College Football Coaching Carousel Heats Up: Tenure Marks for Several Programs
The college football coaching carousel is gaining momentum with several programs making changes mid-season. As of Week 10, twelve programs have already announced the departure or promotion of their head coaches. The search for a new leader is underway to guide these teams into the 2026 season.
Kent State Golden Flashes' Mark Carney Sees Promotion
The Kent State Golden Flashes took an unusual step by promoting Mark Carney to full-time head coach after Kenni Burns was fired amid contract violations. Carney, who had been interim since April, was previously the offensive coordinator before the 2024 season.
Brian Kelly Departs LSU Amid Frustrating Loss
A 49-25 loss to Texas A&M sparked a coaching change at LSU. Frank Wilson, promoted from associate head coach and running backs coach, took over as interim head coach after Brian Kelly left the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Colorado State Rams Say Goodbye to Jay Norvell
Fired defensive coordinator Tyson Summers is now leading Colorado State Rams on an interim basis after Jay Norvell's 2-5 start ended in a change. The Rams finished 18-26 overall and 13-13 in Mountain West play under Norvell.
Florida Gators Welcome New Face
New interim head coach Billy Gonzales, previously wide receivers coach, steps into the role as Florida Gators look to turn their season around. Billy Napier's tenure ended after a loss to Mississippi State despite an early-season win over the Bulldogs.
UAB Blazers' Change at Helm
Trent Dilfer was out of his depth but ultimately became too much for Alex Mortensen and company, now serving as interim head coach after three consecutive blowout losses.
Penn State Nittany Lions Seek New Leadership
The Penn State Nittany Lions are looking to find a new lead man following James Franklin's departure. Terry Smith is taking over on an interim basis after three straight losses that included the Northwestern Wildcats game.
Oregon State Beavers Search for First-Year Coach
Trent Bray, who went 0-7 in his first season as head coach, was out of a job at Oregon State Beavers after being fired mid-season. Robb Akey now leads on an interim basis.
Arkansas Razorbacks' Coaching Cycle Ends
Sam Pittman left the Arkansas Razorbacks after losing three consecutive games and being removed from his position. Bobby Petrino now serves as interim head coach.
Oklahoma State Cowboys End Tenure of Mike Gundy
Mike Gundy was dismissed by Oklahoma State Cowboys just days into their season due to a 3-game losing streak, with Doug Meacham stepping in on an interim basis.
The college football coaching carousel is gaining momentum with several programs making changes mid-season. As of Week 10, twelve programs have already announced the departure or promotion of their head coaches. The search for a new leader is underway to guide these teams into the 2026 season.
Kent State Golden Flashes' Mark Carney Sees Promotion
The Kent State Golden Flashes took an unusual step by promoting Mark Carney to full-time head coach after Kenni Burns was fired amid contract violations. Carney, who had been interim since April, was previously the offensive coordinator before the 2024 season.
Brian Kelly Departs LSU Amid Frustrating Loss
A 49-25 loss to Texas A&M sparked a coaching change at LSU. Frank Wilson, promoted from associate head coach and running backs coach, took over as interim head coach after Brian Kelly left the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Colorado State Rams Say Goodbye to Jay Norvell
Fired defensive coordinator Tyson Summers is now leading Colorado State Rams on an interim basis after Jay Norvell's 2-5 start ended in a change. The Rams finished 18-26 overall and 13-13 in Mountain West play under Norvell.
Florida Gators Welcome New Face
New interim head coach Billy Gonzales, previously wide receivers coach, steps into the role as Florida Gators look to turn their season around. Billy Napier's tenure ended after a loss to Mississippi State despite an early-season win over the Bulldogs.
UAB Blazers' Change at Helm
Trent Dilfer was out of his depth but ultimately became too much for Alex Mortensen and company, now serving as interim head coach after three consecutive blowout losses.
Penn State Nittany Lions Seek New Leadership
The Penn State Nittany Lions are looking to find a new lead man following James Franklin's departure. Terry Smith is taking over on an interim basis after three straight losses that included the Northwestern Wildcats game.
Oregon State Beavers Search for First-Year Coach
Trent Bray, who went 0-7 in his first season as head coach, was out of a job at Oregon State Beavers after being fired mid-season. Robb Akey now leads on an interim basis.
Arkansas Razorbacks' Coaching Cycle Ends
Sam Pittman left the Arkansas Razorbacks after losing three consecutive games and being removed from his position. Bobby Petrino now serves as interim head coach.
Oklahoma State Cowboys End Tenure of Mike Gundy
Mike Gundy was dismissed by Oklahoma State Cowboys just days into their season due to a 3-game losing streak, with Doug Meacham stepping in on an interim basis.
. I mean, it's not every day you see a coach go from being an OC to an HC like that. And now they're gonna try and turn their season around with him at the helm 
. I guess you can't put a price on experience? It'll be interesting to see how this plays out 
Some of these changes just feel like drama for our entertainment 
. On the other hand, maybe some of these new hires will bring a fresh perspective and turn things around for those programs 
. What do you guys think is driving all these coaching changes? Is it just the usual college football carousel or are there deeper issues at play? 
! It's like they're changing coaches more often than I change my layout 
. Kent State is actually trying something new and promoting from within? That's kinda cool! But at the same time, LSU just fired their coach mid-season because they lost to Texas A&M by 24 points 
. What's going on with these programs?! Colorado State is now playing without their coach for like... what's it even called? Interim head coach? 
. Can't we just have some stability for once?! Penn State and Oregon State are both looking for new leaders, but at least they're doing it in a more organized way. Arkansas is already having their second interim coach this season 
. It's like, can't we just find one coach who can make all the right calls?! 
. One minute they're all happy and coaching together, the next they're getting fired or promoted for no reason. Like, what's up with that? 
It's like Mark Carney just got the keys to his dream car and then handed them back because of a little thing called contract violations... whoops! 
Anyway, I guess it's all good news for the teams - they get new coaches and fresh starts. Or do they? 
idk what else to say about that 
can't believe all these coaching changes mid-season its like they're all trying to make the playoffs for the Super Bowl lol what about stability and continuity any programs that aren't getting their act together should be stuck with whoever they got until they figure it out 12 program changes so far this season already
. Twelve programs already made a change? That's just wild 
. Fingers crossed it works out for them 
kent state promoting mark carney is pretty cool tho, who wouldn't wanna stay at a school that's actually invested in their staff? 
anyway, it just seems like every year we see these coaching carousel moves and i'm left wondering if some of these programs are actually doing themselves a disservice by making changes so frequently 
.
But for everyone else, it's gotta be tough to adjust to new coaching styles and expectations. The stress and pressure of college football can't be taken lightly.
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. I think some of these changes are necessary, like at Kent State where they promoted Mark Carney from interim head coach to full-time head coach after Kenni Burns got canned mid-season. 
It's clear that the Golden Flashes needed a fresh face and new energy to turn things around.
... mark carney is like the ultimate underdog story - from OC to HC in like 2 seconds flat! what's next for lsu tho? can frank wilson turn it around or are they just gonna keep changing coaches like a pair of socks 
And why did Brian Kelly leave LSU so suddenly after a loss to Texas A&M? It looks like he wasn't getting along with his players or something. 
️. Are teams really that bad this year or is it just a matter of finding the right coach? 
- promoted mid-season like that doesn't usually work out well for players.