Odds On First College Football Coach To Be Fired

· Aug 05 - 8 minutes read

Alright, folks, let’s dive into the juicy world of college football and talk about everyone’s favorite topic – which coach is gonna get the boot first this season? I’ve been covering this sport for years, and let me tell you, the hot seat never cools off in this business. Every season is win now and with the college football playoff field expanded to 12 teams this season, coaches are going to be under even more pressure to succeed.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day will be in hot water if his team fails to beat Michigan or doesn’t make the playoffs.

Which College Football Coach Will Be Fired First?

The coaching carousel spins faster each year, and the stakes are higher than ever. With fans and boosters demanding instant success, patience is a rare commodity. So, who will be the first to get the boot this season? Let’s dive into the odds and the situations surrounding some of the most embattled coaches in college football.

Billy Napier (Florida) +400

Billy Napier tops the list with the shortest odds of being the first coach fired. Florida Gators fans are notoriously impatient, and Napier’s tenure hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Despite his reputation as a strong recruiter, the on-field results have been underwhelming. Last season’s mediocre performance has left fans and boosters restless. If the Gators stumble out of the gate, Napier could find himself packing his bags sooner rather than later. The SEC is unforgiving, and Florida’s schedule doesn’t offer much respite. A few early losses could seal his fate.

Sam Pittman (Arkansas) +500

Sam Pittman, the Arkansas Razorbacks’ head coach, is also on thin ice. Pittman’s charm and likability have bought him some goodwill, but goodwill only goes so far when the wins aren’t piling up. Arkansas had a disappointing season last year, and the pressure is mounting. The Razorbacks’ fanbase is passionate and expects a competitive team. If Pittman can’t turn things around quickly, he might be shown the door. The SEC West is brutal, and a slow start could be disastrous for Pittman’s job security.

Mario Cristobal (Miami FL) +600

Mario Cristobal’s return to Miami was supposed to be a homecoming of sorts, but it hasn’t gone according to plan. The Hurricanes have struggled under his leadership, and the fanbase is growing increasingly frustrated. Cristobal’s hefty contract might buy him some time, but not much. Miami’s boosters are known for their impatience, and another lackluster season could spell the end for Cristobal. The Hurricanes need to show significant improvement, or Cristobal could be out the door.

Dave Aranda (Baylor) +700

Dave Aranda finds himself in a precarious position at Baylor. After a stellar debut season, the Bears have regressed, and Aranda is feeling the heat. Baylor’s administration has been patient, but patience is wearing thin. The Big 12 is wide open, and Baylor needs to capitalize. If Aranda can’t get the Bears back on track, he might be looking for a new job. The pressure is on, and Aranda needs to deliver.

Clark Lea (Vanderbilt) +800

Clark Lea’s tenure at Vanderbilt has been a struggle. The Commodores have shown little progress, and Lea is running out of time. Vanderbilt’s administration isn’t known for making quick decisions, but Lea’s lack of success might force their hand. The SEC is a tough conference, and Vanderbilt needs to show signs of life. If Lea can’t turn things around, he could be the first coach fired this season.

Kalani Sitake (BYU) +900

Kalani Sitake has had a rollercoaster tenure at BYU. The Cougars have had some high points, but consistency has been an issue. Sitake’s job isn’t in immediate danger, but a poor start could change that. BYU’s move to the Big 12 adds another layer of complexity, and Sitake needs to prove he can compete at a higher level. If the Cougars falter, Sitake might be on the chopping block.

Ryan Day (Ohio State) +1200

Ryan Day’s inclusion on this list might surprise some, but the pressure at Ohio State is immense. The Buckeyes expect to compete for national championships every year, and anything less is considered a failure. Day has had success, but another loss to Michigan or a failure to make the 12-team College Football Playoff could put him in hot water. The odds of him being the first coach fired are long, but stranger things have happened in college football.

Justin Wilcox (California) +1200

Justin Wilcox is another coach feeling the heat. California has struggled under his leadership, and the fanbase is growing restless. The Pac-12 is competitive, and Cal needs to show improvement. Wilcox’s job isn’t safe, and a poor start could lead to his dismissal. The odds are long, but Wilcox needs to deliver results quickly.

