Summary：**2026 College Football Hot Seat Rankings: How Nine Coaches Fared Under Pressure** *A look at which

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**2026 College Football Hot Seat Rankings: How Nine Coaches Fared Under Pressure**
*A look at which coaches survived the pressure cooker in 2025 -- and those that did not*

**Introduction**
The 2025 college football season proved once again that a single loss can shift a program’s trajectory, and the hot‑seat conversation never cooled. As athletic directors weighed buyout clauses, recruiting momentum, and fan sentiment, nine head coaches found themselves under intense scrutiny. This piece examines how each performed, what the data reveal about the pressures they faced, and what the outlook holds for 2026.

**Key Developments**
1. **Mike Norvell (Florida State)** – After a 7‑5 finish, Norvell avoided termination but saw his contract extended only through 2027, signaling cautious optimism.
2. **Luke Fickell (Cincinnati)** – A 9‑3 record and a New Year’s Six bowl win secured his status; the Bearcats’ administration publicly praised his culture‑building.
3. **Jeff Brohm (Purdue)** – Boilermakers stumbled to 4‑8, prompting a mid‑season review; Brohm retained his job after a strong recruiting class was announced.
4. **Kalani Sitake (BYU)** – Cougars went 8‑4, earning a bowl invitation; Sitake’s contract was renewed through 2029 after a successful NIL initiative.
5. **Jim Harbaugh (Michigan)** – Despite a 10‑2 record and a Big Ten title, off‑field controversies kept the hot seat warm; the university opted for a one‑year extension.
6. **Mel Tucker (Michigan State)** – A disappointing 5‑7 season triggered a formal review; Tucker’s future remains uncertain as the board evaluates buyout options.
7. **Brian Kelly (LSU)** – Tigers posted a 9‑3 mark, but a loss to a rival intensified pressure; Kelly received a vote of confidence and a salary bump.
8. **Dave Aranda (Baylor)** –