Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of college football coaching!
The Coaching Carousel Spins Faster Than Ever!
In a shocking turn of events, college football is witnessing its most active coaching shuffle in years. By the end of September, a whopping nine Power 4 programs were on the hunt for new head coaches for the 2026 season, with three more firings after Week 7 adding fuel to the fire.
This whirlwind of activity is a stark contrast to the historically slow 2024-25 hiring cycle, where schools held back, waiting to see the impact of the $20 million budget boost for athletes post-House v. NCAA settlement. But now, with the revenue-sharing system in place, the focus is back on coaching changes, and we're here to rank the hottest open head-coaching jobs in college football.
Our Ranking Criteria: A Coach's Dream or Nightmare?
Our ranking considers the chances of a coach succeeding at each program. We're talking about a delicate balance between a program's potential and its recent track record. It's not just about the coach's salary or the quality of life; it's about finding the right fit where a coach believes they can win. This list is a coach's perspective, and it will evolve as jobs open and close throughout the fall.
1. Penn State: A Top-Tier Opportunity
Penn State is the cream of the crop, with a rich tradition, deep pockets, top-notch facilities, and a supportive environment. It's a top-15 job in college football, and the Nittany Lions are serious about taking that next step. With a $45 million payout to part ways with James Franklin after a CFP semifinal appearance, Penn State is leaving no stone unturned.
Franklin deserves credit for bringing Penn State back to the top, winning consistently, but falling short in the big games. He also pushed the program to modernize, demanding better facilities and more funding. The school could go for established head coaches from the Big Ten or take a bold leap of faith. Jobs like Penn State's don't open up often, and with the right alignment on revenue sharing and NIL, this search could be a game-changer.
2. Arkansas: An SEC Challenge
Arkansas presents a unique challenge in the SEC. With limited in-state talent and a remote location, the Razorbacks have struggled to keep up with their competition in terms of coach and player salaries. Their lone Top 25 finish in 2021 under Sam Pittman was a bright spot, but since then, losing seasons have outnumbered bowl appearances. Arkansas hasn't won a conference championship since 1989 or played in the SEC Championship Game since 2006.
However, it's an SEC job, which carries weight in the eyes of coaching candidates. Being the only Power 4 program in the state also has its advantages. The school needs a coach who can convince boosters to invest in better football talent while maximizing the current roster's potential. Despite the challenges, the ceiling for Arkansas could be higher than many realize.
3. UCLA: The SoCal Advantage
UCLA has long been a dream destination, but the reality hasn't always lived up to the hype. The Bruins haven't won a conference championship since 1998 and haven't seen a 10-win season in over a decade. Fan apathy is evident in the attendance figures at the Rose Bowl, and the athletic department's financial troubles are mounting, with a cumulative deficit of over $200 million in the last five years.
But being a Big Ten job in Southern California gives UCLA an edge. While not all Big Ten jobs are superior to ACC or Big 12 jobs, UCLA's potential is undeniable. The school needs a coach who can set up a strong recruiting operation in California, excite the fans and donors, and deliver annual bowl appearances with the occasional 10-win season.
4. Oklahoma State: A Texas Pipeline
Oklahoma State's recent struggles under Mike Gundy were a surprise, but the Cowboys still played in the Big 12 championship in 2021 and 2023, winning the Fiesta Bowl in 2021. Their 18-consecutive bowl game streak ended last season. However, the program's all-time record was sub-.500 before Gundy's tenure.
With a pipeline to Texas for talent and a winnable Big 12 conference, Oklahoma State should be a top-third job in the league, offering a clear path to the College Football Playoff. The school's leadership needs to increase its financial investment, and the program must meet expectations of regularly competing for a Big 12 championship.
5. Virginia Tech: A Tough ACC Battle
Under Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech played for a national championship in 1999 and won at least 10 games 13 times between 1995 and 2011. But those glory days are long gone, and it's unclear if they can be revived. Dominating recruiting in the Hampton Roads region and finding hidden gems, as Beamer did, is much harder now.
The program has been underfunded and understaffed compared to other ACC teams for a long time. Athletic director Whit Babcock proposed a significant budget increase, but the source of funding is unclear. The location also poses challenges for recruiting.
Virginia Tech needs a coach who can develop talent effectively and compete to reach the ACC Championship Game, which the Hokies last played in 2016.
6. Stanford: A Tough Road Ahead
Stanford had its moments, winning at least 10 games five times between 2010 and 2016. But those days are behind them, with no wins above four since 2018. The NIL and portal era has limited Stanford's potential. General manager Andrew Luck is all-in, but he's never run a football program before. Will he give the next coach the freedom to lead?
Stanford's move to the ACC, with reduced conference payouts after the Pac-12's collapse, adds to the challenges. The school needs a coach who can do more with less, maximizing player development. The expectation should be regular bowl game appearances.
7. Oregon State: A Pac-12 Comeback Story
Oregon State won 10 games just three seasons ago but was left behind during conference realignment. The job has always been difficult, located in an area with limited talent. However, the Beavers have decent facilities and NIL support, and the reconstructed Pac-12 next year offers a chance to contend again. The expectation is to compete in the new league, mostly made up of current Mountain West schools, with bowl games within reach.
8. UAB: A Feel-Good Story Gone Sour
UAB was college football's feel-good story, with the community bringing the program back in 2017 after a shutdown in 2014. Coach Bill Clark led the Blazers to 43 wins in the first five seasons, but health issues forced his resignation. The school's decision to hire Trent Dilfer over interim head coach Bryant Vincent backfired, with a 9-21 record, including 0-15 in road games.
UAB has a new stadium, a nice football building, and a good location. Financially, they lag behind their American Conference peers, but the upside is still there.
9. Kent State: The Toughest Job in the Country
On the field, Kent State is the worst job in college football. The Golden Flashes were the only winless team in the FBS last season, and coach Kenni Burns was fired during the offseason due to issues with a booster's loan and his use of a school credit card. In mid-October, they finally beat an FBS opponent for the first time since 2022.
Kent State's history is bleak, with just four winning seasons since 1988, including the four-game season in 2020. Despite being the alma mater of coaching legends like Nick Saban, Lou Holtz, and Gary Pinkel, Kent State has struggled to find success. Former coach Sean Lewis turned things around from 2019 to '22, but he left for an assistant job at Colorado, and key players transferred out. Playing in the MAC provides some hope, but it's an uphill battle in the FBS.
And there you have it!
These open head-coaching jobs in college football offer a mix of challenges and opportunities. From Penn State's top-tier status to Kent State's uphill climb, each program presents a unique story. Which job do you think will be the most attractive to coaches? And which program do you think will make the biggest turnaround? Let's discuss in the comments!
