College football coaches face high pressure for 2026 season

As the 2026 college football season approaches, several coaches face intense pressure due to recent poor performances and high buyout costs in the industry. In 2025, fifteen Bowl Subdivision coaches were fired, resulting in a record $270 million in buyout packages.

Among those facing scrutiny are Mike Norvell of Florida State and Bill Belichick of North Carolina. Norvell’s Florida State struggled significantly last season, winning only two of their final nine games and finishing in the bottom five of the ACC for two consecutive years.

Bill Belichick, following a highly anticipated move to the college level, saw his first year at North Carolina result in four wins and five losses, missing a bowl game for the first time since 2018. Additionally, North Carolina faces internal challenges as General Manager Michael Lombardi is currently on leave pending a school investigation.

Shane Beamer of South Carolina also enters the season under pressure after a 4-8 finish and a 1-7 record in the SEC last year.