Each college football season brings dramatic wins, heartbreaking losses, and, inevitably, coaching changes. As athletic departments chase championships, bowl eligibility, and recruiting dominance, head coaches often carry the burden when expectations fall short. This season has been no exception, with numerous programs deciding to make leadership changes in pursuit of better results.
TLDR: A significant number of college football coaches have been fired this season across the FBS and FCS levels, with the majority coming from programs struggling to meet expectations. Performance issues, recruiting setbacks, and financial pressures have fueled these decisions. While some firings were midseason moves, others followed disappointing finishes. Coaching turnover remains a defining feature of modern college football.
Coaching turnover has become a regular part of the college football landscape. With multimillion-dollar contracts, intensified alumni pressure, and the growing impact of the transfer portal, athletic directors are making quicker decisions than ever before. Compared to previous years, this season’s tally reflects both short-term impatience and long-term restructuring strategies.
How Many Coaches Have Been Fired This Season?
As of the conclusion of the regular season and early bowl cycle, more than 20 head coaches across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) have either been fired or mutually parted ways with their programs. When factoring in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), that number climbs even higher.
The breakdown looks roughly like this:
- FBS head coaches fired or resigned under pressure: 20+
- FCS head coaches dismissed: 15+
- Total across Division I: 35 or more changes
These figures may continue to rise as smaller programs finalize end-of-season evaluations.
Why So Many Coaches Were Fired
There are several recurring themes behind this year’s coaching dismissals.
1. Poor On-Field Performance
The most obvious reason is losing. Programs expecting bowl appearances or conference title runs found themselves at the bottom of standings. In major conferences especially, a three- or four-year downturn is often enough to seal a coach’s fate.
Teams with consecutive losing seasons or prolonged conference losing streaks were particularly affected. In several cases, schools made midseason changes after disastrous starts, such as 1–5 or 0–6 records.
2. Recruiting Setbacks
Modern college football success depends heavily on recruiting rankings and transfer portal impact. Coaches who failed to maintain competitive recruiting classes faced mounting scrutiny. In Power Five conferences, slipping outside the top recruiting tiers can quickly widen the talent gap.
Some athletic directors grew concerned about long-term roster decline rather than immediate win-loss records, prompting earlier-than-expected dismissals.
3. Financial Pressures
Ironically, increased television revenue has made firings more financially feasible. Although buyouts can reach millions of dollars, wealthier programs are more willing to pay the price to reset their trajectory.
However, smaller schools face tougher decisions. In some instances, structured “mutual separations” helped reduce buyout payouts while still clearing the way for change.
4. Conference Realignment and Playoff Expansion
The expansion of the College Football Playoff and ongoing conference realignment have raised expectations. Schools moving into tougher conferences have opted to make leadership changes in hopes of remaining competitive in their new environments.
Power Five Programs Most Affected
Historically, the majority of high-profile firings come from Power Five conferences. This season was no different. Multiple ACC, Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and Pac-12 programs changed leadership.
Common patterns among these firings included:
- Failure to reach bowl eligibility for multiple seasons
- Poor conference records despite experienced rosters
- Embarrassing rivalry losses
- Declining attendance and donor engagement
In some cases, coaches with overall winning records were still dismissed because the program plateaued below championship expectations.
Group of Five and Smaller Programs
Group of Five schools also saw substantial turnover. Unlike Power Five programs, these schools often face additional complications:
- Budget constraints
- Frequent coordinator poaching
- Transfer portal roster instability
Some firings stemmed from a single poor season after years of moderate success. Others followed extended rebuilding projects that failed to show meaningful progress.
At the FCS level, coaching changes are often influenced by school administration shifts and funding challenges as much as on-field results.
Midseason vs. End-of-Season Firings
This season featured a mix of midseason dismissals and traditional post-regular-season decisions.
Midseason Firings
- Typically occur after especially poor starts
- Often intended to energize players and fan bases
- Allow schools to begin coaching searches early
Interim coaches are frequently auditioned during this period, though few secure permanent positions.
Postseason Firings
- Follow complete performance evaluations
- Allow athletic directors time to assess recruiting outlook
- Often coincide with early signing day strategy
The timing of firings increasingly revolves around recruiting calendars to minimize roster defections.
The Financial Impact of Coaching Changes
Firing a college football coach is rarely inexpensive. Many contracts include sizable guaranteed buyouts. This season, total buyout obligations across FBS programs likely exceeded $100 million combined.
While elite programs can absorb these costs, smaller schools must rely on booster contributions or structured payment schedules.
High-profile cases drew national attention due to massive buyout figures. In some situations, schools offset payments when fired coaches quickly secured coordinator or analyst roles elsewhere.
Trends Compared to Previous Seasons
When comparing this season’s firings to recent years, several trends emerge:
- Faster Turnover: Shorter patience windows for rebuilds
- Portal Influence: Immediate roster changes impacting expectations
- Higher Stakes: Expanded playoff increasing urgency
Although the number of firings aligns with historical averages, the speed and intensity of decisions appear heightened.
What Happens Next?
After firings, programs typically move rapidly through the following stages:
- Appointment of interim coach
- National search led by athletic director
- Candidate interviews (coordinators, former head coaches, NFL assistants)
- Contract negotiation and announcement
The coaching carousel often triggers a domino effect. When one program hires a successful coach from another school, that vacancy can lead to additional dismissals or promotions.
The Human Side of Coaching Firings
While numbers and wins dominate headlines, coaching changes affect families, players, and staff members. Assistant coaches frequently lose positions alongside head coaches. Recruits may decommit, and players may enter the transfer portal.
For players, especially seniors, abrupt leadership changes can disrupt team culture and preparation. For younger athletes, a new coaching staff may mean adapting to a completely different system.
Nonetheless, athletic departments argue that decisive moves are necessary to maintain competitiveness in an evolving sport.
Conclusion
This season’s wave of college football coaching firings underscores the relentless pressure built into the sport. With more than 20 FBS head coaches dismissed and dozens more across lower divisions, turnover remains a central feature of college football’s ecosystem.
Performance expectations, recruiting demands, financial realities, and playoff expansion have combined to create an environment where coaches are judged quickly and often harshly. As the offseason unfolds, fans can expect further movement as the coaching carousel continues to spin.
FAQ
How many college football coaches have been fired this season?
More than 20 head coaches in the FBS alone have been fired or forced to resign this season. Including FCS programs, the total surpasses 35 coaching changes.
Why are so many coaches fired each year?
The primary reasons include poor on-field performance, recruiting struggles, financial pressures, and increased expectations tied to conference realignment and playoff expansion.
Do fired coaches still get paid?
Yes. Most head coaches have contractual buyouts that guarantee significant compensation even after dismissal, unless offset by new employment.
When do most coaching firings occur?
Most occur at the end of the regular season, though some happen midseason after particularly poor starts.
Does firing a coach improve a program?
Not always. While a new coach can reinvigorate a team, success depends on recruiting, administrative support, and long-term stability.
Will the number of firings increase in future seasons?
With expanded playoffs and continued financial growth in college football, many analysts expect coaching turnover to remain high in the coming years.