Five coaches Florida could push closer to the exit door in 2026

One of the benefits of the 2026 season for Florida fans is that we don’t have to have “Hot seat” talks this year. CBS Sports just put out their annual rating of how hot the seat is for every coach in college football, and on a scale of 0-5, Jon Sumrall’s “Hot seat” rating is a 0.8.

But there are five opponents Florida will face in 2026 who have coaches that aren’t as secure in their position, and it gives the Gators a chance to ramp up the heat on these coaches in 2026.

Five coaches on the hot seat Florida will face in 2026

Brent Venables, Oklahoma — 1.9 out of 5

The fact that Brent Venables has the 5th hottest seat according to CBS and is ahead of Eli Drinkwitz at Missouri showcases the expectations of the two programs. Venables is coming off a playoff appearance, while Drinkwitz continues to get smacked anytime he plays a top ten team.

But Oklahoma fans aren’t that far removed from constant top-five rankings, and the transition to the SEC hasn’t been easy on the Sooners. A win by Florida in The Swamp could be the game that knocks Oklahoma out of the playoffs in 2026 and starts to ramp up some real heat on Venables.

Pete Golding, Ole Miss — 1.9 out of 5

This one is interesting from CBS: Pete Golding has a hotter seat than Jon Sumrall, despite taking over after Lane Kiffin left and making a run in the playoffs. But there is this feeling that Golding isn’t going to be able to sustain the magic that Kiffin had, and if Ole Miss begins to regress to their normal state, Rebel fans are going to get restless.

Florida’s week four matchup with Ole Miss is going to be an interesting litmus test for both programs.

Steve Sarkisian, Texas — 2.6 out of 5

Talk about a tough crowd. Texas is two seasons removed from appearing in the semifinals of the playoffs, and it’s not like they were terrible last year.

But their loss to Florida wound up being one of the most impactful games of the season, as it single-handedly knocked the Longhorns out of the playoffs. It’s not a great look to have to explain to Longhorn fans that you couldn’t beat Billy Napier, and that’s why the season ended. 

This is also Texas, and Texas fans really aren’t that much different than Florida fans. Given the resources they have and the roster they have assembled, anything short of a run in the playoffs will ramp up the heat on Sarkisian.

Florida takes a trip to Austin on October 17, hoping for a better experience than their 2024 trip to Austin.

Shane Beamer, South Carolina — 4.3 out of 5

For the most part, the previously mentioned coaches are probably safe, barring a disaster of a season. Shane Beamer is not in that boat and needs to pull a rabbit out of his hat to keep his job in Columbia. Two years ago, the Gamecocks were on the doorstep of the playoffs, but they took a massive step back last year.

The October 10 meeting between the two is one that most Gator fans have probably penciled in as a win. South Carolina plays Alabama and Kentucky in the two games before Florida and has a bye week after, so there is a chance this could be the swan song for Beamer.

Mike Norvell, Florida State — 5.0 out of 5

If you can’t kick your rival when they are down, when can you kick them?

There is a chance Norvell is out the door before the regular season finale with FSU takes place. The problem for FSU is that they are broke and can’t afford to get rid of Norvell, so they are forced to hope and pray he finds the magic of 2023.

But depending on how FSU’s season goes, if Florida delivers another beatdown as it did in 2025, Seminole fans will have no choice but to pony up the money to get Norvell out the door.

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