We have reached the point in the season when the college football coaching carousel starts creeping into the conversation, and the heat is turning up for some coaches. Last season was one of the craziest in recent memory when it came to coaching changes, with several in-season moves, including the firing of James Franklin at Penn State almost exactly one year ago.
Some coaches have not done themselves any favors this season, and it looks like their tenures could be coming to an end in the near future. Let’s look at the other side of the spectrum though, with a few college football coaches who began the season under pressure but have cooled off their hot seat thus far.
Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
Many questioned why Wisconsin would give Fickell another chance and bring him back for 2026 after he went 16-21 in his first three seasons. However, the Badgers did and seemingly went all in this season, and it has paid off so far with Fickell finally appearing to have this program trending in the right direction.
Wisconsin currently sits at 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play, including a win at Penn State that felt like a massive turning point for Fickell and this program. The Badgers have returned to playing the physical, hard-nosed brand of football they have been known for and have a weapon at quarterback in Colton Joseph, something they have not had in quite some time. The Badgers have a challenging stretch ahead, with their next three opponents all currently ranked in the Top 25. But with the way Fickell's team has performed this season, the Badgers will be a tough out for anyone in the Big Ten.
Dave Aranda, Baylor
It feels like Dave Aranda has spent much of his tenure in Waco on the hot since a 12-2 season and a Big 12 Championship in his second year with the Bears. He looked like a potential candidate for a midseason firing coming into this year, but his team has gotten off to a strong start. Baylor showed it could be a contender in the Big 12 two weeks ago, going on the road and beating Arizona State 55-19. Quarterback DJ Lagway, who is in the midst of a prove-it season himself, threw for just over 300 yards and four touchdowns in the win as he continues to get more comfortable in Jake Spavital's offense.
The Bears' only loss came in their season opener against Auburn, in a game they were just inches away from winning on a two-point conversion in what was a typical ugly Week 1 affair. Aranda's defense played well in that matchup, while Lagway could barely move on an ankle he hurt early in the contest. Had Baylor pulled out that win, it would be interesting to see how different the conversation around Aranda's team would be right now. With the Bears start to the seaosn and the schedule ahead, Aranda's job is looking safe and Baylor has a real shot at getting to 8-1 before heading into a final three-game stretch against BYU, Texas Tech, and Houston.
Bill Belichick, North Carolina
Despite all the off-field drama in Chapel Hill, Bill Belichick seemingly has a legitimate football team this season. Belichick picked up his first Top 25 win this past Saturday at Pitt, and while a loss is a loss, the Tar Heels had a strong showing against Clemson and gave Notre Dame a scare. This team did not have high expectations coming into the season, and the biggest thing for Belichick in Year 2 was showing signs of improvement from Year 1, which he has certainly done.
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