In the high-stakes world of the NFL, being a head coach is one of the toughest jobs in professional sports. Coaches are constantly under intense scrutiny, facing enormous pressure to win and meet fan expectations. Every season, a handful of coaches find themselves on the infamous “hot seat,” where their job security is in jeopardy due to poor team performance or unmet expectations. Even the most successful coaches aren’t immune, as the NFL is a league where quick results are demanded, and patience often runs thin.
Below is the ranking of all 32 current NFL coaches, with some facing more heat than others.
Red Hot
Jacksonville Jaguars | Doug Pederson – Jacksonville took advantage of the Patriots’ weak offense. The Jaguars committed a few defensive penalties that kept New England in the game longer than expected. Pederson doused some of the flames with a W here, but the town is still on fire.
Hired: February 3, 2022
Dallas Cowboys | Mike McCarthy – Bye Week
Hired: January 8, 2020
Warming Up
Cincinnati Bengals | Zac Taylor – The Bengals won thanks to Joe Burrow’s consistent play, even with Cleveland’s defense putting up a fight. Cincinnati avoided major penalties and maintained a disciplined game plan. You have to wonder why this team gets off to such bad starts under Taylor.
Hired: February 4, 2019
New Orleans Saints | Dennis Allen – The Saints’ offense continued to struggle with protection, allowing significant pressure on the quarterback. A lack of offensive adjustments and penalties related to their offensive line cost them critical momentum. Allen has one of the worst coaching records ever for a HC.
Hired: February 8, 2022
Philadelphia Eagles | Nick Sirianni – The Eagles dominated the Giants with a balanced attack. Jalen Hurts threw for 114 yards while the defense completely stifled New York’s offense. The Eagles avoided major mistakes, playing a disciplined game with efficient coaching adjustments. Another W here cools the flames a bit.
Hired: January 24, 2021
Sparking
Miami Dolphins | Mike McDaniel – The Dolphins, without starting QB Tua Tagovailoa, struggled offensively and couldn’t finish off the Colts despite a strong running game from De’Von Achane. Miami’s lack of offensive adjustments and several key penalties in the red zone prevented them from securing the win. McDaniel has a long term deal but he’s proving to be a one trick pony not able to get good QB play out of anyone but Tua.
Hired: February 6, 2022
Carolina Panthers | Dave Canales – The Panthers couldn’t generate much offense, with their defense unable to contain Washington’s passing attack. Carolina’s coaching staff struggled to adjust, and the team’s discipline was poor with numerous penalties.
Hired: January 25, 2024
Tennessee Titans | Brian Callahan – The Titans’ offense never found its rhythm, struggling against Buffalo’s strong defense. Poor offensive play-calling and penalties on critical drives kept the Titans out of the game.
Hired: January 24, 2024
Indianapolis Colts | Shane Steichen – Anthony Richardson and the Colts made enough plays to hold off Miami, with the defense stepping up in key moments. Clean game from Indianapolis with smart clock management and minimal penalties.
Hired: February 14, 2023
Cleveland Browns | Kevin Stefanski – Cleveland’s offense struggled, with Deshaun Watson unable to generate enough points. Penalties on offense hindered the Browns’ chances to mount a comeback. With Watson out for the year Stefanski’s coaching will be more on display now.
Hired: January 13, 2020
New York Jets | Jeff Ulbrich – Aaron Rodgers was limited by Pittsburgh’s defense, and the Jets couldn’t get much going on offense. The Jets’ offense was predictable, and several penalties on key drives hurt their chances. Overall, they played sloppy football, and the addition of Davante Adams did not translate to much in their first outing together.
Hired: October 8, 2024
Chill
Chicago Bears | Matt Eberflus – Bye Week
Hired: January 27, 2022
Baltimore Ravens | John Harbaugh – Monday Vs TB
Hired on January 19, 2008
Denver Broncos | Sean Payton – The Broncos edged out the Saints in a close game. Spencer Rattler threw for 172 yards while Javonte Williams rushed for 88 yards. Both teams struggled with penalties, but the Saints’ offensive line issues, including allowing multiple sacks, hindered their progress.
