2026 Preseason Hot Seat — projections for the coming season.
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Lane Kiffin
LSU
Kiffin expresses regret over the Ole Miss situation.· 2h ago
Will Stein
UK
Stein's confidence has become a familiar narrative.· 1d ago
Pete Golding
MISS
Golding reacts negatively to concerns over alleged tampering with Clemson.· 6h ago
Alex Golesh
AUB
Golesh outlines his offensive plans, but no coaching job action is noted.· 3h ago
Ryan Silverfield
ARK
Silverfield speaks at SEC Media Days.· 3h ago
With Baylor's recent announcements regarding Dave Aranda's job status and a hot seat score escalating to 100, concerns about his tenure are mounting as he enters the 2026 season.
7-17 over two seasons; the buyout is the only reason he survived December. Opens with SMU and Alabama.
Back-to-back losing seasons — Wisconsin's first since 1991-92. Opens vs Notre Dame.
Consecutive 4-8 seasons and 16-43 in Big Ten play since 2019.
Dabo Swinney is facing increased scrutiny as his hot seat score rises amid criticism from pundits like Paul Finebaum and concerns over program stability with the return of Chad Morris. The growing pressure suggests that expectations for the upcoming season are escalating, even before kickoff.
4-8 in 2025 and a brutal nine-game SEC slate ahead.
A 4-8 debut and constant questions about long-term commitment at 74.
35-18 with no conference title or CFP berth; a No. 1 recruiting class raises the stakes.
6-18 in two seasons at MTSU.
2-10 in Year 2.
Repeated late-season fades; the Week 1 game vs Boston College is close to a must-win.
4-20 overall and 1-15 in Sun Belt play.
Had a 5.0 hot seat rating in 2025, then went 8-5 — pressure eased but not gone.
A down season moved his rating from 0.33 to 3.1.
27-25 overall with no breakthrough.
An uneven start has Tuscaloosa restless. Championship-or-else expectations.
7-18 across two seasons in Starkville.
19-19 in three seasons; Nebraska expects more.
13 years, 95-70 — solid but stagnant.
Named a "getting warm" coach by Athlon after a difficult stretch.
Will Stein’s hot seat score has increased significantly as he enters his first season with Kentucky amid high expectations and bold statements at SEC Media Days. Despite the current record of 0-0, pressure mounts as his prior team finished 5-7, and he openly declares Kentucky will win big 'because of me,' setting a challenging tone for his inaugural season.
After moving to Penn State, Matt Campbell's previous role at Iowa State shows signs of turmoil as the team faces a rebuild. His rising hot seat score suggests increasing pressure amid mixed reactions to his coaching decisions.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Not on any major preseason hot seat list.
Was on every 2025 hot seat list, then delivered a 10-3 CFP season. CBS rating fell from 4.7 to 1.9.
Kiffin expresses regret over the Ole Miss situation.
Yahoo Sports
Kiffin addresses the impact of his Ole Miss exit on recruiting.
Yahoo Sports
Kiffin claims a controversial decision doesn't impact him.
Sports Illustrated
Silverfield speaks at SEC Media Days.
Rocky Top Insider
Lane Kiffin discusses his perspective post-Ole Miss departure.
CBS Sports
Ryan Silverfield addresses team mentality issues for improvement.
ESPN
Marcus Freeman expresses confidence for Notre Dame's season start.
roundtable.io
Golesh outlines his offensive plans, but no coaching job action is noted.
Auburn Wire
Shane Beamer remains confident ahead of the 2026 season.
On3
Lane Kiffin addresses his move from Ole Miss to LSU.
wengradio.com
Silverfield makes a remark about Sumrall at SEC Media Days.
On3
Kiffin highlighted differences between LSU and Ole Miss.
heavy.com
Kiffin is viewed as a significant asset for LSU's future.
FOX Sports
Lane Kiffin expresses regrets about his departure from Ole Miss.
ESPN
Silverfield commented on facing low expectations during his tenure.
AL.com
Kiffin expressed confidence in LSU's potential to succeed this season.
The Daily Advertiser | Lafayette, Louisiana
Kiffin discussed various topics at SEC Media Days, including LSU's expectations.
Bossier Press-Tribune
Lane Kiffin talks about Ole Miss departure at SEC Media Days.
ABC7 WWSB
Kiffin shares insights during SEC Media Days.
Rocky Top Insider
Arkansas coach comments on Georgia and his dialogue with Kirby Smart.
247Sports