas and Oklahoma. Aranda’s decision to recruit former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway adds anticipation, making this season crucial for his continuance at Baylor.
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