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FILE - South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer watches a replay during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Coastal Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser, File)

6 college football coaches under the most pressure entering the 2026 season

Maura Carey, The Associated Press 5 minute read 5:10 AM CDT

Patience for poor performance is a rarity in college football and that's only become more clear in recent years. Eight power four coaches were jobless by November in 2025, and fifteen Bowl Subdivision coaches were fired throughout the season, totaling a record $270 million in buyout packages.

As the 2026 season arrives, here are six coaches entering the fall under the most pressure for instant results:

Mike Norvell, Florida State

Florida State peaked too early last season with a 31-17 Week 1 upset of Alabama and two blowouts against East Texas A&M and Kent State, cruising to a 3-0 start. And then things got shaky for the Seminoles, winning just two of their final nine games. Coach Mike Norvell is just above .500 in his six years at FSU (38-34). Thirteen of those wins came during the Noles’ playoff run in 2023. Since then, FSU has landed in the win column just seven times and finished bottom five in the ACC in back-to-back years — leaving Norvell in the win now bucket.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) arrives at NFL football training camp Friday, July 31, 2026, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Mahomes, Parsons and trio of 49ers highlight the NFL stars returning from injuries this season

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Mahomes, Parsons and trio of 49ers highlight the NFL stars returning from injuries this season

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 6 minute read 5:04 AM CDT

The list of players who finished the 2025 season injured was almost a who's-who of some of the NFL's biggest stars.

There was two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, who could only watch the end of a disappointing six-win season for Kansas City after going down with a torn ACL in Week 15.

Three-time All-Pro Micah Parsons was only a spectator in the postseason in his first season in Green Bay after suffering his own torn ACL in December, while the San Francisco 49ers were down three big stars of their own for the end of the playoffs with Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and George Kittle all going down with major injuries during the season.

Indianapolis had its promising season derailed when quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles in early December and the New York Giants missed 2024 rookie sensation Malik Nabers for most of the season after he went down with a knee injury in the fourth game of his second season.

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5:04 AM CDT

NFL

FILE - Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Deion Jones (45) intercepts a pass from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, not pictured, and returns it for a touchdown, in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, on Sept. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)

Ex-Falcons star and New Orleans native Deion Jones anticipates a heady homecoming with the Saints

Brett Martel, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Ex-Falcons star and New Orleans native Deion Jones anticipates a heady homecoming with the Saints

Brett Martel, The Associated Press 4 minute read 5:01 AM CDT

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Veteran NFL linebacker Deion Jones grinned while pondering the mixed reaction he's received from friends and loved ones since signing with the New Orleans Saints.

Few can appreciate the intensity of the longstanding Saints-Falcons rivalry better than Jones, who grew up in New Orleans and began his NFL career with the Falcons as a second-round draft pick out of LSU in 2016.

“I have some friends and family that are very excited for me to be here,” Jones said after the Saints' practice Sunday, noting that he already had bumped into a few old friends from Jesuit High School. “I also have some friends that were fans of me, and Atlanta fans. So, they say they've got a lot of stuff to take back right now.”

Jones joined the Saints after a recent tryout and will have played for every team in the NFC South Division if he winds up on New Orleans' regular-season roster.

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5:01 AM CDT

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FILE - New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Dillon Radunz (77) prepares to walk onto the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, on Nov. 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File)

Saints guard Dillon Radunz has torn ligaments, defensive end Cam Jordan has a hamstring injury

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Saints guard Dillon Radunz has torn ligaments, defensive end Cam Jordan has a hamstring injury

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:19 PM CDT

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Saints reserve guard Dillon Radunz has torn a knee ligament and veteran defense end Cameron Jordan missed practice Sunday because of a hamstring injury, coach Kellen Moore said.

The 28-year-old Radunz left practice Saturday with what has since been diagnosed as a torn anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that normally requires season-ending, reconstructive surgery.

Radunz was entering his sixth NFL season since the Tennessee Titans made him a second-round draft choice in 2021.

He started 10 games for New Orleans last season, after which New Orleans signed him to a two-year extension.

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Yesterday at 9:19 PM CDT

NFL

Detroit Lions quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater (5) talks with Jared Goff (16) during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, in Allen Park, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Teddy Bridgewater steps away from Lions, leaving question at backup QB

Paula Pasche, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Teddy Bridgewater steps away from Lions, leaving question at backup QB

Paula Pasche, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:18 PM CDT

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has stepped away from football.

“His biggest worry was letting us down, that’s the type of guy he is," Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Sunday, when Bridgewater was placed on the reserve/retired list.

The 33-year-old journeyman had signed a one-year deal with the Lions in March after spending 2025 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also spent 2023 and part of 2024 with Detroit.

“So I’ve known Teddy a long time. As a human being he is unbelievable. Certainly as a player, everything that he’s about, the type of teammate he is, the way he prepares. He always played the game up here," an emotional Campbell said, pointing to his head. “He had a huge heart. He’s going to be missed."

