The 2026 college football coaching carousel is expected to be quieter than in previous years, with fewer high-profile head coaching vacancies likely to emerge in Power Five conferences, according to insiders familiar with the landscape. Stability among top-tier programs may limit the movement that typically fuels coordinator promotions and broader staff turnover.
Within the Big Ten, several programs including Maryland and Rutgers face uncertainty around coaching leadership, potentially prompting changes at the lower tier of the conference. In the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Big 12, there may be some moderate shifts among mid-tier schools. However, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) appears poised for minimal turnover, with few coaching changes anticipated during this cycle.
South Carolina's Shane Beamer started the season with steady job security but has recently struggled to close out games, which could place pressure on his tenure. Meanwhile, USC’s Lincoln Riley is at the center of speculation due to ongoing changes in the university’s athletic department leadership and contract clauses that may permit him to depart. Should Riley leave, multiple coaching vacancies across the Power Five conferences could open, triggering a potential domino effect across the coaching ranks. If he remains, it is expected that most vacancies within the Power Five will be limited to middle-tier positions, likely encouraging elite coordinators to maintain their current roles.
Several programs are well-positioned to capitalize on any available openings. Georgia, Miami, and Indiana, for example, have drawn attention for their stable environments and potential for advancement. Bryant Haines and Mike Shanahan are among coordinators attracting head coaching interest. Other candidates under consideration for upward moves include LSU’s Blake Baker and Charlie Weis Jr., Ole Miss’ John David Baker, Texas Tech’s Shiel Wood, and Navy’s Drew Cronic.
Amid this coaching uncertainty, some top coordinator candidates may opt against pursuing new roles if marquee opportunities are limited, contributing to a slower-than-usual coaching carousel.
On the player health front, San Diego State football recently managed a mumps outbreak that sidelined about 30 players, including numerous starters, ahead of their conference opener against Texas State. Despite being down 17-3 at halftime, the team mounted a strong second-half comeback to win 29-17. The health situation has since stabilized, enabling the program to prepare for upcoming conference contests with key personnel returning to the lineup.
Security remains a concern for programs such as Notre Dame, which responded to a Sept. 19 shooting near campus that injured a police officer and a teenager by enhancing game-day precautions. Measures now include mounted police patrols and bomb-sniffing dogs. Notre Dame is continuing its preparations for future home contests, including the November 7 game against Miami.
In other coaching news, Memphis head coach Charles Huff has emphasized accountability and team culture, addressing issues such as touchdown celebrations privately to maintain standards within his program.