The 2026 college football coaching carousel has accelerated after NC State and Baylor fired their longtime head coaches on consecutive days, creating three FBS openings heading into Halloween weekend. Several other programs are being closely monitored as the season enters its final stretch.
USC
Speculation surrounds Lincoln Riley's future at USC following a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin and a previous defeat to Oregon. Industry sources believe it is increasingly likely the Trojans will have a different head coach by 2027. USC athletic director Jen Cohen did not hire Riley, and his buyout is believed to be around $70 million. Riley has publicly stated his commitment to the program, saying, "I love it here. I've told you guys many times. There's not many people in college football history who gave up what I gave up to come here."
Florida State
Mike Norvell's status remains uncertain. Some industry sources believe he could retain his job into 2027 if he wins games down the stretch, starting against Clemson. A 4-1 finish yielding seven total wins might be enough. However, Florida State lacks a permanent athletic director and faces a $50 million buyout. President Richard McCullough said the athletic director search is expected to begin soon.
Rutgers
Despite external speculation, multiple industry sources indicate Greg Schiano's job is less likely to open than perceived. His $17 million-plus buyout is a significant burden for an athletic department that faced a $78 million deficit in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Rutgers is 2-5 with a difficult remaining schedule including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.
TCU
Sonny Dykes, who signed a contract extension in April, is under pressure after a 1-4 start against Power Four opponents. The Horned Frogs have lost four winnable games by a combined 20 points. While some believe Dykes is safe after back-to-back nine-win seasons, frustrated boosters point to the lack of championship success since the 2022 national title game run. A recent change in university leadership adds another variable.
South Carolina
Shane Beamer appears secure after wins over top-20 teams 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, and the recent streak makes that easier.
Colorado
First-year athletic director Fernando Lovo may consider a change, with New Mexico's Jason Eck a potential target. However, the school is not positioned to pay Deion Sanders' more than $25 million buyout. Sanders is 3-12 in his last 15 games with two Power Four wins over the past two seasons.
Michigan
Industry sources whisper that Michigan could re-enter the coaching market for a second consecutive cycle. Athletic director Warde Manuel is departing, and first-year coach Kyle Whittingham, 66, was viewed as a bridge hire. The Wolverines are 4-3 with games against Oregon, UCLA, and Ohio State remaining. 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 and Syracuse
Bill O'Brien's hot seat has cooled at Boston College (4-3), though a tough remaining schedule looms. Syracuse's Fran Brown is 6-13 after a 10-3 start in Year 1; an overtime win over North Carolina provided temporary relief, but pressure persists under new athletic director Bryan Blair.
Group of Six
Several Group of Six programs face uncertainty: UTEP's Scotty Walden is 6-25 with high coordinator turnover; Sam Houston fired Phil Longo and will soon lose its athletic director; Charlotte's Tim Albin is 2-17; Tulane's Will Hall is 3-4 in his first year after the program missed on other candidates. Akron, New Mexico State, and Louisiana-Monroe are also being monitored.
