Is Penn State's Coaching Job the Biggest Gamble in College Football? You Won't Believe Who's in the Mix!

This college football season has been marked by a surprising level of coaching turnover, reminiscent of the most active coaching carousels in recent memory. As of late September, five Power 4 programs were already on the hunt for new head coaches for the 2026 season, bringing the total of open positions to 12. The coaching landscape is shifting dramatically, especially after a historically slow hiring cycle during the 2024-25 season, when schools were cautious due to the anticipation surrounding the House v. NCAA settlement, which allocated over $20 million in budget adjustments for athletes. Now that the revenue-sharing framework is established, schools are refocusing on coaching changes that could reshape their futures.

A ranking of these open head-coaching jobs reveals a blend of tradition, financial backing, and the potential for success. Here’s a closer look at some of the most attractive positions currently available, considering factors like program stability, recruiting potential, and financial resources.

The Top Programs in Need of Coaches

Penn State tops the list, boasting a 44-17 record over the last five years and an estimated program valuation of $1.2 billion, ranking 11th among Power 4 schools. The Nittany Lions are willing to pay approximately $45 million to rid themselves of head coach James Franklin after a successful run that included a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance. This highlights the institution's commitment to elevating the program. Franklin modernized the program and brought it back into contention, but the school is now seeking a leader who can secure victories in the most critical games.

Next on the list is UCLA, with a record of 30-24 in the past five years and a program valuation of $343 million, tied for 43rd among Power 4 programs. Despite fan apathy and a financial deficit exceeding $200 million over the last five years, UCLA remains an attractive Big Ten job due to its Southern California location. The Bruins have not won a conference championship since 1998, but the potential for improvement is considerable. The right coach could reignite interest from fans and donors, leading to annual bowl appearances and perhaps even 10-win seasons.

Tulane has also positioned itself as a contender with a 44-17 record and a job grade of B-. The Green Wave have reached four consecutive American Conference championship games and are one of only ten teams to appear in the College Football Playoff rankings in each of the last four years. With a $5 million roster budget and promising facilities under construction, Tulane’s recent success makes it an attractive option for potential head coaches.

Looking at the South Florida program, the Bulls, with a 26-36 record, have shown remarkable financial growth with a roster budget reportedly over $8 million. The construction of a new on-campus stadium and the approval for full revenue-sharing funding signal a bright future. With a strong performance this season, the Bulls are poised to attract coaches interested in building a successful program.

Cal is another program with mixed potential. Although the Golden Bears hold a 28-34 record and face financial challenges, they are heading to a third consecutive bowl game. The administration has invested in the program, but maintaining momentum and attracting top talent remains a concern given the recent history of underperformance.

Memphis and North Texas also offer appealing job prospects within the Group of 6 conferences. Memphis has a solid foundation with a 42-21 record and a modernized athletic infrastructure, while North Texas recently achieved its first 10-win season since 1947, showing the potential for further success.

Moving down the rankings, UAB has struggled after a promising resurgence, and Coastal Carolina faces challenges following back-to-back six-win seasons after a successful stretch under former coach Jamey Chadwell. Meanwhile, UConn has seen improvement under coach Jim Mora, who helped the program break a decade-long streak of losing seasons.

As the coaching carousel continues to spin, the implications for these programs are significant. While some are in rebuilding phases, others are poised for potential contention with the right leadership. The landscape of college football is rapidly changing, and as schools adapt to new revenue-sharing models, the emphasis on securing top talent—both on the field and in coaching—is more critical than ever.

With 12 openings and a myriad of opportunities for coaches looking to elevate their careers, this active coaching carousel may very well define the future of college football in the coming years.