Major college football programs have dumped coaches at a stunning pace this season and are shelling out more than $150 million in buyouts to start fresh.

Why it matters: A playoffs-or-bust mentality is pushing schools to cut ties with coaches faster than ever — regardless of the cost.

By the numbers: Colleges are on the hook for at least $145 million in buyouts for fired head coaches and their assistants so far this season. • Four of the top 10 biggest buyouts in college football history have been triggered by firings this season.

Zoom in: The 2025 season has been a bloodbath. So far, at least 13 coaches have been axed, and four of them — LSU's Brian Kelly, Auburn's Hugh Freeze, Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy and Florida's Billy Napier — netted buyouts worth at least $15 million. • LSU

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