Mike Locksley became the first coach fired this season as Maryland made the call on October 3rd. This early dismissal bucks the trend from last year, where seven FBS coaches had already been let go by this time. In total, 30 jobs changed hands in 2025, marking a significant shift in college football.

Several factors contribute to this change:

• Limited high-level candidates available to fill coaching vacancies.
• Financial constraints making buyouts increasingly prohibitive, with some coaches like Mike Norvell facing nearly $50 million in buyout costs.
• A shift towards an NFL-style roster-building approach, where administrative structures adapt to support long-term coaching stability.

The financially prohibitive candidates:

• Mike Norvell (Florida State)
• Shane Beamer (South Carolina)
• Greg Schiano (Rutgers)

Shane Beamer’s loss to Kentucky raised eyebrows, but South Carolina's financial situation keeps him safe for now. Similarly, Norvell’s hefty buyout makes firing him unrealistic.

The complicated endgame:

• Dabo Swinney (Clemson)
• Deion Sanders (Colorado)
• Lincoln Riley (USC)

All three coaches have significant financial implications tied to their contracts, complicating any potential separations.

Coaches on the hot seat:

• Dave Aranda (Baylor)
• Dave Doeren (NC State)
• Bill O'Brien (Alabama)

Each of these coaches faces pressure to secure bowl eligibility to retain their positions.

Coaches who have improved their standings:

• Bill Belichick (North Carolina)
• Jeff Lebby (Mississippi State)
• Luke Fickell (Wisconsin)

All three programs have invested heavily, leading to improved performances and potential stability for their coaches.

The landscape of college football coaching is evolving, and with financial constraints and shifting dynamics, the next coaching casualty remains uncertain.