College Football’s 2025 Coaching Carousel: Firings, Openings, and the Next Wave of Hires

A Season of Change

The 2025 college football season has been one of the most turbulent in recent memory — not just on the field, but on the sidelines. Powerhouses like LSU, Florida, and Penn State are all searching for new leadership, while historic programs such as Virginia Tech and Arkansas have joined the nationwide reset.

What began as a few early dismissals has evolved into a full-scale coaching carousel, with over a dozen FBS jobs open before November. From Baton Rouge to Blacksburg, athletic directors are facing high-stakes decisions that could shape their programs for the next decade.

Below is a detailed look at each major firing, what led to it, the current program outlook, and realistic predictions for the next head coach.

12. Brent Pry — Virginia Tech

Fired: September 14
 Record: 16–24 (four seasons)

After another slow start capped by a loss to Old Dominion, Virginia Tech parted ways with Brent Pry. Despite genuine defensive improvement and stronger recruiting ties, the Hokies never found consistency on offense.

Program Outlook:
 Virginia Tech is investing nearly $230 million in athletic facilities, signaling a strong commitment to returning to national relevance. With a loyal fanbase and a manageable ACC path, the right hire could spark a resurgence.

Prediction: Jon Sumrall (Tulane HC) or Jamey Chadwell (Liberty HC) both have deep Southern and Virginia connections, making them ideal to restore Tech’s blue-collar identity.

11. DeShaun Foster — UCLA

Fired: September 14
 Record: 5–10 (two seasons)

Foster’s promotion from within was heartfelt but premature. UCLA’s move to the Big Ten exposed glaring weaknesses in recruiting and quarterback play.

Program Outlook:
 The Bruins offer elite geography, massive NIL potential, and Los Angeles glamour — but fan engagement and institutional investment must rise to compete nationally.

Prediction: Ryan Grubb (Alabama OC) or Mike Gundy (former Oklahoma State HC) offensive-minded hires who could modernize the Bruins’ attack and reignite fan enthusiasm.

10. Mike Gundy — Oklahoma State

Fired: September 23
 Record: 170–90 (21 seasons)

The Mike Gundy era ended not with scandal but with stagnation. Despite historic consistency, Oklahoma State struggled to adapt to NIL and transfer portal realities.

Program Outlook:
 Stillwater remains one of the Big 12’s most stable jobs — strong facilities, loyal fans, and consistent resources.

Prediction: Collin Klein (Texas A&M OC) or Zac Robinson (Atlanta Falcons OC) are both young, energetic offensive minds who could refresh OSU’s identity while keeping its tradition of stability.

9. Sam Pittman — Arkansas

Fired: September 28
 Record: 32–34 (six seasons)

A beloved figure and recruiting ace, Pittman’s enthusiasm could not overcome the grind of the SEC West. Arkansas struggled to sustain early momentum amid the arrivals of Texas and Oklahoma.

Program Outlook:
 Top-tier facilities and unmatched fan passion define this job, but the Razorbacks face a brutal schedule annually.

Prediction: Willie Fritz (Houston HC) or Garrett Riley (Clemson OC) disciplined, offensive innovators who could make Arkansas a consistent Top 25 program.

8. Trent Dilfer — UAB

Fired: October 12
 Record: 9–21 (three seasons)

Dilfer’s fiery demeanor created headlines but few victories. His NFL pedigree did not translate to AAC success.

Program Outlook:
 With upgraded facilities and a strong local recruiting base, UAB has solid long-term potential.

Prediction: Dell McGee (Georgia State HC) — a proven recruiter with SEC roots who can stabilize and rebuild the program.

7. Trent Bray — Oregon State

Fired: October 12
 Record: 5–14 (two seasons)

Bray inherited chaos after Jonathan Smith’s exit and the Pac-12’s collapse. The Beavers competed hard but could not overcome realignment uncertainty.

Program Outlook:
 OSU boasts an enthusiastic fanbase and significant facility upgrades, but its future conference affiliation is still key.

Prediction: Alex Grinch (UCF DC) or Brent Vigen (Montana State HC) both bring West Coast recruiting connections and proven tactical acumen.

6.  Hugh Freeze—Auburn 

Fired: October 20
 Record: 14–12 (three seasons)

Auburn’s latest coaching chapter ended much like several before it — flashes of promise buried under inconsistency. Hugh Freeze brought early offensive momentum but did not deliver against top-tier SEC competition, going winless versus Alabama and Georgia. With growing booster impatience and another underwhelming start, the Tigers decided to hit the reset button again.