Pat Narduzzi (Pittsburgh) +1200

Pat Narduzzi has had a mixed tenure at Pittsburgh. The Panthers have had some success, but inconsistency has been an issue. Narduzzi’s job isn’t in immediate danger, but a poor start could change that. The ACC is competitive, and Pittsburgh needs to show they can compete at a high level. If Narduzzi can’t deliver, he might be looking for a new job.

Scott Satterfield (Cincinnati) +1400

Scott Satterfield’s move to Cincinnati was supposed to be a fresh start, but the pressure is already mounting. The Bearcats have high expectations, and Satterfield needs to deliver. The Big 12 is a tough conference, and Cincinnati needs to show they can compete. If Satterfield can’t get the Bearcats on track, he might be the first coach fired this season.

Neal Brown (West Virginia) +1400

Neal Brown’s tenure at West Virginia has been a rollercoaster. The Mountaineers have shown flashes of potential, but inconsistency has been an issue. Brown’s job isn’t safe, and a poor start could lead to his dismissal. The Big 12 is competitive, and West Virginia needs to show they can compete at a high level. If Brown can’t deliver, he might be looking for a new job.

Shane Beamer (South Carolina) +1600

Shane Beamer has had a decent start at South Carolina, but the pressure is mounting. The Gamecocks have high expectations, and Beamer needs to deliver. The SEC is a tough conference, and South Carolina needs to show they can compete. If Beamer can’t get the Gamecocks on track, he might be the first coach fired this season.

Tony Elliott (Virginia) +1600

Tony Elliott’s tenure at Virginia has been a struggle. The Cavaliers have shown little progress, and Elliott is running out of time. Virginia’s administration isn’t known for making quick decisions, but Elliott’s lack of success might force their hand. The ACC is competitive, and Virginia needs to show signs of life. If Elliott can’t turn things around, he could be the first coach fired this season.

Mike Locksley (Maryland) +1600

Mike Locksley has had a mixed tenure at Maryland. The Terrapins have shown flashes of potential, but inconsistency has been an issue. Locksley’s job isn’t in immediate danger, but a poor start could change that. The Big Ten is competitive, and Maryland needs to show they can compete at a high level. If Locksley can’t deliver, he might be looking for a new job.

Dabo Swinney (Clemson) +2500

Dabo Swinney’s inclusion on this list might surprise some, but the pressure at Clemson is immense. The Tigers expect to compete for national championships every year, and anything less is considered a failure. Swinney has had immense success, but another poor season could put him in hot water. The odds of him being the first coach fired are long, but stranger things have happened in college football.

Lincoln Riley (USC) +2500

Lincoln Riley’s move to USC was supposed to bring instant success, but the pressure is already mounting. The Trojans have high expectations, and Riley needs to deliver. The Pac-12 is competitive, and USC needs to show they can compete at a high level. If Riley can’t get the Trojans on track, he might be the first coach fired this season.

Brent Venables (Oklahoma) +3000

Brent Venables’ tenure at Oklahoma hasn’t gone according to plan. The Sooners have struggled under his leadership, and the fanbase is growing increasingly frustrated. Venables’ job isn’t in immediate danger, but a poor start could change that. The Big 12 is competitive, and Oklahoma needs to show they can compete at a high level. If Venables can’t deliver, he might be looking for a new job.

Deion Sanders (Colorado) +5000

Deion Sanders’ inclusion on this list might surprise some, but the pressure at Colorado is immense. The Buffaloes expect to compete at a high level, and Sanders needs to deliver. The Pac-12 is competitive, and Colorado needs to show they can compete. If Sanders can’t get the Buffaloes on track, he might be the first coach fired this season.

Bet on NCAAF First Coach Fired First Odds

Conclusion

As the 2024 college football season unfolds, the pressure on these coaches will only intensify. The odds might favor Billy Napier, Sam Pittman, and Mario Cristobal, but in the unpredictable world of college football, anything can happen. One thing is certain: the first coach to be fired will set off a chain reaction, and the coaching carousel will spin faster than ever. So, buckle up, college football fans, because this season promises to be a wild ride.

1st Coach Fired Odds