As the 2025 college football season approaches, several coaches find themselves on the hot seat. They need to demonstrate significant improvement this year or risk losing their jobs.
The Athletic has ranked these coaches based on their level of urgency. Heading the list at No. 1 is Sam Pittman, the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. He is followed by Billy Napier, head coach of the Florida Gators, at No. 2, and Brent Venables, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, at No. 3.
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Pittman, entering his sixth season at Arkansas, posted a record of 7-6 last year after finishing the previous year with a 4-8 record. He has experienced two losing seasons, two 7-6 seasons, and one 9-4 season during his time as head coach.
Napier, also considered to be on the hot seat, is beginning his fourth season with the Gators. His first two seasons resulted in losing records, but he rebounded last year with an 8-5 season, finishing strong with a four-game winning streak.
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Venables is entering his fourth season as head coach. During his tenure, he has had two losing seasons and one successful season, with a record of 10-3 in 2023. Last year was particularly challenging, as Oklahoma finished with a 6-7 record in its first year in the SEC. Venables’ first losing season in 2022 was the program’s first losing record since 1998.
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ESPN’s Paul Finebaum joined On3’s Ari Wasserman and Andy Staples to discuss coaches who are under pressure. When Staples asked Finebaum whether Venables or Napier was under more scrutiny, Finebaum made his preference clear.
“Going into the season, it’s Brent Venables,” Finebaum said.
Finebaum has been vocal about his views on Brent Venables as the season approaches. While he hasn’t made a record prediction, he expressed optimism but also recognized the harsh realities of college football. Finebaum previously mentioned that Oklahoma could be undefeated heading into its matchup against Texas in Dallas. He believes the Sooners are poised for a much better year. However, he warns that Venables may not survive another disappointing season if they don’t improve. The Sooners would owe Venables $34.9 million if they moved on at the end of the season.
There’s some hope in Norman this year. After struggling with the No. 113 ranked offense in the country in 2024, the Sooners fired their offensive coordinator, Seth Littrell, during the season. They replaced him after the season with Ben Arbuckle, who was the offensive coordinator at Washington State. Under Arbuckle, the Cougars boasted a much stronger offense, ranked No. 17 in the nation.
The Sooners also faced a setback with the transfer of quarterback Jackson Arnold to Auburn. However, they have brought in John Mateer, who was the quarterback at Washington State under Arbuckle. Mateer was one of the top players in the transfer portal, finishing with 3,139 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. He also contributed 826 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
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Oklahoma is hoping for similar success in 2025, with the aim of ensuring that Venables retains his job for another year.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Coach Whose Job is on the Line
