After a few false starts, the college football coaching carousel for the 2026-27 cycle began spinning in late October, following a record-breaking 2025 offseason that saw 32 new head coaches hired at the FBS level, including 17 in the four power conferences. Ninety-three FBS programs have changed coaches over the last three offseasons, raising questions about whether a cooling period has arrived as schools navigate the economics of name, image, and likeness (NIL) and revenue sharing.
Power Four Moves
Maryland kicked off the firing season on October 21, dismissing Mike Locksley halfway through his eighth season. Locksley finished 39-54 overall, with back-to-back 4-8 records leading to his departure. Candidates mentioned include Wake Forest's Jake Dickert and Memphis' Charles Huff, a Maryland native.
Florida State parted ways with Mike Norvell on November 1 after a loss to Clemson, ending seven seasons that included an undefeated 2023 campaign but a College Football Playoff snub. The program's financial outlook adds uncertainty to the search.
Baylor moved on from Dave Aranda after seven seasons and a 40-40 overall record, including a 26-32 mark in Big 12 play. The school may target an offensive-minded coach with Texas high school ties, with names like UTSA's Jeff Traylor, Texas State's GJ Kinne, and USC's Lincoln Riley surfacing.
NC State ended Dave Doeren's 14-year tenure after a 31-28 loss at Stanford dropped the Wolfpack to 1-3 in ACC play. Doeren's recent downturn prompted the change. Former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers, who has coached high school football in Alabama for five years, is a leading candidate. Other potential names include Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, UNLV's Dan Mullen, and Memphis' Charles Huff.
