For many college basketball teams, March Madness starting on March 17, 2026, means that programs have just a few more weeks to solidify their resume ahead of the NCAA Tournament. Yet, college basketball rumors are already swirling about the next group of coaches who could be fired.
San Diego has already parted ways with Steve Lavin, and Kansas State also fired Jerome Tang this season.
One SEC program faces a challenging decision on the future of a former Coach of the Year. On3’s Pete Nakos outlined the college basketball coaches on the hot seat, and South Carolina’s Lamont Paris’ future is very much in doubt.
“The Gamecocks signed Lamont Paris to a contract extension that runs through the 2030 season in March 2024, after he was named the SEC’s Coach of the Year,” Nakos wrote in a February 19, 2026, story titled, “College basketball hot seat: Latest updates at LSU, Syracuse, South Carolina & more.”
“But the Gamecocks have struggled to win games since the breakout season and are currently 2-11 in SEC play. Athletic director Jeremiah Donati will need to decide this spring if he wants to buy out Paris, which would be around the $10 million mark.”
At the time of this story, South Carolina is 12-16 and just 3-12 in SEC conference play. Here’s what you need to know about the latest college basketball rumors.
College Basketball News: South Carolina HC Lamont Paris Is Among Top Coaches in Danger of Being Fired
Part of the challenge for South Carolina is Paris has a massive buyout. USA Today reported in March 2025 that Paris’ buyout was $14.6 million, but this number is likely now lower with an additional season about to be in the books.
Finances aside, Paris has shown capable of winning games despite the team’s recent slump. Paris is just two seasons removed from going 26-8 during the 2023-24 season, a campaign that earned Paris the SEC Coach of the Year honors.
It does not help Paris that this is the second straight losing season for the Gamecocks. South Carolina went 12-20 during 2024-25 and are headed for a similar fate this season.
College Basketball Rumors: Arizona State’s Bobby Hurley & Oklahoma’s Porter Moser Among Top Coaches on the Hot Seat
Paris is not alone when it comes to the college basketball hot seat, a list that no one wants to be on heading into March Madness. Arizona State’s Bobby Hurley, Oklahoma’s Porter Moser and Ohio State’s Jake Diebler are among the notable college basketball coaches on the hot seat, per Nakos.
Hurley’s Sun Devils are just 14-14 and 5-10 in the Big 12 with March right around the corner.
“Bobby Hurley has faced mounting pressure multiple times during his time with the Sun Devils, but he continues to find ways to return,” Nakos detailed. “It’s unclear if he will be back at Arizona State in 2026 this time, though.
“Despite the upset win over Texas Tech earlier this week, he is in the final year of his contract. With a 5-8 mark in Big 12 play, it’s still a long shot for Arizona State to make an NCAA tournament run. He’s made one NCAA tourney appearance in the last six seasons.”
$14 Million College Basketball Coach in Danger of Being Fired Amid March Madness