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Yesterday at 3:18 PM CDT

NFL

Tennessee Titans wide receivers Calvin Ridley, right, Carnell Tate (14) talks with each other after practice during the NFL football team's training camp Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Receiver Carnell Tate leans on Calvin Ridley as Titans rookie learns new offense

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Receiver Carnell Tate leans on Calvin Ridley as Titans rookie learns new offense

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 1:40 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Look for Tennessee wide receiver Carnell Tate during practice and the rookie can be found kneeling or standing next to veteran Calvin Ridley, listening intently.

The No. 4 pick in April's NFL draft out of Ohio State is learning the Titans' new offense, trying to fit into the NFL and picking up as much knowledge as possible from someone who knows both well.

“Oh, I try to pick Rid’s brain every chance I get, and I used to grow up watching Rid (in his) Alabama days,” Tate said. "Rid is an elite receiver, his moves elite. So I try and soak as much as possible from Rid.”

Tate is Tennessee's future and arguably Cam Ward's top target already with the preseason opener Thursday night at San Francisco. Ridley? Well, the Titans brought him in with a splashy free agent contract in 2024, and Ridley had to restructure that deal in March to stick around after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

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Yesterday at 1:40 PM CDT

NFL

FILE - Washington Commanders offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (78) defends against the rush during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Oct. 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil is expected to miss most of 2026 with torn triceps, report says

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil is expected to miss most of 2026 with torn triceps, report says

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 12:10 PM CDT

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil is expected to miss most of this season with a torn triceps, NFL Network reported. The five-time Pro Bowler suffered the injury in practice Saturday.

According to the report, one of the league's premier blind-side protectors will need surgery.

Tunsil was acquired by the Commanders in a March 2025 trade with Houston. He started 14 of 17 games last season and signed a two-year, $60.2 million contract extension during the offseason.

Washington was hoping a healthy Tunsil would help keep quarterback Jayden Daniels healthy this season. Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, missed 10 games last season because of three injuries — a sprained left knee, a strained right hamstring and a dislocated left elbow, which he reinjured late in December and cost him the rest of the season.

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Yesterday at 12:10 PM CDT

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King (16) dives into the endzone next to Arizona Cardinals safety Isaiah Oliver, left, to win the game on the last play of the game in the second half of the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL preseason game in Canton, Ohio, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Panthers sign QB Kyle Trask with Hall of Fame game hero Haynes King sidelined

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Panthers sign QB Kyle Trask with Hall of Fame game hero Haynes King sidelined

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:02 PM CDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers signed Kyle Trask as a third quarterback on Sunday with Hall of Fame game hero Haynes King expected to miss time with a hamstring injury.

Trask gives the Panthers a third QB behind starter Bryce Young and backup Kenny Pickett.

Trask has familiarity with Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, having spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has limited game experience, with only 11 career pass attempts during his career.

King, an undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech, ran in from the 5 on the final play to give the Panthers a dramatic 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, to kick off the NFL preseason.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:02 PM CDT

NFL

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady looks around the stadium during practice at the team's NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Bills coach Joe Brady enjoys father-son moment before team holds first practice in new stadium

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Bills coach Joe Brady enjoys father-son moment before team holds first practice in new stadium

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills first-year coach Joe Brady used the team’s first practice in its new $2.1 billion stadium to enjoy a brief father-son moment on Saturday night.

With fans beginning to file in, and rock music blaring over the state-of-the-art sound system, Brady emerged from the tunnel holding his 3-year-old son Jordan in his arm while enjoying a walk around the sideline.

As much as the first-year coach wanted to use the practice to simulate a game-day routine and get accustomed to the team’s new surroundings, Brady couldn’t help but work family into the equation.

“Those are the moments that I made sure I tried to take in,” Brady said. “So when I say hey, I’m focused, let me just take a second to enjoy a special moment, because once the season goes, you know those are going to be few and far between.”

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

NFL

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant, left, and defensive back Reddy Steward vie for the ball during the NFL football team's training camp, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Communication is critical for coordinator Christian Parker to turn around Cowboys’ defense

Dan Greenspan, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Communication is critical for coordinator Christian Parker to turn around Cowboys’ defense

Dan Greenspan, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — To hear Dallas Cowboys coaches and players tell it, anyone within earshot of a defensive meeting knows something is happening.

“If you step in our meeting room, you hear how loud it is, you might think something wrong is going on,” defensive coordinator Christian Parker said. “And that’s a good thing. Guys are understanding what needs to be said.”

For Parker, the 34-year-old newcomer tasked with improving what was one of the NFL’s worst defenses last season, everything starts with the communication inside those walls.

“We still have more to go, but there’s a lot of encouraging things that are happening from a vocal standpoint,” he said.

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

NFL

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, middle, watches players run drills during the NFL football team's training camp, Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan plans to coach the exhibition opener following car crash

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan plans to coach the exhibition opener following car crash

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Saturday he is nearly fully recovered from the car crash that has limited him this summer and is ready to coach the team's first exhibition game on Thursday night.

Shanahan has been working his way back to full speed since the car crash on July 14 that left him with a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken hand and more than 40 stitches to close a cut over his eye. In his first news conference of training camp, he said he has just a few remaining symptoms from the concussion.

