Top College Football Coaches Under Pressure Despite Major Buyouts

As the college football season progresses, several coaches are finding themselves under intense scrutiny despite hefty buyouts in their contracts. This year has already witnessed seven in-season firings at the FBS level, with five occurring in Power 4 conferences. The pressure is mounting, and more changes could be on the horizon.

Coaches on the Hot Seat

Many coaches face significant challenges, and their respective schools may soon need to make tough decisions. Below is a breakdown of some key coaches under pressure.

Florida

• Coach: Billy Napier
• Record: 21–23
• Buyout: Approximately $20 million
• Situation: Fired after a loss to Mississippi State, with criticisms arising from poor decisions and staffing choices.

Florida State

• Coach: Mike Norvell
• Record: 36–30
• Buyout: Around $59 million
• Situation: After starting strong, the team lost four consecutive games. Norvell is under pressure to turn around recent poor performances.

Auburn

• Coach: Hugh Freeze
• Record: 14–18
• Buyout: Approximately $15.4 million
• Situation: Following a promising start, the team has faced four straight losses and struggles to find consistent offensive production.

Wisconsin

• Coach: Luke Fickell
• Record: 15–18
• Buyout: Estimated at $27.5 million
• Situation: Fickell has been unable to secure victories, leading to discontent among fans and declining attendance at home games.

Kentucky

• Coach: Mark Stoops
• Record: 69–76
• Buyout: Estimated around $38 million
• Situation: The team’s recent performance has led to nine consecutive SEC losses, causing frustration among fan bases focused more on basketball.

LSU

• Coach: Brian Kelly
• Record: 34–13
• Buyout: Approximately $52 million
• Situation: Following disappointing losses, including one to Vanderbilt, expectations for the Tigers remain unfulfilled.

Maryland

• Coach: Mike Locksley
• Record: 37–44
• Buyout: About $13.4 million
• Situation: After three consecutive winning seasons, the team has struggled again this year, leading to potential changes in leadership.

North Carolina

• Coach: Bill Belichick
• Record: 2–4
• Buyout: Reported at $20 million
• Situation: The Tar Heels have faced challenges against power conference teams, causing uncertainty about the future.

South Carolina

• Coach: Shane Beamer
• Record: 32–26
• Buyout: Approximately $27.9 million
• Situation: With declining performance, fan dissatisfaction is growing despite a winning record last season.

Clemson

• Coach: Dabo Swinney
• Record: 183–51
• Buyout: Around $60 million
• Situation: Once a celebrated coach, Swinney faces pressure as recent results have not met expectations.