Program Outlook:
 Auburn is still one of college football’s most fascinating paradoxes — a program with championship-level resources, fan passion, and a deep recruiting base, yet one of the sport’s most demanding and volatile environments. The next coach must navigate powerful boosters, the SEC’s toughest division, and sky-high expectations from day one. With elite NIL infrastructure and some of the nation’s best facilities, success is both expected and attainable.

Prediction: Mike Norvell (Florida State HC) or James Franklin (former Penn State HC) — Norvell’s offensive creativity and SEC familiarity make him an ideal fit if Auburn can lure him from Tallahassee. Franklin, meanwhile, is viewed as one of the best defensive minds in the nation — a potential long-term stabilizer for a chaotic program.

5. Stanford — Open Following Departure of Troy Taylor

Fired/Resigned: October 21
 Record: 8–16 (two seasons)

Troy Taylor’s innovative offense never quite took hold on The Farm. Stanford’s challenges — academic restrictions, portal limitations, and NIL caution — made competing in the post–Pac-12 era increasingly difficult. With the university re-evaluating its athletic direction amid realignment, both sides mutually agreed to part ways.

Program Outlook:
 Stanford is still one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, with elite academics and top-tier facilities. However, the school’s recruiting restrictions and slow NIL adaptation have made it a uniquely challenging job. The Cardinal need a coach who can balance intellectual rigor with modern player management — someone who embraces Stanford’s identity rather than resists it.

Prediction: David Shaw (former Stanford HC) or Andy Ludwig (Utah OC) Shaw’s name still carries immense respect within the program, and a return is not impossible if administrative priorities align. Ludwig would bring disciplined, power-based football and strong recruiting ties across the West, aligning with Stanford’s traditional blueprint.

4. James Franklin — Penn State

Fired: October 12
 Record: 104–45 (12 seasons)

Franklin stabilized Penn State but fell short of playoff contention. Consistent 10-win seasons could not offset repeated losses to Ohio State and Michigan.

Program Outlook:
 A Big Ten powerhouse with top five facilities and national recruiting reach, Penn State stays one of the most attractive jobs in the country.

Prediction: Dan Mullen (UNLV HC) or Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame HC, if available) — both proven leaders capable of maximizing elite talent.

3. Jay Norvell — Colorado State

Fired: October 19
 Record: 18–26 (four seasons)

Despite offensive flashes, Norvell’s teams lacked consistency. CSU’s entry into the restructured Pac-12 raised expectations he could not meet.

Program Outlook:
 Modern facilities and strong backing make CSU an appealing Group of Five-to-Power jump candidate.

Prediction: Sean Lewis (Colorado OC) local familiarity and proven offensive vision make him the natural choice.

2. Billy Napier — Florida

Fired: October 19
 Record: 22–23 (four seasons)

Despite strong recruiting, Napier’s Gators never found offensive rhythm. Another losing streak in SEC play sealed his fate.

Program Outlook:
 Florida boasts top-tier resources, a massive recruiting base, and SEC tradition — but patience is short.

Prediction: Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss HC) or Brian Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles pass game coordinator) — offensive innovators capable of reviving “The Swamp” with flair and results.

1. Brian Kelly — LSU

Fired: October 26
 Record: 34–14 (four seasons)

Kelly won plenty but never captured LSU’s 2019-level dominance. Cultural disconnect and defensive regression led to an early exit.

Program Outlook:
 Arguably the best job in college football — elite NIL support, in-state recruiting dominance, and national championship expectations every season.

Prediction: Dan Lanning (Oregon HC) or Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills OC) both proven recruiters and program builders, aligning perfectly with LSU’s championship DNA.

Ranking the Open Jobs (2025–26 Cycle)

Final Word: The New Era of College Football

The 2025 coaching carousel encapsulates modern college football — rapid turnover, NIL-fueled competition, and zero tolerance for mediocrity.

Programs like LSU, Florida, and Penn State are chasing playoff contention, while rebuilds like Virginia Tech and Arkansas aim to rediscover their identity.

As the sport transitions into a 12-team playoff era, one truth stays constant:

The right hire can change everything — and the wrong one can set a program back years.

Buckle up. The offseason chaos has just begun.