College Football Coaches on the Hot Seat for 2026
The coaching carousel began early in 2025 when both UCLA and Virginia Tech dismissed their head coaches after 0-3 starts by September 14. In total, 32 FBS teams had vacancies in this hiring cycle. This trend is becoming more common, with 93 head coaching changes taking place over the past three years. As programs invest heavily in NIL deals to enhance their rosters, the pressure for coaches to deliver immediate success is intensifying. The possibility of changes before the first month of the football season ends looms large.
Here are five coaches who find themselves on the hot seat as we enter the 2026 season:
1. Lincoln Riley, USC
USC’s athletic director, Jennifer Cohen, expressed expectations for the Trojans to reach the College Football Playoff this season. Riley, who signed a 10-year contract worth $110 million before the 2022 season, had previously led Oklahoma to three CFP appearances in five years. He aimed to revive USC’s national championship hopes. In his tenure in Los Angeles, Riley holds a 35-18 record, with his best season being 2022 when the team finished 11-3 and Caleb Williams secured the Heisman Trophy. However, the Trojans haven’t achieved a 10-win season since then.
2. Mike Norvell, Florida State
Florida State started well last season, defeating Alabama 31-17 in the opener. Despite a 3-0 start, they faltered with four consecutive losses, concluding with a 5-7 record. This was an improvement from their 2-10 finish in 2024. Norvell’s job security was questioned last year, with his buyout reportedly influencing his return for 2026. With an uncertain outlook this season, Norvell might be among the first coaches removed if results don’t improve. He has a 38-34 record at FSU, with his best season in 2023 when they finished 13-1, narrowly missing out on a CFP spot due to a quarterback injury.
3. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
Fans have not been impressed with Luke Fickell’s performance since he took charge at Wisconsin before their bowl game in 2022. Initially seen as a promising hire after leading Cincinnati to a CFP appearance in 2021, Fickell’s record at Wisconsin stands at 17-21, including only one winning season. With a disappointing 4-8 season in 2025, Athletic Director Chris McIntosh has affirmed the program’s commitment to Fickell for 2026, emphasizing enhanced investment in recruitment and retention. Improvements are crucial for maintaining confidence in Fickell’s program.
4. Shane Beamer, South Carolina
Coaching South Carolina in the SEC is challenging. A 9-4 season in 2024 was considered a success for the Gamecocks. However, it was surrounded by a 5-7 season in 2023 and a 4-8 record in 2025. Beamer’s tenure includes a 33-30 record over five years. With LaNorris Sellers leading at quarterback, there is potential for success this season. Another losing season could prompt the Gamecocks to seek a new direction.
5. Dave Aranda, Baylor
Aranda led Baylor to a remarkable 2021 season, capturing the Big 12 championship and winning the Sugar Bowl. Since then, he has posted only one winning season, accumulating a 36-37 overall record. After a 5-7 finish in 2025, there is pressure for Baylor to compete in the Big 12, which shed traditional powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma before 2024. Aranda has brought in DJ Lagway from Florida as quarterback, and Baylor’s performance this fall will likely determine Aranda’s future with the Bears.
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