CFB insider Bruce Feldman names 2 prominent coaches who could be on hot seat in 2026
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
The college football season is around the corner. While all coaches have some degree of expectations, a select few are dealing with consequential stakes. During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, reporter Bruce Feldman listed North Carolina’s Bill Belichick and USC’s Lincoln Riley as 2 prominent coaches who could be on the hot seat.
The legendary NFL coach is coming off a 4-8 mark in his debut season at North Carolina. Feldman believes if UNC replicates that kind of season again, it could spell trouble for Belichick’s job security. Also, Feldman thinks another struggling season might leave a sour taste that’ll dissuade Belichick from returning even if he’s not fired.
“Bill Belichick has all sorts of issues going on…When Mack Brown was there, they weren’t this bad. Even in the bad year Larry Fedora had when they won 2 games, they weren’t the laughing stock of college football,” Feldman said. “If he has another 4-8 season, I can’t imagine that he’s going to want to deal with that again. You’ve got a lot of off-field issues. They’ve really tried to re-boot how they’re doing things. If they don’t get going fast, I’d be surprised if he came back for a third season.”
Meanwhile, traditional power USC has yet to reach the College Football Playoff under Riley and the clock is rapidly ticking.
“With Lincoln Riley, expectations are higher. They signed the No. 1 ranked recruiting class. I think people have been very frustrated there,” Feldman said. “It’s year five. I mean, he started out well and they came close to making the playoff but then it’s been disappointment.”
However, Feldman doesn’t think making the CFP is an absolute must for Riley to keep his job. Riley took over at USC in 2022 and has amassed a 35-18 record.
“I think if they get to nine wins, whether they make the playoff or not, at least that’ll be progress,” Feldman said. “If it’s another eight-win or worse season, I think people around USC, the money people, will start to think: ‘You know, this is just not going to work out.’ This is a pivotal year for Lincoln Riley.”
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