The 2026 college football coaching carousel, initially expected to be quiet, has gained momentum with NC State and Baylor firing their head coaches on consecutive days, bringing the number of FBS openings to three heading into Halloween weekend. Several other high-profile programs are being monitored as the season enters its final stretch.
USC
Lincoln Riley's future at USC is the most intriguing storyline. After a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin, pressure has mounted on Riley, who has a reported $70 million buyout. Industry sources believe USC will likely have a different head coach by 2027. Athletic director Jen Cohen did not hire Riley. Riley stated Tuesday, "I love it here... There's not many people in college football history who gave up what I gave up to come here."
Florida State
Mike Norvell remains on the hot seat. Florida State lacks a permanent athletic director, and Norvell carries a $50 million buyout. Some within the program believe institutional issues are to blame. Norvell needs a strong finish, starting against Clemson; a 4-1 record to reach seven wins could secure his return in 2027. President Richard McCullough said the athletic director search is expected to begin soon.
Rutgers
Greg Schiano's job appears less likely to open despite speculation. His $17 million-plus buyout is burdensome for an athletic department facing a $78 million deficit in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Rutgers is 2-5 with a tough remaining schedule including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.
TCU
Sonny Dykes, who signed an extension in April, is under fire after a 1-4 start against Power Four opponents, with four losses by a combined 20 points. Boosters are frustrated by the lack of championship success since the 2022 national title game run. A recent change in chancellor — Victor Boschini Jr. returning after Daniel Pullin's resignation — adds uncertainty; Boschini helped hire Dykes but also moved on from Gary Patterson in 2021.
South Carolina
Shane Beamer has cooled his hot seat with wins over top-20 Florida and Tennessee. The Gamecocks are 4-3 and could finish with seven to nine wins. South Carolina has historically avoided buyouts exceeding $22 million.
Colorado
First-year athletic director Fernando Lovo may consider a change, with New Mexico's Jason Eck a potential target. However, Colorado faces a more than $25 million buyout to fire Deion Sanders, who is 3-12 in his last 15 games with only two Power Four wins over two seasons. A negotiated settlement is unclear.
Michigan
Industry sources whisper that Michigan could re-enter the coaching market for a second straight cycle. Athletic director Warde Manuel is departing, and first-year coach Kyle Whittingham, 66, was viewed as a bridge hire. Whittingham is 4-3 with losses in three of four games; a 6-6 finish is possible with Oregon, UCLA, and Ohio State remaining. Michigan has hired Turnkey ZRG for the AD search but hasn't ruled out a coaching change. One source said, "I think they know this isn't the long term. It's just do you rip it up after one year?"
Boston College
Bill O'Brien's hot seat talk has cooled after a 4-3 start, though a difficult remaining schedule includes Duke, Florida State, Notre Dame, Miami, and Syracuse. The administration acknowledges the program was under-resourced in 2025 when O'Brien went 2-10.
Syracuse
Fran Brown started 10-3 in Year 1 but is 6-13 since. An overtime win over North Carolina provided temporary relief, but pressure remains with new athletic director Bryan Blair in place.
Group of Six
Several Group of Six programs are also in flux: UTEP's Scotty Walden is 6-25 overall (1-6 in Year 3) with six coordinator changes in three seasons; Sam Houston fired Phil Longo while seeking their first FBS win and face an AD retirement; Charlotte's Tim Albin is 2-17; Tulane's Will Hall is 3-4 in his first year after the program missed on Blake Baker and Jason Candle. Akron, New Mexico State, and Louisiana-Monroe are also being monitored.
