As the college football season approaches, the tension is palpable among administrators and fans alike. Administrators are anxious about balancing athletic budgets while hoping their football coaches deliver results. Fans, on the other hand, are quick to place blame if their team fails to make the anticipated 12-team playoff.
Last season, five coaches were dismissed for various reasons, including high-profile exits like Jimbo Fisher of Texas A&M and Michigan State’s Mel Tucker. Meanwhile, coaches like Neal Brown, Butch Jones, and Eli Drinkwitz managed to hold onto their positions, but the pressure remains intense.
While no one advocates for job losses, college athletics is a high-stakes arena where success is measured in victories, and patience is in short supply.
Here are the college football coaches facing the hottest seats as the 2024 season kicks off:
1. Billy Napier, Florida
Florida’s rich tradition, financial resources, and prime recruiting location in the Sunshine State should make it one of the nation’s top programs. However, after two seasons, Napier’s 11-14 record has left Gator Nation disillusioned. With a challenging schedule that includes Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State, Napier may soon find himself facing a buyout if results don’t improve.
2. Ryan Day, Ohio State
Losing to Michigan three years in a row is something Ohio State fans find intolerable. While Day has achieved much during his six years in Columbus, including leading one of the nation’s most talented teams, expectations remain sky-high. Fans demand national championships, and if Day can’t deliver, his future with the Buckeyes could be in jeopardy.
3. Butch Jones, Arkansas State
Jones has struggled during his tenure at Arkansas State, with only 11 wins over the past three seasons. Despite a more competitive showing in 2023, which led to a bowl appearance, Jones needs a strong 2024 season to maintain his position. Another subpar performance could result in his departure.
4. Sonny Cumbie, Louisiana Tech
Cumbie is under pressure to turn things around at Louisiana Tech after consecutive non-winning seasons. The Bulldogs ended 2023 with six straight losses, and while Conference USA is winnable, Cumbie’s job hinges on delivering a much-improved performance. A third losing season could be his undoing.
5. Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
Winning at Vanderbilt has always been a challenge, and Lea’s tenure has been no exception. The Commodores lost their last 10 games in 2023, allowing at least 31 points in each. With such poor defensive and offensive performances, Lea’s time at Vanderbilt could be running out unless significant improvements are made.
6. Sam Pittman, Arkansas
Pittman’s decision to hire Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator may inject some energy into the Arkansas program, but the SEC’s tough competition poses a significant challenge. With key players like KJ Jefferson and Raheim Sanders entering the transfer portal, the pressure is on Pittman to lead the Razorbacks to a bowl game. Even that might not be enough to secure his job.
7. Lincoln Riley, Southern California
Riley’s move from Oklahoma to Southern California was seen as an opportunity to avoid the tough SEC competition. However, the Trojans are now headed to a new conference where defensive prowess is essential for title contention. While Riley’s leash may be longer than others on this list, failing to produce a Heisman finalist or secure a spot in the December playoffs could lead him to consider other opportunities, possibly in the NFL.
8. Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati
With Texas and Oklahoma departing for the SEC, the Big 12 is wide open, making it a prime opportunity for Cincinnati. However, Satterfield’s job could be in jeopardy if the Bearcats continue to struggle in all aspects of the game. The school might wait until January 1, 2026, to fire him to minimize the buyout, but patience is wearing thin.
9. Joe Moorhead, Akron
Moorhead’s coaching career is trending downward, much like his previous stint at Mississippi State. With a 4-20 record over the past two seasons, Akron fans and administrators are losing faith. The Zips’ season opener against Ohio State will be a critical test to see if any improvement has been made.
10. Dave Aranda, Baylor
It wasn’t long ago that Aranda led Baylor to a Sugar Bowl victory over Ole Miss in 2022, but that success feels distant now. The Bears had the worst offense and defense in the Big 12 last season, prompting Aranda to take control of the defense and bring in Jake Spavital to revamp the offense. Baylor has the potential to win the Big 12 consistently, but Aranda must prove he can lead them back to the top.
Honorable Mentions
Other coaches who may face pressure this season include Stan Drayton at Temple, Mario Cristobal at Miami (Fla.), Kalani Sitake at Brigham Young, and Pat Narduzzi at Pittsburgh.
As the 2024 season unfolds, these coaches will need to deliver results or risk becoming the latest casualties in the high-stakes world of college football.
