In the 2025-26 college football season, several programs have undergone midseason coaching changes, some because of performance and others to help rebuild their programs. In these situations, interim head coaches are often tasked with bringing stability to their teams while proving their ability.
One of the most recent coaching changes came after Week 7, when Florida fired Billy Napier. He was replaced by wide receiver coach Billy Gonzales, who now steps in as interim head coach. With a bye week ahead, Gonzales has extra time to regroup the Gators before leading his first game on November 1 against SEC opponent No. 5 Georgia.
Below, using win-loss records, strength of opponents, and recent performance trends, here are the rankings for the current interim HC ranking going into Week 9.
1) Tim Skipper, UCLA
Tim Skipper replaced DeShaun Foster as UCLA’s interim head coach after Foster was fired on September 14. Previously serving as Foster’s special assistant, Skipper quickly had to step up and lead the program after both the defensive and offensive coordinators also left.
When Skipper took over, UCLA was 0-3, but he has since turned the program around. He guided the Bruins to a three-game winning streak with victories against No. 7 Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland. Although his first game as interim head coach resulted in a loss, Skipper has since proven himself.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has shown significant improvements under Skipper’s leadership. In four games with Skipper as head coach, Iamaleava has thrown seven passing touchdowns and had three rushing touchdowns. His development and Skipper’s leadership have helped the Bruins reestablish a winning culture in their program.
UCLA will look to carry that winning pace heading into Week 8 against undefeated No. 2 Indiana.
2) Alex Mortensen, UAB Blazers
Alex Mortensen was named UAB’s interim head coach after the firing of Trent Dilfer on October 12. In his first game leading the Blazers, Mortensen led the team to a 31-24 upset victory over Memphis.
Dilfer’s dismissal came after a three-game losing streak. His two previous seasons were below expectations, finishing 3-9 in 2024 and 4-8 in 2023. Mortensen, the son of award-winning ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen, had served as the program’s offensive coordinator throughout Dilfer’s tenure.
In his debut, he delivered exactly what was needed, helping improve the team’s energy and securing a win against Memphis, an AP Top 25 opponent. He knocked them out of the rankings and put his record as interim coach at 1-0. Mortensen will look to keep the momentum when the Blazers play UCONN this weekend.
3) Frank Reich, Stanford
Frank Reich was named interim head coach of Stanford in late March, shortly after the firing of Troy Taylor. Fortunately, his hiring was before the season, giving him time to establish leadership and build relationships with the team.
Reich brings extensive NFL experience to the role, having spent six seasons as head coach for the Indianapolis Colts (2018-22) and the Carolina Panthers (2023). He also previously held multiple offensive coordinator roles during his professional coaching career.
Stanford holds a 3-4 record through the seven games this season. While that’s not a winning mark, the Cardinals have earned two impressive victories against competitive opponents and are showing growth in their first year in the ACC.
Stanford is coming off a big 20-13 win against conference opponent Florida State, and the Cardinals look to build on that success heading into next week’s game.
4) Robb Akey, Oregon State
Robb Akey was named Oregon State’s interim head coach after Trent Bray was fired on October 12, ending the team’s seven-game losing streak. Akey began this season serving as the Beavers’ special assistant to the head coach, his first season with the program.
In his debut, Akey gained both his and the team’s first victory of the season against the Lafayette Leopards, giving the Beavers a much-needed boost of confidence. This week, Akey and the Beaver get a bye week and time to regroup and prepare for their next game against Pac-12 Washington State.
This game will also be significant for Akey, who previously coached at Washington State as defensive coordinator from 2003 to 2006 and as defensive line coach from 1999 to 2002. It will serve as a real test of whether Akey can build on his initial success and prove he is capable of leading Oregon State to a conference win.
5) Bobby Petrino, Arkansas
Bobby Petrino became Arkansas’ interim head coach after Sam Pittman was fired on September 28. While Petrino may be 0-2, he brings experience. As the team’s offensive coordinator and a former Arkansas head coach, Petrino understands the system, the players, and how to recruit and win with it.
Since taking over, Petrino has begun restructuring the program, starting with significant coaching changes. He fired the defensive coordinator, the defensive line coach, and the defensive assistant.
Petrino previously served as the Razorbacks’ head coach from 2008-11, leading the Team to three bowl appearances (2010, 2011, 2012) and establishing them as an SEC contender. He was fired in an affair scandal. Petrino returned to the program in November 2023 as an offensive coordinator before taking his current role as interim head coach.
We will see if Petrino can pull off his first win with his new title this season when Arkansas hosts Auburn at Razorback Stadium.
6) Philip Montgomery, Virginia Tech
Philip Montgomery was named interim head coach of Virginia Tech on September 14 after Brent Pry was fired following a 0-3 start to the season. This was significant because it was the first time since 1987 that Virginia Tech had opened a season with three consecutive losses.
Montgomery began this season as the offensive coordinator under Pry. After taking over, he led the Hokies to back-to-back wins, including a key conference win against NC State. However, Virginia Tech has since lost two straight games against ACC opponents.
Montgomery will look to get the Hokies back on track to host the California Golden Bears on Friday night at Lane Stadium.
7) Mark Carney, Kent State
Mark Carney took over as Kent State’s interim head coach before the start of the season after Kenni Burns was fired. Carney led the Golden Flashers to an early win over the Massachusetts Minutemen, giving the program some confidence.
The Flashers have suffered losses against major opponents such as FSU, Oklahoma, and conference opponents Buffalo and Toledo. Carney and Kent State will look to add another win when they host Bowling Green on Saturday.
8) Doug Meacham, Oklahoma State
Doug Meacham became Oklahoma State’s interim head coach after Mike Gundy was fired on September 23. The Cowboys are currently 0-4 under Meacham’s leadership.
A former Oklahoma State offensive lineman (1983-87), Meacham returned to the program in December 2024 to serve as the offensive coordinator this season. His losses are from Baylor, Arizona, Houston, and No. 22 Cincinnati.
Oklahoma State travels to Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, to play No. 14 Texas Tech this Saturday. This win would be massive for Meacham, who is looking to prove himself as a coach and leader.
9) Terry Smith, Penn State
Terry Smith took over as Penn State’s interim head coach following the shocking firing of James Franklin. Franklin was head coach of the Nittany Lions for 11 years and led them to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. His team had a rocky start this year, being 0-3 in the Big Ten conference.
Smith’s first game as interim head coach came last week, when Penn State lost by one point to conference opponent Iowa. While this was a disappointing outcome, the Nittany Lions have a bye week to regroup and refocus. Smith will now look for his first win when Penn State faces No. 1 Ohio State this weekend.
