As we head into the 2026 college football season, anticipation and uncertainty are everywhere. Several head coaches are feeling the pressure, knowing they need results or they might be shown the door.
The offseason was wild—32 programs went for new leadership. Still, a few coaches survived, but their futures look shaky at best.
This post takes a look at which head coaches are most at risk of being fired after 2026, ranking them from warm to absolutely scorching hot seats. For the full list and more details, check out the original source.
Dabo Swinney: Clemson
Career Record with School: 187-53
2025 Record: 7-6
Dabo Swinney’s legendary run at Clemson has hit a wall. The Tigers’ 2025 season was supposed to be a bounce-back, but they just didn’t deliver.
Swinney’s got two national titles and a stack of ACC trophies, but lately, folks are starting to wonder if he’s keeping up with the times. His future at Clemson? It’s up in the air, honestly.
Challenges Ahead
Swinney’s been stubborn about adapting to new trends in college football. Some fans still give him the benefit of the doubt, but 2026 might be his last shot to prove he’s still the guy.
Jay Sawvel: Wyoming
Career Record with School: 7-17
2025 Record: 4-8
Jay Sawvel stepped in after Craig Bohl’s strong run, but it’s been rough. A 4-8 finish in 2025 didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
He’s got to get Wyoming back in a bowl game or expectations are going to catch up with him fast.
Resource Constraints
Wyoming just doesn’t have the resources some bigger schools do. Sawvel has to get creative and find a way to keep his roster competitive if he wants to stick around.
Bill Belichick: North Carolina
Career Record with School: 4-8
2025 Record: 4-8
North Carolina made a bold move, grabbing Bill Belichick after Mack Brown. But wow, year one was a flop at 4-8.
Belichick’s NFL résumé is legendary, but college football’s a different beast. He’s got to show real progress in 2026 or this experiment might end fast.
High Stakes
His name alone won’t save him. If Belichick can’t make it work this season, UNC may look for someone else to lead the charge.
Derek Mason: Middle Tennessee
Career Record with School: 6-18
2025 Record: 3-9
Derek Mason took over in 2024, but it’s been a rocky transition. Back-to-back 3-9 seasons have fans restless and looking for answers.
Recruiting and on-field results just haven’t come together yet, and the pressure’s mounting.
Recruitment Woes
Mason’s recruiting has been underwhelming compared to the rest of Conference USA. He’s got to turn it around in 2026 or he could be back to coordinating defenses somewhere else.
Luke Fickell: Wisconsin
Career Record with School: 17-21
2025 Record: 4-8
Luke Fickell was once the hot name after taking Cincinnati to the Playoff, but his Wisconsin run has been disappointing. The win totals keep dropping.
It’s a bit of a surprise he’s still here, but the school’s planning to invest more in football. This is probably his last shot.
Last Chance
Fickell needs to make the most of those new resources. If things don’t improve, he’ll probably be out.
Bill O’Brien: Boston College
Career Record with School: 9-16
2025 Record: 2-10
Bill O’Brien’s seat is burning hot. After a promising 2024, Boston College fell apart in 2025, and fans are losing patience.
His Penn State days feel like ancient history with the defense struggling this much.
Defensive Struggles
O’Brien’s got to fix that defense and get more out of his roster. If he can’t, his time at BC will be short-lived.
Shane Beamer: South Carolina
Career Record with School: 33-30
2025 Record: 4-8
Shane Beamer’s coming off a rough year. Expectations are high with a veteran roster and some new coaching hires.
The Gamecocks probably need eight wins for Beamer to feel safe.
Strategic Upgrades
Bringing in Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator should help QB LaNorris Sellers. Beamer’s got to make these changes count in 2026.
Mike Locksley: Maryland
Career Record with School: 37-49
2025 Record: 4-8
Mike Locksley’s run at Maryland has been up and down. Two solid years, then two tough ones.
Malik Washington at quarterback gives him a glimmer of hope, but Locksley needs a bowl game this year to keep his job.
Quarterback Hope
Washington’s development is everything for Maryland right now. Locksley has to lean on his young QB and find a spark.
Dave Aranda: Baylor
Career Record with School: 36-37
2025 Record: 5-7
Dave Aranda’s 2021 season was magical, but it’s been mostly disappointment since. The defense, which should be his strength, was a mess in 2025.
The leash is short—he needs a big turnaround.
Defensive Expectations
If Aranda can’t get the defense fixed and rack up some wins, Baylor will probably move on. It’s a huge year for him.
Mike Norvell: Florida State
Career Record with School: 38-34
2025 Record: 5-7
Mike Norvell’s hanging by a thread. Florida State’s been spiraling since missing the Playoff in 2023, and it hasn’t gotten better.
Another rough season could be the end of the road for him in Tallahassee.
Financial Constraints
The only thing really keeping Norvell around right now is Florida State’s reluctance to pay his buyout.
He needs to show a major turnaround in 2026 if he wants to stick around.
For a full rundown of head coaches feeling the heat in 2026, check out the full rankings.
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