College football head coaching positions remain one of the most volatile jobs in sports. Talent gaps, financial limitations, and program prestige all shape what a coach can realistically achieve, yet when results falter, the head coach is the constant who takes the blame.
After Week 3, two programs wasted no time making changes. UCLA dismissed DeShaun Foster, while Virginia Tech parted ways with Brent Pry. Foster lasted just three weeks into his second season at his alma mater before the school pulled the plug, a reminder of how quickly things can unravel.
The timing may have been shocking, but it also signals that more jobs could be in jeopardy this fall. So, who might be next?
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
As of this writing, Clemson sits at 1–3 following a stunning upset loss to Georgia Tech and a 13-point head scratching defeat against Syracuse. Once viewed as the preseason favorite in the ACC, the Tigers are already sliding toward where a mid-tier bowl might be the ceiling.
The defense has held its own, but the offense has been a mess, plagued by turnovers and an inability to establish rhythm. Cade Klubnik was supposed to be a Heisman candidate and early NFL Draft pick, but through three games he is averaging under 250 yards with as many interceptions as touchdowns. When a top quarterback prospect struggles that badly, the spotlight falls squarely on the head coach.
Swinney insists both he and his team are primed for a rebound, but faith is waning quickly. If Clemson fails to rally to at least make a bowl, expect the noise calling for his ouster to grow louder by the week.
Billy Napier, Florida
Florida’s 1-3 start has been ugly. The Gators had high hopes for quarterback DJ Lagway, but he has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns and just got blown out by in-state rival Miami.
The loss to LSU was understandable, but falling to USF was inexcusable for an SEC program of this stature. Scoring just 33 total points in their three losses has highlighted a glaring lack of offensive identity, and that responsibility lands on Napier.
The next three opponents are all ranked in the Top 10, which might ironically be his only saving grace. Strength of schedule can buy some time, but unless the Gators find the offensive spark they envisioned, Napier may want to start googling good realtors.
Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State
Unlike Swinney and Napier, Mike Gundy feels less like a maybe and more like an inevitable. His dismissal seems a matter of when, not if. The Cowboys limped to a 3-9 record last year, and this season has only added to the decline.
Beating UT Martin in the opener was expected, but the follow-up was disastrous: a 69-3 blowout loss to Oregon that left Oklahoma State completely exposed. For a coach more than 20 years into his tenure, the inability to adjust or inspire a response has raised serious questions.
The Cowboys just lost 19-12 to lowly Tulsa, only adding to the frustration in Stillwater. I feel like the only question is if he will be removed during the season or will the top brass show some respect to his loyalty over the years and let him play out the string. Either way, there is virtually no chance Gundy is on the Pokes’ sideline in 2026.
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