College football is three weeks into the 2026 season, and several coaches are already fighting for their jobs. Between blowout losses, embarrassing turnovers, and off-field distractions, the hot-seat conversation is heating up fast.

Here are three coaches whose tenures could be nearing an end.

3) Mike Locksley, Maryland

Maryland looked like it had enough returning talent to bounce back from a down year last season.

A disappointing loss to Virginia Tech didn’t seem overly alarming considering they almost pulled off a comeback. That Virginia Tech defeat also turned out to reflect the Hokies being further along than expected.

The real alarm bells, though, came this past week. The Terrapins got smoked by UCLA, losing 54-3 in an ugly, across-the-board performance. Quarterback Malik Washington threw four interceptions, the rushing attack managed just 39 yards, and Maryland went 1-for-16 on third down.

Locksley entered the season on the hot seat and brought back a ton of experience from a year ago. Apparently, that wasn’t enough. Things are looking awfully bleak for his future in College Park.

2) Dave Doeren, NC State

This one feels like a no-brainer. Doeren is in a brutal spot after a disastrous start to the season. The Wolfpack were smothered in Week 0 against Virginia, and their loss to Vanderbilt was embarrassing after they lost in the final moments because CJ Bailey fumbled while trying to run out the clock.

This past week, NC State barely escaped App State with a 41-31 win. That’s not exactly the kind of result that inspires confidence heading into a matchup against Louisville. If the Wolfpack get exposed again, we could be talking about Doeren’s final days very soon.

1) Shane Beamer, South Carolina

The hottest seat in college football right now belongs to Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks are underperforming on the field, and the off-field situation isn’t helping.

South Carolina lost to Mississippi State at home in a game they needed to win to stay on track. Instead of following that up with at least a scrappy, close loss to Alabama, they got smothered 49-18. The most glaring issue, however, extends beyond the scoreboard.

Dylan Stewart’s ongoing suspension has become a major distraction. Beamer has tried to paint it as a learning opportunity for Stewart, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. At the very least, Beamer can hang his hat on the fact that they practiced hard this week.

Something feels off with this South Carolina team. After a stellar 2024 season, the Gamecocks have regressed significantly. We have to recognize that this has gone as far as it can go.