Top 5 college football coaches on the hot seat after 2024 season ft. Lincoln Riley 

The 2024 college football season is drawing to a close, and while the action on the field has been thrilling, several coaches find themselves under immense pressure. There have been a raft of coach departures in recent weeks, and the firing season is far from over.

Here’s a look at five coaches whose jobs are on the line as their programs demand better results.

Top college football coaches on the hot seat

#1 Lincoln Riley (USC Trojans)

USC ended the season at 6-6 under Riley. Defensive struggles and a perceived lack of grit have been persistent issues. As USC transitions into the Big Ten, the challenges could grow even more tougher.

Riley’s record of 23-13 over three seasons pales compared to Clay Helton’s 25-11 mark in his first 36 games. His 8-9 record in one-score games further highlights his inability to perform under pressure.

#2 Kalen DeBoer (Alabama Crimson Tide)

DeBoer’s debut season at Alabama has been a mixed bag. Replacing a legend like Nick Saban was never going to be easy, but a 9-4 record has left Crimson Tide fans frustrated. Alabama missed the playoffs and lost multiple games where they were heavy favorites.

Paul Finebaum summed it up best on the "Matt Barrie Show."

“I believe very firmly that Kalen DeBoer is on a scorching hot seat,” Finebaum said. “Now you can say what does that mean. I'll tell you what I think it means. It means that he is under a microscope. The way they lost it was just horrifying to watch.”

While a nine-win season might suffice elsewhere, it’s unacceptable for a program accustomed to double-digit wins since 2007, as they missed out on the playoff and lost multiple games as double-digit favorites.

#3 Mike Locksley (Maryland Terrapins)

Locksley’s time with Maryland has been a rollercoaster. While he’s a talented recruiter and offensive strategist, consistency has eluded the Terrapins under Locksley. A 4-8 record this season, coupled with poor performances in Big Ten play, puts him on the hot seat as the conference becomes increasingly competitive.

Despite his struggles, Locksley’s position seems safe for now due to limited NIL resources and his solid recruiting efforts. However, Maryland’s patience might wear thin if the program doesn’t move beyond mediocrity soon.

#4 Ryan Walters (Purdue Boilermakers)

The Boilermakers, winless in Big Ten play, finished with a dismal 1-7 record in 2024 under Walters. His defense, once his hallmark at Illinois, has allowed an average of 37.5 points per game this season. His overall record of 5-15 highlights the program’s regression.

While Purdue is considered a challenging job, the team’s steep decline under Walters’ leadership has raised serious concerns about his future.

#5 Hugh Freeze (Auburn Tigers)

Through nearly two seasons, Freeze holds a 9-13 overall record, worse than his predecessor, Bryan Harsin, who was fired after 21 games. Auburn’s ability to squander winnable games has left fans disheartened.

With a 3-6 record this season, the Tigers are set to miss a bowl game. Statistically, Auburn isn’t terrible, but their knack for losing crucial games has made Freeze’s position untenable.