The 2026-27 college football coaching carousel began spinning in late October after a slow start following the record-breaking 2025 cycle that saw 32 new FBS head coaches hired, including 17 in the Power Four conferences. Over the past three offseasons, 93 FBS programs have changed head coaches, raising questions about whether a cooling period has arrived amid the evolving economics of name, image, and likeness (NIL) and revenue sharing.
Power Four Openings
Baylor: Dave Aranda was fired after seven seasons with a 40-40 overall record and a 26-32 mark in Big 12 play. The program is expected to target an offensive-minded coach with Texas high school ties; potential candidates include UTSA's Jeff Traylor, Texas State's GJ Kinne, and USC's Lincoln Riley.
Florida State: Mike Norvell was dismissed on November 1 following a loss to Clemson, ending a seven-year tenure that featured an undefeated 2023 season but a College Football Playoff snub. The program's financial outlook will influence the search.
Maryland: Mike Locksley was let go halfway through his eighth season on October 21 after consecutive 4-8 campaigns left him 39-54 overall. The Terrapins have improved NIL resources but face a tough Big Ten environment; candidates mentioned include Wake Forest's Jake Dickert and Memphis's Charles Huff.
NC State: Dave Doeren departed after 14 years in Raleigh after a 31-28 loss to Stanford dropped the Wolfpack to 1-3 in the ACC. Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, who has coached high school football in Alabama for five years, is a leading candidate; other names include Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, UNLV's Dan Mullen, and Memphis's Charles Huff.
