Aug 30, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott looks on from the field during the second quarter against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach coach Sam Pittman prior to the game against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the second half against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
Pat's POV

The college football coaching carousel has already begun to spin with the firings of Virginia Tech's Brent Pry and UCLA's DeShaun Foster. Just three weeks into the season, we might see several other jobs open as we enter the thick of conference play across the national landscape.

This year's carousel could be similar to what transpired during the 2021 season. That season, there were two openings by Sept. 14, which we matched with Virginia Tech and UCLA, making moves. Ironically enough, that year Tech hired Brent Pry, and a Los Angeles area school made a change. UCLA is playing the part of USC, but can they make the same level of splashy hire? That remains to be seen.

On the subject of the 2021 carousel, Florida hired Billy Napier to fill the role left vacant after Dan Mullen was fired. Napier kicks off our temperature check for which coach could be next on the chopping block.

Billy Napier, Florida Gators

Coaching Record at Florida: 20-21 (10-15)

Many thought that LSU was crazy for letting Billy Napier leave the state of Louisiana when they were looking to replace Ed Oregon during the 2021 season and following offseason. However, as we fast forward to 2025, it appears that maybe they knew this would happen? Napier has produced just one winning season, and the end of the road is coming in Gainesville. The expected savior, DJ Lagway, is coming off his worst game as a starter with five interceptions, and things likely won't go their way against in-state rival, Miami.

Temperature: Win the next game or else

Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Cowboys

Coaching Record at Oklahoma State: 170-89 (102-72)

We have been on this road several times with Mike Gundy, just when you think he might be at the end of his rope, the Pokes win 10+ games. It feels a bit different this time, given the state of college athletics and the defeatist mentality that was on display a couple of weeks ago. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, Gundy has won four games while losing 10. The offense is a shell of its former self, and the team could realistically go 0-9 again in Big 12 play. Not sure the three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year has another rabbit in his hat this time.

Temperature: Start winning now

Tony Elliott, Virginia Cavaliers

Coaching Record at Virginia: 13-24 (6-17)

Coming into Charlottesville when he did would have been a rough situation for any head coach, not just a first-time head coach. Elliott navigated the first two seasons with a 6-16 record before winning five games last year. As the team prepares to open ACC play against Stanford, the fourth-year head coach needs to achieve a bowl game to stay off the unemployment line. Matchups against Florida State and Louisville over the next month will give the Cavaliers an idea of where they stand in the conference.

Temperature: Get to a bowl game

Sam Pittman, Arkansas Razorbacks

Coaching Record at Arkansas: 32-32 (14-29)

It's honestly surprising that Sam Pittman has made it to a sixth year in Fayetteville. His 2021 season was the best of the bunch at 9-4 and 4-4 in conference play. Outside of that year, Pittman is a combined 23-28 and 10-25 in conference play. Those numbers don't exactly scream success for the Hogs. The positive is that Pittman is 3-0 in bowl games, but if you aren't getting to the upper echelon, it's a moot point. Especially when you're in the SEC. As it sits right now, the Hogs will play seven of their remaining nine games against ranked opponents. They will be tested.

Temperature: Finish above .500 in SEC play

Luke Fickell, Wisconsin Badgers

Coaching Record at Wisconsin: 15-14 (8-10)

Many, present company included, believed that Luke Fickell's return to the Big Ten would net positive results. However, in year four, it doesn't feel like the Badgers are making any progress in that regard. Wisconsin is also about to face five currently ranked teams before the end of the season, including Ohio State and Oregon. Fickell better strap in because this ride could get real bumpy. The only aspect that may save him is the huge buyout that is north of $25 million, since he would receive 80% of his remaining deal that runs through 2029.

Temperature: Needs to win eight games

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Temperature check for five coaches feeling the flames of the college football hot seat

Reporting by Patrick Conn, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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