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Big Ten Coaching Hot Seat Rankings Released

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 22:54 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, UNITED STATES

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 - The dust has settled on a tumultuous 2024 Big Ten football season, and the repercussions are rippling through the coaching ranks. CBS Sports recently released its updated hot seat rankings, painting a stark picture of pressure and uncertainty for several prominent figures. The rankings, released today, have ignited debate amongst fans and analysts, highlighting the increasingly cutthroat nature of college football and the intense demands placed on head coaches.

This isn't simply about win-loss records; the criteria, as CBS Sports notes, encompass program trajectory, recruiting success (or lack thereof), fan sentiment, and performance in critical moments. The evolving landscape of college football - with the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, and the ever-present pressure to compete nationally - has significantly ratcheted up the stakes. A coach who once might have been given time to rebuild now faces immediate scrutiny.

Tier 1: The Brink of Dismissal

Topping the list, and facing an almost certain dismissal, is Clay Helton at Northwestern. A dismal 4-8 record is only a symptom of deeper issues in Evanston. Helton seemingly failed to resonate with the program or demonstrate a clear path forward, making his position untenable. The Wildcats, traditionally a solid academic institution with a competitive football program, need a leader who can navigate the modern challenges and restore the program's former glory.

Tier 2: Under Intense Pressure

The biggest shock on the list is undoubtedly Ryan Day of Ohio State. Despite consistently recruiting top talent, Day has faltered in crucial games, most notably against rivals Michigan. The Buckeyes' inability to break through and win the Big Ten Championship, coupled with postseason disappointments, has created a palpable sense of frustration in Columbus. Many analysts now predict his departure, despite his overall record, as the program demands consistent championship contention.

Following Day are David Braun (Wisconsin), Greg Schiano (Rutgers), and Drew Meyer (Indiana). Braun inherited a difficult situation, but a lack of visible progress has put his job in jeopardy. Schiano, after a period of rebuilding at Rutgers, experienced a significant step backward in 2024, raising concerns about the program's direction. Meyer, at Indiana, simply hasn't been able to elevate the Hoosiers to a competitive level within the Big Ten.

Tier 3: Navigating the Hot Seat

This tier represents coaches who are feeling the heat but still have a chance to salvage their positions. Matt Rhule at Nebraska is in an interesting position. While he's begun a rebuilding process, the high expectations in Lincoln demand faster results. P.J. Fleck (Minnesota), Chris Beard (Kansas State), Michael Prograis (Purdue), Bret Bielema (Illinois), and James Franklin (Penn State) all find themselves here. Each faces a unique set of pressures - Fleck needs to regain momentum, Beard needs more consistent wins, Prograis requires further development of the Purdue program, Bielema must translate stability into victories, and Franklin needs to deliver on the promise of Penn State's recruiting prowess.

Tier 4: Relatively Secure

At the top of the stability pyramid are Kirk Ferentz of Iowa and Jonathan Smith of Michigan State. Ferentz is a legendary figure in Iowa City, and his long tenure has earned him a degree of immunity, despite criticisms of his offensive approach. Smith, while new to Michigan State, has demonstrated initial promise and appears to have the support of the administration.

The Bigger Picture: The Changing Dynamics of Big Ten Football

The CBS Sports rankings aren't just about individual coaches; they reflect the broader changes happening in the Big Ten. The conference's expansion, the increased financial stakes, and the competitive pressure from programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and now USC and UCLA, have created a hyper-competitive environment. Coaches are under immense pressure not only to win but to win big - and quickly. The transfer portal adds another layer of complexity, forcing coaches to constantly manage their rosters and adapt to changing personnel. NIL deals also significantly impact recruiting and retention, demanding that coaches navigate a complex financial landscape.

The coming weeks and months will likely see significant movement in the Big Ten coaching ranks. The pressure is on, and only time will tell which coaches can weather the storm and lead their programs to success.