SBC Head Coaches on the Hot Seat July 12, 2025

As the 2025 Sun Belt football season nears, the league’s 14 head coaches fall into three categories based on job security.

These coaches face varying levels of pressure — from those riding recent success to others looking to prove themselves or avoid the hot seat.

Three teams have new head coaches coming into the 2025 season, but two coaches — Dowell Loggains at Appalachian State and Tony Gibson at Marshall — are in their first season as the head coach at the college level. Barring an historically down season, neither would be anywhere near the hot seat.

Not Going Anywhere

Michael Desormeaux, Louisiana

Desormeaux has solidified his place at Louisiana by signing a five-year extension through the 2029 season, reflecting the school’s confidence in his leadership. He recently guided the Ragin’ Cajuns to a 10-win season and earned Sun Belt Coach of the Year honors, showcasing his ability to continue the program’s winning tradition.

He’s staying right where he is.

Bob Chesney, James Madison

Chesney had a strong debut season at James Madison, stepping in seamlessly after Curt Cignetti’s departure.

JMU is bowl eligible and will compete in the program’s second bowl game this season. It did so with a rebuilt roster under new head coach Bob Chesney.

But these Dukes have bigger goals in sight.#GoDukes https://t.co/iy7FLcA9s4

— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) October 29, 2024

He fits well with the Dukes’ identity and is not facing immediate pressure from fans and boosters. His early success suggests the program is in stable hands, especially with the administration and fan base aligned behind him.

G.J. Kinne, Texas State

Seen as a rising star after his 12-2 2022 campaign at Incarnate Word, Kinne has made waves at Texas State, with high expectations entering the Bobcats’ final Sun Belt campaign.

Athlon Sports even ranked him as the top coach in the Sun Belt, signaling growing respect across the conference. With momentum building and talent in place, year three could be a breakout campaign that elevates both Kinne and the Bobcats ahead of their 2026 Pac-12 debut.

Charles Huff, Southern Miss

Huff arrives at Southern Miss from defending Sun Belt champion Marshall with the task of reviving a program that has struggled in recent years.

There is genuine excitement around his hire, as his energy and recruiting prowess offer hope of a turnaround. While still early, Huff’s tenure carries optimism and a fresh start for Golden Eagle fans.

Lukewarm…

Major Applewhite, South Alabama

Applewhite begins his second season at South Alabama after leading the team to a bowl win in his debut season, earning praise from his smooth transition as an internal promotion.

Rewriting the record books ✍️

The Jags have set a new @SunBelt record for the most points scored in a single game😎 pic.twitter.com/1BdvElGw18

— South Alabama Football 🏈 (@SouthAlabamaFB) September 13, 2024

His familiarity with the program creates stability, and expectations are building for sustained success. With a solid foundation in place, Applewhite is positioned well for continued growth.

Clay Helton, Georgia Southern

Now in his fourth year with the Eagles, Helton has produced mixed results, leaving some uncertainty about the program’s direction.

While not on the hot seat yet, improvement is needed to satisfy fan expectations. His experience and offensive background remain assets, but consistency will be key moving forward.

Dell McGee, Georgia State

In his second season at Georgia State, McGee is settling into the head coaching role with no major red flags.

Known for strong recruiting ties within Georgia, McGee offers promise for long-term program building. While the jury is still out on his ceiling, his early tenure has been solid and steady.

Tim Beck, Coastal Carolina

Beck is entering his third season at Coastal Carolina, coming off an 8-5 campaign in 2023 followed by a disappointing 6-7 finish in 2024.

While he guided the Chanticleers to a bowl victory in his first year, last season’s step back has raised questions about the program’s trajectory. With expectations still high, Beck faces pressure to deliver a stronger showing in 2025 to reestablish momentum and quiet growing concerns.

The Seat’s Hot

Gerad Parker, Troy

Parker is entering his second season at Troy after a difficult 4-8 debut in 2024, marking the program’s first losing season since 2021.

Taking over a team that won back-to-back Sun Belt titles under Jon Sumrall, Parker faced high expectations from the start. The drop-off in performance has raised concerns, making 2025 a pivotal year to prove he can uphold Troy’s winning tradition.

While still early in his tenure, the pressure is already mounting for a turnaround.

Bryant Vincent, ULM

Vincent is in his second season at ULM, one of the toughest jobs in the conference. While expectations are relatively low due to program constraints, results still matter, and slow progress may not go unnoticed.

Patience exists, but signs of improvement will be important to secure his position long-term.

Butch Jones, Arkansas State

Jones enters his fifth season at Arkansas State with a 19-31 record, and both fans and media are running out of patience.

Arkansas State claims their first bowl win since 2019, and first under Coach Butch Jones!#WolvesUp 🐺🤘🏻 pic.twitter.com/LEsnAmLBUw

— Arkansas State Football (@AStateFB) December 27, 2024

Despite previous Power Five experience, his tenure has largely underwhelmed. Leading the team to an 8-5 record in 2024 gave Jones a slight break, but the pressure is mounting for sustained success.

Ricky Rahne, Old Dominion

Rahne finds himself on perhaps the hottest seat in the Sun Belt, after four straight losing seasons for the Monarchs.

Entering a pivotal year, he must produce wins or risk being let go. Once considered a promising hire, Rahne now faces intense scrutiny as the fan base and administration demand results.