Why the 2026 coaching carousel could get a lot bigger: USC, Michigan, Colorado jobs to watch

Key Points:

• NC State and Baylor fired their longtime head coaches on consecutive days, creating three FBS head coaching vacancies heading into Halloween weekend, signaling a more active coaching cycle than initially expected.
• USC's Lincoln Riley is under intense pressure after recent losses, with speculation about him potentially leaving for a Texas job to avoid a $70 million buyout; industry insiders believe USC will likely have a new head coach by 2027 despite Riley's public commitment to stay.
• Florida State's Mike Norvell remains on the hot seat but could retain his job if he finishes strong, with key supporters and a pending athletic director search influencing his uncertain future amid a $50 million buyout.
• Other notable coaching situations include TCU's Sonny Dykes facing criticism despite recent success, Colorado's Deion Sanders possibly negotiating a departure due to lack of recent wins, and Michigan potentially reconsidering coach Kyle Whittingham after a disappointing season start.
• Several Group of Six programs like UTEP, Sam Houston, Charlotte, and Tulane have coaching situations under scrutiny due to poor records and administrative instability, with some jobs considered likely to change soon.