$25 Million ACC Head Coach Retained After 2-10 Season

College football head coach Bill O'Brien of the Boston College Eagles

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By Jordan SiglerShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

A couple of ACC head coaches are getting another try in 2026 despite having disappointing seasons this fall.

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There was a lot of talk about Florida State firing Mike Norvell in October and November, but the Noles didn't appear to have the funds to pay his nearly $58.7 million buyout, hire another coach, and fund a competitive roster for 2026.

Instead of preparing for a bowl game, Norvell is making decisions for his staff next season after finishing the regular season with a 5-7 record.

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Per Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Boston College athletic director Blake James announced on Tuesday that the Eagles are retaining Bill O'Brien for 2026. BC finished the season with a 2-10 overall record and a 1-7 record in ACC play.

While James noted that 2025 was a disappointment, he thinks O'Brien can get Boston College back on track with improved resources.

"Like many, I believe Coach O'Brien is the right man to be our head coach," James wrote. "I also realize that Boston College must respond to major changes taking place in intercollegiate athletics, including the House legal settlement, which created a framework through which colleges and universities may directly share revenue with student-athletes.

"While our Athletics program participated in revenue sharing this past year, effective immediately, it will increase its commitment to the maximum permissible level, putting it in line with our Autonomy Four conference peers."

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O'Brien went 7-6 in 2024, his first season with BC. Boston College made and lost the Pinstripe Bowl to Nebraska.

In November, O'Brien's buyout was estimated to be nearly $25 million, per Pro Football Network.

The Eagles struggled this season after quarterback Tommy Castellanos transferred to FSU in the offseason. BC's two wins came in Week 1 over Fordham and on Saturday against Syracuse.

O'Brien is 24-25 as a head coach at the college level, going 15-9 during his two seasons with Penn State.

For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.

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