CBS Sports analysis reveals high turnover among college football coaches under pressure
A review of job security outcomes shows significant instability at major programs, with notable departures at Arkansas, Auburn, Oklahoma State, and UAB, while others retained roles amid shifting expectations.
CBS Sports has published its 2026 College Football Hot Seat Rankings, evaluating the performance of nine coaches who faced significant job security pressures during the 2025 season. The analysis indicates a high turnover rate among those previously categorised in the highest risk tiers, with five of the nine coaches dismissed or having left their positions by the conclusion of the 2025 campaign.
Coaches who lost their positions include Sam Pittman at Arkansas, Hugh Freeze at Auburn, Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State, and Lane Dilfer at UAB. Pittman was axed after the Razorbacks failed to find consistency in the SEC, with mounting losses and defensive struggles making a change inevitable. Freeze’s tenure at Auburn unraveled faster than expected, as the Tigers failed to make gains in the SEC standings despite significant investment in recruiting and transfer portal additions.
Gundy left Oklahoma State with no choice but to reset after a 1-11 season, with back-to-back disappointing campaigns eroding goodwill built from his sustained success. At UAB, Dilfer’s tenure ended after the Blazers failed to establish themselves as a legitimate American Athletic Conference contender, with frustrating losses and stalled progress leading university leadership to opt for a change.
Conversely, several coaches retained their roles or saw reduced scrutiny, including Cal Brennan at Arizona, Scott Satterfield at Cincinnati, and Scott Frost at Louisiana Tech. Brennan bought himself more time by keeping Arizona competitive, while Satterfield survived due to the athletic department’s belief that continuity was preferable to another costly reset. Frost earned another opportunity by showing tangible progress where it mattered most at Louisiana Tech.
Brent Venables at Oklahoma avoided dismissal after leading the Sooners to a playoff appearance, shifting the narrative from speculation about his job security to stability. Brent Pry at Virginia Tech retained his position as head coach in 2025 but is now serving as the defensive coordinator for the 2026 season, following a period where the Hokies struggled to develop into an ACC contender.