“I’m doing real good,” he said. “My body feels good. Just got to get this annoying cast off. My ribs feel good, except when I sneeze, and my head feels so much better. Concussions do linger a little bit. The only things I really deal with now is just headaches and fatigue. That’s why I’m not always exactly on the same routine, but pretty damn close.”

Shanahan has been at practice every day this summer and said that the loud music that bothered him at the beginning of camp is no longer an issue. He has only addressed the full team at meetings a few times and didn't feel ready to hold a news conference until after practice on Saturday.

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

NFL

Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks, from left, Ty Simpson, Stetson Bennett, Matthew Stafford and Matthew Caldwell get set to pass during the NFL football team's training camp, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

McVay says Stetson Bennett might not play in Rams’ preseason, boosting his backup QB candidacy

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

McVay says Stetson Bennett might not play in Rams’ preseason, boosting his backup QB candidacy

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean McVay says quarterback Stetson Bennett might not play during the Los Angeles Rams ' preseason schedule, which could indicate Bennett has the inside track on the team's backup quarterback job.

Rookie first-round pick Ty Simpson “definitely” will play for the Rams in the preseason, which begins next weekend at Kansas City, McVay said Saturday.

McVay historically strives to keep all of his most important players off the field through the entire preseason, and that usually includes his No. 2 quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo didn't play in either of the past two preseasons during his tenure as Matthew Stafford's backup.

Bennett has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game since the Rams drafted him in the fourth round in 2023, but the former University of Georgia star came into this training camp alongside Simpson as the only candidates to back up the 38-year-old NFL MVP.

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

NFL

FILE - Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) defends during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Nov. 30, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

Broncos safety Brandon Jones shines as an emergency kicker, going 3 for 4 in a scrimmage

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Broncos safety Brandon Jones shines as an emergency kicker, going 3 for 4 in a scrimmage

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The highlight of the Denver Broncos ' scrimmage Saturday wasn't another sack by Jonah Ellis or pinpoint pass from quarterback Bo Nix. It was a solid kicking performance by safety Brandon Jones.

The seventh-year pro made three of four field goal attempts with starting kicker Wil Lutz in New Orleans along with coach Sean Payton for Drew Brees' Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“You have to have a contingency. We've seen it happen in other games across the league,” special teams coach Darren Rizzi said.

Jones nailed two kicks straight on from about 35 yards, although the process was slow, then moved to the left hash from about 40 and missed one wide left before making his final kick to the roars of teammates and the 1,200 fans in the stands.

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

NFL

Former NFL player Drew Brees, left, unveils his bust with Sean Payton during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri and Roger Craig enter the Hall of Fame

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 7 minute read Preview

Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri and Roger Craig enter the Hall of Fame

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 7 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Drew Brees stood on stage next to his bronze bust, in front of Who Dat Nation, and took his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Getting benched three times in the NFL helped him get there.

“Marty Schottenheimer, one of the greatest coaches and motivators to ever coach this game and who belongs here in Canton,” Brees said Saturday. “Marty was my biggest fan. He would tell me all the time, even as he benched me three times and made me fight for my job every year with two greats, Doug Flutie and Philip Rivers.

“The first two times I got benched, I deserved it. The third time, I still don’t think I deserved it, Coach. But nonetheless, it lit more than a fire. It forced me to access a place in my mind and heart that I had not yet been. The adversity was not expected, but very necessary. I would never have reached the heights I did without it. I knew I needed to play better, but more importantly, I knew he believed I would play better.”

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

NFL

Former NFL player Roger Craig, centre, unveils his bust with son, Roderick Craig, left, and Jamie Williams during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Roger Craig reveals in Pro Football Hall of Fame speech he has vascular dementia

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Roger Craig reveals in Pro Football Hall of Fame speech he has vascular dementia

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Roger Craig revealed during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he has vascular dementia.

The former San Francisco 49ers star running back spoke in a pre-recorded video message while he sat on stage wearing his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday. Presented by former teammate Jamie Williams, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and hugs from the many Hall of Famers on stage.

Nearly eight minutes into a nine-minute speech, Craig announced his diagnosis, saying his doctors believe “it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he experienced during his playing career.

“The changes were gradual,” Craig said. “At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.”

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

NFL

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warms up during practice at the team's NFL football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Raiders suspend Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby from team drills after practice fight

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Raiders suspend Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby from team drills after practice fight

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby were suspended from team drills at practice Saturday following their fight the day before, giving rookie QB Fernando Mendoza his first opportunity in training camp to run the starting offense.

“We have very clear expectations about how we want to practice, how you go about our business,” coach Klint Kubiak said. “We violated that yesterday, so we held those guys out. That's all I'm going to say about it. We addressed it with the team and we're moving on.”

Cousins and Crosby had to be separated by teammates after the fight. The 37-year-old quarterback appeared upset that Crosby tipped his pass, forcing an incompletion, and then charged the 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end, who is three inches taller and 42 pounds heavier.

The Raiders are off Sunday before returning Monday morning, so their starting quarterback and star pass rusher will compete against each other again, though, Kubiak hopes, without any punches.

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

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