The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
With powerhouse programs changing conferences, new faces on the sidelines, and heightened fan expectations, the stakes have never been higher.
Today’s win-now culture in college football leaves little room for error. Even successful coaches are just a few bad games away from serious scrutiny.
As teams and boosters demand instant results, the pressure is on for college football’s biggest names to prove they belong.
Understanding the Hot Seat in College Football
In college football, when a coach is said to be on the hot seat, it means their job is in serious danger.
Poor results, unhappy fans, and outside pressure can all push a coach closer to being fired, sometimes quickly.
Why Coaches End Up on the Hot Seat?
Coaches often find themselves on the hot seat due to a combination of performance failures and external pressure.
Common causes include:
- Losing records or missing bowl games consistently.
- High expectations at major programs that demand fast success.
- Off-field issues, scandals, or NCAA rule violations.
- Recruiting struggles or mishandling NIL/transfer portal moves.
What makes things worse?
Boosters, athletic directors, and sports media often amplify the pressure, while fan bases demand change quickly, especially on social media and forums.
Who Fuels the Pressure?
The hot seat often heats up because of:
- SportsMedia: National and local outlets publish hot seat lists and articles.
- Fans: Social media buzz, message boards, and public calls for change.
- Boosters and ADs: Wealthy donors and athletic directors may push for quick results.
Top 11 College Football Coaches on the Hot Seat for 2025
The 2025 season has no shortage of coaching drama, with these 11 high-profile leaders facing intense scrutiny and real pressure to deliver results:
| Coach (Team) | Year in Position | Reason for Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Billy Napier (Florida) | 4th | Consecutive disappointing seasons; high SEC expectations |
| Mike Norvell (Florida St) | 5th | Major collapse in 2024 despite past success |
| Lincoln Riley (USC) |
4th | Big Ten transition; underachievement |
| Mike Gundy (Oklahoma St) | 21st | Rebuilt contract after 3-9 seasons |
| Brent Venables (Oklahoma) | 4th | SEC transition; mixed results |
| Hugh Freeze (Auburn) | 3rd | Poor results; tough fan base |
| Kalen DeBoer (Alabama) | 2nd | High expectations after Saban; little margin for error |
| Bill Belichick (North Carolina) |
1st | Big-name hire; pressure to quickly win |
| Scott Satterfield (Cincinnati) | 3rd | Struggles in the Big 12; lack of evident progress |
| Sam Pittman (Arkansas) | 5th | Support eroding after continued mediocrity |
| Brian Kelly (LSU) |
4th | High standards, no championships yet |
Other Major Hot Seat Storylines for 2025
The 2025 college football season is not just about struggling coaches; it is also shaped by big-picture storylines, adding pressure across the board.
New hires like Bill Belichick at North Carolina come with sky-high expectations. Even legendary coaches are expected to deliver immediate results, making patience a rare luxury.
Conference realignment is also raising the stakes.
However, schools like USC, Oklahoma, and Texas now face tougher opponents, and coaches must quickly adapt to new challenges.
Injuries, booster demands, and transfer portal struggles can all add fuel to the fire.
Even one tough season can put nearly any coach under the spotlight.
How the Hot Seat Shapes the Season?
Coaching uncertainty touches everything, from recruiting and player morale to how teams approach each snap.
Here are some key ways it plays out:
-
Big Games Can Make or Break Careers: Must-win matchups, especially rivalry games or contests against top-ranked opponents, often determine whether a coach stays or gets fired. One major win can extend their time; one bad loss can end it.
-
Recruiting and Player Loyalty Take a Hit: Recruits hesitate to join unstable programs, and current players may transfer if they sense a coaching change is coming.
-
Midseason Firings Are More Common: Schools are quicker to make changes during the season to try and save recruiting or shift momentum before it’s too late.
-
Program Stability is Constantly at Risk: Hot-seat pressure creates a cycle of uncertainty that makes it harder for teams to grow, plan, or succeed long-term.
Predictions: Who is Most Likely to Survive 2025?
As the 2025 college football season kicks off, several head coaches are under intense pressure to perform.
Some are fighting to save their jobs, while others have a chance to surprise fans and regain support.
Here is a look at who is most at risk, who might turn things around, and which jobs could unexpectedly open up.
Coaches Most at Risk
These coaches are facing the most pressure and could be let go if things don’t improve fast:
| Coach | Team | Reason for Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Norvell | Florida State | Coming off a 2–10 season, early losses could lead to a midseason firing |
| Lincoln Riley | USC | Mediocre results; Big Ten move adds pressure despite a high buyout |
| Mike Gundy | Oklahoma State | Poor 2024 record; another bad season could end his 20+ year run |
| Sam Pittman | Arkansas | Barely survived last season; fans expect noticeable improvement |
| Brent Venables | Oklahoma | Tough SEC debut; needs results fast to avoid getting replaced |
| Brian Kelly | LSU | High expectations unmet; another playoff miss may put his job in danger |
Coaches Who Might Surprise with a Turnaround
These coaches are under pressure but could save their jobs with a strong season:
-
Billy Napier (Florida): Ended last season with good momentum; another solid run could calm the hot seat.
-
Kalen DeBoer (Alabama): Big shoes to fill post-Saban, but early signs show he may meet expectations.
-
Scott Satterfield (Cincinnati): Improvement in key matchups and strong transfers could help his case.
Dark Horse Jobs That Could Suddenly Open Up
Even some surprising programs could enter the coaching market if expectations aren’t met:
-
North Carolina (Bill Belichick): First-year coach with major expectations. A weak season could spark headlines.
-
Cincinnati or Texas A&M: Heavy investments mean low tolerance for failure; both jobs could become available.
-
Unexpected Power Moves: If early results disappoint, schools like Penn State, Michigan State, or Texas Tech could make surprising coaching changes.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season is not just about Xs and Os; it’s about how leadership decisions ripple through entire programs and fan bases.
Behind every coaching decision is a ripple effect that touches players, programs, and fans alike.
Every game matters, and every outcome shapes what comes next.
As the season unfolds, expect twists, surprises, and tough calls.
One thing is certain this year, coaching futures will be anything but predictable.
