College football has always been a high-pressure business, but heading into the 2025 season, the stakes feel higher than ever. With NIL money flowing directly to players, packed recruiting battles, and fan bases that demand championships, the margin for error is razor thin. A few coaches have found themselves under scrutiny after inconsistent results, yet they also stand at a unique crossroads: the chance to flip the narrative and turn critics into believers.
That’s why this year, we spotlight 5 College Coaches Poised for Big Turnaround — men under pressure but positioned for redemption. Whether they’re building on recruiting classes, adjusting to the SEC gauntlet, or trying to revive once-proud programs, each coach has an opportunity to reshape their legacy in 2025.
1. Brent Venables – Oklahoma Sooners
No coach is feeling the spotlight more than Brent Venables. Entering his fourth season at Oklahoma, Venables has yet to match the lofty expectations that come with the Sooners’ tradition of dominance. His tenure includes a disappointing 6-7 finish in both 2022 and 2024, sandwiching his only winning year. On top of that, his bowl record sits at 0-3, with losses in the Cheez-It, Alamo, and Armed Forces bowls — games far below the program’s championship standards.
Yet, Venables still has a chance to prove he belongs among the elite. The Sooners are heading into their second year in the SEC, and fans are desperate for a breakout moment. Rival Texas has already risen to the top of the conference, and Venables needs a signature season to quiet critics.
Why he’s one of the 5 College Coaches Poised for Big Turnaround: Oklahoma still recruits at a high level, and Venables’ defensive background gives him a foundation to build on. If he can unlock consistency on offense and deliver a winning conference record, the Sooners could return to national prominence quickly.
2. Hugh Freeze – Auburn Tigers
Auburn is one of the toughest jobs in America. With rivals like Alabama and Georgia always looming, Tigers coaches rarely get patience — and Hugh Freeze is already finding that out. After back-to-back seven-loss seasons, Freeze enters 2025 on shaky ground. His recruiting efforts have been strong, but poor in-game decisions in pressure situations have fueled skepticism.
Still, the road ahead offers opportunities. Auburn gets both Georgia and Alabama at home this year, and a couple of statement wins could flip Freeze’s perception overnight. The Tigers’ fan base is demanding progress, but with the right adjustments and improved quarterback play, Freeze could be the surprise story of the SEC.
Why he’s one of the 5 College Coaches Poised for Big Turnaround: Auburn is loaded with young talent, and Freeze has shown in the past that he can deliver big upsets. If he turns close losses into wins, he’ll shift from hot seat to hero.
3. Sam Pittman – Arkansas Razorbacks
Sam Pittman is one of the most likable coaches in college football. Known for his folksy charm, he has delivered three winning seasons out of five with Arkansas, including bowl victories. Yet his 30-31 overall record has left fans unsure about the program’s trajectory. After a promising 9-4 season in 2021, the Razorbacks have settled back into mediocrity.
The 2025 schedule won’t make life easy. Arkansas faces trips to Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU, and Texas in back-to-back weekends — a daunting stretch. But Pittman has built a physical roster, and with strong leadership, the Hogs could surprise.
Why he’s one of the 5 College Coaches Poised for Big Turnaround: If Pittman finds a way to win a few of those marquee matchups, he’ll remind Razorback Nation that he’s the right man to guide them in the SEC.
4. Kalen DeBoer – Alabama Crimson Tide (Honorable Mention)
It might seem odd to see Alabama’s coach on a list like this, but by Crimson Tide standards, 9-4 in year one is underwhelming. Kalen DeBoer inherited a powerhouse program, and the expectation is clear: make the College Football Playoff or risk whispers of doubt.
Why he’s one of the 5 College Coaches Poised for Big Turnaround: DeBoer has the roster and resources to rebound quickly. If Alabama looks sharper in 2025, a double-digit win season would reaffirm that the Tide are still a national contender under new leadership.
5. Mike Gundy & Mike Norvell – Veterans with Questions
Two coaches with very different stories share the spotlight.
- Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State): Once praised for consistency, Gundy has seen his Cowboys slip. After a shocking 3-9 collapse in 2024, fans are restless. His 12-2 campaign in 2021 feels like a distant memory. Can he bring stability back?
- Mike Norvell (Florida State): Norvell has alternated between highs and lows. His Seminoles went 2-10 in 2024, erasing the momentum of previous winning seasons. Making matters worse, former coach Jimbo Fisher has openly hinted he’d return if the right opportunity came along.
Why they’re among the 5 College Coaches Poised for Big Turnaround: Both Gundy and Norvell know what winning looks like. If they can regroup, harness their rosters’ potential, and string together consistent performances, they could reclaim their reputations in 2025.
The Bigger Picture: Opportunity in Adversity
College football is cyclical. Programs rise and fall, coaches face criticism, and yet every new season offers a chance for redemption. The reality is that fan bases often judge coaches by the latest season alone. A hot streak can erase years of frustration, while a poor start can end a tenure quickly.
That’s what makes this list of 5 College Coaches Poised for Big Turnaround so compelling. Brent Venables, Hugh Freeze, Sam Pittman, Kalen DeBoer, Mike Gundy, and Mike Norvell are all facing pivotal years. Their programs have history, resources, and passionate fans — and if they deliver in 2025, they could shift narratives dramatically.
For some, like Venables and Freeze, it’s about proving they belong at the helm of powerhouse programs. For others, like Pittman and Norvell, it’s about consistency and growth. And for veterans like Gundy, it’s about showing they can still win big in a changing sport.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season won’t just define players on the field — it will define the coaches leading them. As expectations climb, these 5 College Coaches Poised for Big Turnaround have a chance to rise above the noise, silence critics, and inspire their fan bases.
Some may falter under the weight of pressure, but others will seize the moment and rewrite their stories. One thing is certain: college football will be watching closely.