A Season of Transition
The Big 12 coaching carousel has entered a pivotal phase as the 2026 season looms, with programs seeking stability, breakthroughs and, in some cases, a rescue from recent disappointments.
At Brigham Young University, Kalani Sitake has built a resilient identity, posting winning records in eight of his ten seasons and guiding the Cougars to consistent bowl appearances.
Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire turned heads in 2025 by capturing the conference title and securing a College Football Playoff berth, marking the first time the Red Raiders have achieved such heights.
Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham rode a similar wave last year, steering the Sun Devils to a playoff spot and a Big 12 championship, raising expectations for a sustained run.
Sonny Dykes, who led TCU to the national championship game in 2022, continues to be referenced as a benchmark for offensive creativity and rapid turnaround.
Willie Fritz, whose track record of success at Houston earned him a reputation as a winner, now faces the challenge of translating that formula to a new environment.
Brent Brennan’s revival of Arizona’s program, highlighted by a nine‑win season in 2025, illustrates how a single season can reshape a team’s trajectory.
Colorado’s Deion Sanders, meanwhile, endured a 3‑9 record in 2025, placing him under a microscope as the Buffaloes aim to restore their former prestige.
Scott Satterfield’s tenure at Cincinnati has shown incremental progress, with the Bearcats finally breaking a multi‑year bowl drought in his third year.
Baylor’s Dave Aranda sits on the hottest seat in the league after a string of subpar campaigns, prompting speculation about a possible coaching change.
Rich Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia has not yielded the anticipated lift, as the Mountaineers slipped to a 4‑8 record in 2025.
Lance Leipold’s five‑year stint at Kansas has produced only two winning seasons, leaving the program searching for a spark.
Newcomers Eric Morris and Collin Klein bring fresh perspectives; Morris is celebrated for his quarterback development, while Klein’s playing pedigree and offensive background add a unique dimension to his leadership.
The confluence of established winners, under‑pressure veterans and ambitious newcomers promises a competitive landscape that could reshape the Big 12’s hierarchy heading into 2026.