Hired: February 3, 2023
New York Giants | Brian Daboll – The Giants struggled offensively, unable to generate any momentum. Saquon Barkley’s 176 rushing yards were the lone bright spot in an otherwise disastrous game. The Giants were plagued by penalties and poor offensive play-calling throughout the game.
Hired: January 28, 2022
Washington Commanders | Dan Quinn – The Commanders dominated the Panthers behind a great performance from backup Marcus Mariotta. Their defense also forced multiple turnovers. Washington played a clean game with well-managed play-calling on both sides of the ball.
Hired: February 3, 2024
Buffalo Bills | Sean McDermott – Josh Allen threw for 323 yards as the Bills dominated Tennessee. Their defense forced multiple turnovers to seal a blowout. Buffalo played a clean game with minimal mistakes.
Hired: January 11, 2017
Houston Texans | DeMeco Ryans – The Texans couldn’t stop Green Bay’s final drive. Houston’s defense failed to adjust, allowing the Packers to secure late points. CJ Stroud was ineffective against the Packers pass rush and secondary.
Hired: January 31, 2023
Kansas City Chiefs | Andy Reid – Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs outlasted the 49ers, with Mahomes finding key targets despite limited offensive firepower outside of Travis Kelce. Kansas City kept penalties in check and made solid coaching adjustments to exploit San Francisco’s defense.
Hired: January 7, 2013
Las Vegas Raiders | Antonio Pierce – The Raiders showed flashes of competitiveness but couldn’t overcome the Rams’ defense. Alexander Mattison’s rushing yards kept them in the game, but it wasn’t enough. Questionable offensive play-calling, along with a few key penalties, hindered Las Vegas’ chances.
Hired: January 19, 2024
Los Angeles Chargers | Jim Harbaugh – Monday Vs AZ
Hired: January 24, 2024
New England Patriots | Jerod Mayo – The Patriots’ offense struggled once again, with little help from their offensive line. Mismanagement of offensive play-calling and penalties plagued their efforts to stay competitive.
Hired: January 17, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers | Mike Tomlin – The Steelers secured a hard-fought defensive win over the Jets, with T.J. Watt leading the charge against Aaron Rodgers and the New York offense. Pittsburgh’s defense carried the game, and Russell Wilson had a good performance in leading the Steelers to a strong offensive performance.
Hired: January 22, 2007
Arizona Cardinals | Jonathan Gannon – Monday Vs LAC
Hired: February 14, 202
Atlanta Falcons | Raheem Morris – The Falcons struggled against Seattle in a bad loss at home. Seattle’s defense was a bit healthier causing the Falcons problems.
Hired: January 25, 2024
Detroit Lions | Dan Campbell – Jared Goff passed for 280 yards, while Jahmyr Gibbs added 116 rushing yards to help the Lions secure a close victory. Few penalties, and Detroit’s coaching adjustments kept them ahead in a close game.
Hired: January 20, 2021
Green Bay Packers | Matt LaFleur – Jordan Love threw for 220 yards and led the Packers to a narrow win over Houston. Joe Mixon contributed 115 rushing yards. The Packers kept penalties to a minimum and made key adjustments to secure the win.
Hired: January 8, 2019
Los Angeles Rams | Sean McVay – Matthew Stafford threw for 154 yards, and the Rams’ defense did just enough to secure a win over the Raiders. Kyren Williams added solid production on the ground. Few penalties, and Sean McVay’s offensive game plan worked well, utilizing Williams to control the tempo.
Hired: January 12, 2017
Minnesota Vikings | Kevin O’Connell – The Vikings made it a close game, but their defense couldn’t contain Detroit’s rushing attack. Defensive lapses and penalties cost Minnesota the chance to secure the win. This is a well-coached team O’Connell having turned around Darnold is more than secure in his job.
Hired: February 16, 2022
San Francisco 49ers | Kyle Shanahan – Without Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers struggled to establish the run, which hurt their ability to keep pace with the Chiefs. Brock Purdy made some bad throws that cost the team points. San Francisco struggled with penalties and lacked offensive adjustments as the game wore on.
February 6, 2017
Seattle Seahawks | Mike Macdonald – Geno Smith had a strong outing leading the Seahawks over the Falcons 34-14.
Hired: January 31, 2024
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Todd Bowles – Monday Vs Bal
Hired: March 30, 2022
