Main Story: Maryland’s firing of Mike Locksley may not signal another wave of college football coaching changes. With buyouts soaring and programs pouring money into rosters, firing a coach and rebuilding is increasingly costly. Shane Beamer, Mike Norvell and other high-profile coaches are under pressure, but financial constraints and improved team performance could keep them in place.

By the Numbers
  • 30 FBS coaching jobs changed hands in 2025.
  • Beamer’s buyout would exceed $22 million; Norvell’s would approach $50 million.
  • Several programs are spending more than $30 million on rosters.
Yes, But

Some coaches remain vulnerable: Dave Aranda, Dave Doeren and Bill O’Brien could be in trouble if their teams falter. But buyout costs, uncertain replacement options and stronger recent results at North Carolina, Mississippi State and Wisconsin make a midseason firing less straightforward.

State of Play
  • Beamer and Norvell face significant pressure, but their buyouts make immediate moves unlikely.
  • Aranda, Doeren and O’Brien’s futures may hinge on how their teams finish the season.
  • Bill Belichick, Jeff Lebby and Luke Fickell have benefited from greater program investment and improved results.
What's Next

Late-season performance could still trigger changes, particularly for coaches with manageable buyouts. But programs may wait for the season to end—or explore a mutual departure—rather than absorb a costly midseason split.

Bottom Line

In today’s college football, a coach’s seat depends on more than wins and losses: the cost of starting over and the resources behind the roster can be just as decisive.