Four coaches on the hottest seats in the 2025 college football season

The 2025 college football season has already claimed a few high-profile coaching casualties, but several others are dangerously close to joining that list. Here’s a look at four coaches whose futures may hinge on how they finish the year.

Billy Napier, Florida

Napier’s time in Gainesville feels longer than his four seasons suggest. After going 21-23 overall, the Florida coach continues to fight to stay afloat in the SEC. A late surge last season by winning the final four games to finish 8-5 bought him another year. But at 2-4 this season, the margin for error is slim to none. 

The Gators face three Top 25 opponents down the stretch, including Georgia and Ole Miss. Winning four of the final six might be enough to save him, but Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin’s renewed job security after a men's basketball national title could make a change easier to justify. A potential season-ending matchup with Florida State may determine whether Napier gets another chance.

Hugh Freeze, Auburn

This is the most obvious one. For Freeze, it’s no longer a matter of if he’ll be fired, but when. In his third season, Auburn has yet to find stability under his leadership. The Tigers are 14-17 overall and 5-14 in SEC play, including a 2-8 mark in one-possession games. While recent losses to Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Georgia were competitive, moral victories don’t count in the SEC. 

Also, there have been no adjustments week to week and it's wearing thin on the Tigers faithful. Auburn’s upcoming games offer a chance to salvage respectability, but even a 7-5 record might not be enough to save Freeze.

Luke Fickell, Wisconsin

Fickell’s honeymoon in Madison is long over. After a promising start, Wisconsin has dropped four straight, including last Saturday's 37-0 defeat to Iowa. The Badgers’ first home shutout loss in 45 years. Fickell’s team has been outscored 74-7 in first halves over that stretch, and his 15-17 record is no good enough. With Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana still ahead, the path doesn’t get easier. A $28 million buyout might slow Wisconsin’s decision, but patience is wearing thin.

Mike Norvell, Florida State

Just two years removed from a 13-0 season and CFP snub, Mike Norvell’s magic has vanished. After last season’s 2-10 collapse, a fast start in 2025 gave hope to the Noles faithful. But three straight one-score losses to Virginia, Miami and Pitt reignited hot-seat talk. 

Despite a massive $50 million buyout, Florida State’s donors may not tolerate another middling finish. A soft back half of the schedule could get Norvell to 7-5, but that may not be enough to stop the Seminoles from seeking a new direction.

Honorable mention

Bill Belichick, North Carolina 

Belichick was considered for the list, and given his tenure, it's not unreasonable to believe he could still be fired at North Carolina after one season. However, it appears he would walk away or have a mutual separation before receiving his walking papers. 

More college football news: 

• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• Bill Belichick and UNC documentary reportedly being shopped after Hulu pulls plug
• Eight college football stadiums to host Savannah Bananas in 2026
• Bill Belichick buyout, contract details as North Carolina Tar Heels coach
• Deion Sanders sends four-word message to his son over trust fund