The college football coaching landscape is continuously evolving, and as the 2025 season progresses, several programs are facing tough decisions about their leadership. With the recent departure of Brian Kelly from LSU and a surge of coaching changes throughout college football, the implications of these shifts are felt across numerous universities. Currently, a record number of 12 FBS programs have made coaching changes by late October, signaling a tumultuous season for coaches and their respective teams.
The Coaches on the Hot Seat
Luke Fickell — Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s recent performance, marked by a 21-7 loss to Oregon, raises significant concerns about Fickell’s future. The Badgers’ current 2-6 record does not reflect the program’s rich history of competitive football. Many speculate that his fate will largely depend on whether the athletic department is willing to absorb a buyout.Mike Norvell — Florida State
Following a promising start to the season, Florida State has spiraled, losing four consecutive games after initially beating Alabama. This shift has dulled the enthusiasm surrounding Norvell’s leadership, prompting concerns from administration about the financial implications of another high-profile coaching change.Bill O’Brien — Boston College
With seven consecutive losses, including a recent defeat against Louisville, O’Brien’s position is tenuous. The upcoming schedule—against formidable opponents like Notre Dame—could further jeopardize his standing with the administration.Jeff Choate — Nevada
After a dismal 1-7 record and a six-game losing streak, Choate’s tenure at Nevada is in jeopardy. The impending bye week presents a prime opportunity for an administrative review, and many anticipate a decision before Halloween.Jeff Lebby — Mississippi State
Under Lebby, the Bulldogs have struggled with fourth-quarter collapses, leading to an unfortunate 0-12 record in SEC play. A lack of improvement and consistency raises doubts about his capacity to lead the team effectively.Jonathan Smith — Michigan State
With a disappointing 3-11 record in Big Ten play so far, enthusiasm in East Lansing is fading. While Twin Cities rivalries might bolster attendance, performance results remain a major concern, potentially leading to changes in leadership.Mark Stoops — Kentucky
The Wildcats are grappling with a 2-5 record and ten consecutive SEC losses that have chipped away at Stoops’ early career credibility. Upcoming games against tough opponents make it challenging for the program to salvage its season.Derek Mason — Middle Tennessee State
Mason’s record of 1-6 and 4-15 over two seasons reflects unmet expectations from the program’s leadership. With a tough schedule ahead, administrative patience may wear thin.Greg Schiano — Rutgers
Schiano’s return to Rutgers has not yielded the stability expected. His dismal Big Ten record of 14-36 raises concerns about recruiting and on-field performance, particularly as whispers of financial opportunities in the NYC area arise.Scotty Walden — UTEP
Walden’s team needs a significant turnaround to quell rising dissatisfaction. As the Miners prepare to match up against Kennesaw State, this game presents a critical moment for their season that could impact Walden’s future.Dave Doeren — NC State
In his 13th year, Doeren’s record, while respectable at 91-69, hasn’t delivered the success fans hope for. With a hefty buyout and tepid momentum, a change at the top may occur if the decision-makers seek a fresh approach.- Bill Belichick — North Carolina
The famed NFL coach has shown flickers of promise with a recent close game against Virginia. However, after starting strong but faltering, the novelty of his coaching style may be wearing off, leaving expectations high for the upcoming match with Syracuse.
Additional Coaches to Monitor
In addition to the 12 coaches listed, five more names are drawing attention:
- Major Applewhite — South Alabama
- Deion Sanders — Colorado
- Dell McGee — Georgia State
- Shane Beamer — South Carolina
- Thomas Hammock — Northern Illinois
As the season progresses, the pressure on these coaches will only intensify, particularly as programs evaluate their performances leading up to rivalry weekend and bowl season. The landscape suggests that coaching decisions in college football are not solely based on wins and losses; they reflect the broader ambitions and financial realities of collegiate athletics.
Conclusion
The fate of college football coaches often hinges on a blend of performance, recruiting prowess, and financial backing from their institutions. As teams head into the final stretch of the season, the possibility of further job changes looms ominously. Many programs seek to revitalize their trajectories through new leadership, emphasizing a continuous cycle of evaluation and change within the sport. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fans, administrators, and aspiring coaches alike.
The question remains: which of these coaches will retain their positions beyond December, and which will be seeking new opportunities as the demand for success becomes more urgent in the ever-competitive college football world?
