College basketball’s 2025 coaching carousel has been spinning since 2024, and it’s only speeding up as the end of the regular season rapidly approaches. While last year’s tally of 14 high-major job changes will be a high bar to clear, the early returns suggest it’s possible as programs seek to establish their footing amid conference realignment and the dawn of revenue-sharing in college sports.
Just look at the ACC, for example. Virginia coach Tony Bennett announced his retirement in October, leaving the UVa job in the hands of interim coach Ron Sanchez. Then, less than two months into the season, Miami’s Jim Larranaga abruptly resigned. Florida State legend Leonard Hamilton is also retiring at season’s end, leaving at least three openings in the conference.
Elsewhere, Utah announced the firing of Craig Smith on Monday, charting a new course for the direction of a program that hasn’t been to the NCAA Tournament since 2016. At least one school with claim to blue blood status is also riding this coaching carousel, as Indiana seeks a replacement for Mike Woodson.
Another could join the fray if Villanova opts to move on from third-year coach Kyle Neptune, who appears to be on the hottest seat in the Big East
As the carousel continues heating up, our team huddled up to take the temperature on college basketball coaches who are feeling the heat.
2025 Hot Seat Rankings tiers
Uncomfortably hot
Kyle Neptune, Villanova
Record: 51-45 in three seasons, 16-12 in 2024-25
It made sense to stay within the so-called Villanova family and hire Kyle Neptune to replace Jay Wright when the Hall of Famer retired following the 2021-22 season — but it obviously hasn’t gone well. Neptune…
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