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 – The Jaguars couldn’t keep up with Chicago’s high-powered offense. Trevor Lawrence was pressured throughout the game, limiting his effectiveness. Jacksonville’s penalties hurt them, particularly on defense. The coaching staff didn’t adjust effectively to Chicago’s aggressive play style. May have been canned had the team not been in London for back-to-back weeks.
Hired: February 3, 2022
Philadelphia Eagles | Nick Sirianni – Bye Week – Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to a close win, with A.J. Brown making key catches to secure the game. The Eagles avoided major mistakes and made the necessary adjustments to win. Siriani got into it with fans near the end of the game as they booed him even though the team was headed for a W.
Hired: January 24, 2021
Dallas Cowboys | Mike McCarthy – The Cowboys were overwhelmed, unable to generate much offense or defense against Detroit. Jerry Jones’ birthday celebration was ruined by a blowout loss. There were major breakdowns on both sides of the ball. The Cowboys committed several penalties that extended Detroit’s drives, and their defensive schemes were ineffective. The Lions were actually rubbing salt in the Cowboys wounds during the game running trick plays up by 4 TD’s.
Hired: January 8, 2020
Warming Up
Cincinnati Bengals | Zac Taylor – Joe Burrow played a controlled game, throwing for 208 yards, and the Bengals’ defense kept the Giants at bay. Cincinnati played a disciplined game with few penalties, making smart coaching decisions throughout. With another W the flames are cooling for Taylor.
Hired: February 4, 2019
Sparking
Miami Dolphins | Mike McDaniel – Bye Week
Hired: February 6, 2022
New Orleans Saints | Dennis Allen – Despite putting up some points, the Saints were overwhelmed by Tampa’s offense and could not make necessary stops. Penalties hurt them, especially on defense, as they failed to adjust to the Bucs’ explosive plays. Quickly falling out of playoff contention.
Hired: February 8, 2022
Carolina Panthers | Dave Canales – The Panthers couldn’t keep pace with Atlanta, despite some flashes of offense. Their defense struggled to contain the Falcons’ dynamic attack. Carolina’s defensive schemes failed, and penalties added to their struggles.
Hired: January 25, 2024
Tennessee Titans | Brian Callahan – The Titans were in a close battle but couldn’t finish off the Colts, as they failed to maintain control in critical moments. A few crucial penalties and a conservative offensive game plan hurt their chances.
Hired: January 24, 2024
Indianapolis Colts | Shane Steichen – Joe Flacco managed the game well, leading the Colts to a narrow victory with timely passing and defensive stands. Few penalties, solid decision-making
Hired: February 14, 2023
Cleveland Browns | Kevin Stefanski – Cleveland couldn’t close out the game, with the offense stalling in key moments. The Browns had several penalties that kept them from gaining momentum.
Hired: January 13, 2020
New York Jets | Jeff Ulbrich – Monday Game against the Bills
Hired: October 8, 2024
Chill
Chicago Bears | Matt Eberflus – Caleb Williams continued his stellar rookie season, throwing four touchdowns in a dominant performance against Jacksonville in London. Chicago’s game plan was well-executed, with minimal penalties. The coaching staff managed the game well, keeping Jacksonville on their heel. Keep in mind the Bears after the Bye start to actually face a tough part of their schedule.
Hired: January 27, 2022
Baltimore Ravens | John Harbaugh – Lamar Jackson threw for over 300 yards, guiding the Ravens to a solid win. A clean game plan with minimal penalties.
Hired on January 19, 2008
Denver Broncos | Sean Payton – The Broncos mounted a late comeback but fell short against the Chargers. Their defense improved in the second half but couldn’t stop key plays when it mattered most. Questionable time management and a series of costly penalties throughout the game kept Denver from completing the comeback.
Hired: February 3, 2023
New York Giants | Brian Daboll – The Giants’ offense clicked, with Darius Slayton racking up 122 receiving yards. Their defense made timely stops to secure a key win at home. The Giants played a relatively clean game, and their coaching staff made good adjustments, particularly in their passing schemes, to exploit Seattle’s secondary.
Hired: January 28, 2022
Washington Commanders | Dan Quinn – Jayden Daniels led Washington to a dominant victory, throwing for 238 yards and rushing for 82. The Commanders’ defense controlled the game, forcing several key turnovers. Washington played a clean game with few penalties. Their coaching staff effectively managed the game, making the right calls to secure the blowout win.
Hired: February 3, 2024
Buffalo Bills | Sean McDermott – Monday against the Jets
Hired: January 11, 2017
Houston Texans | DeMeco Ryans – C.J. Stroud and the Texans were dominant in this one.
Hired: January 31, 2023
Kansas City Chiefs | Andy Reid – Bye Week
Hired: January 7, 2013
Las Vegas Raiders | Antonio Pierce – The Raiders couldn’t get anything going offensively and were overwhelmed by Pittsburgh’s defense. Numerous penalties and poor offensive play-calling hurt their chances.
Hired: January 19, 2024
Los Angeles Chargers | Jim Harbaugh – Justin Herbert threw for 237 yards, and the Chargers defense stepped up in key moments, especially in the second half. The Chargers managed the game well, with few penalties and solid late-game play-calling.
Hired: January 24, 2024
New England Patriots | Jerod Mayo – The Patriots were thoroughly outplayed, with the Texans’ offense torching their defense. Penalties and questionable defensive schemes led to a blowout loss.
Hired: January 17, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers | Mike Tomlin – The Steelers dominated, with Najee Harris leading the way and a strong defensive effort that kept the Raiders in check. Clean game, effective coaching adjustments.
Hired: January 22, 2007
Arizona Cardinals | Jonathan Gannon – Arizona struggled offensively and defensively, unable to handle the Packers’ balanced attack. Lack of adjustments and costly penalties throughout the game.
Hired: February 14, 202
Atlanta Falcons | Raheem Morris – The Falcons dominated the Panthers, with Kirk Cousins leading the way and Tyler Allgeier rushing for 105 yards. Minimal penalties, and the coaching staff executed a balanced game plan.
Hired: January 25, 2024
Detroit Lions | Dan Campbell – The Lions crushed the Cowboys with a powerful offensive performance, leaving Dallas without answers. Detroit’s defense was equally dominant, stifling the Cowboys throughout the game. Detroit had a clean game with minimal penalties, showing great discipline. Coaching was spot-on, exploiting Dallas’s weaknesses and maintaining control
Hired: January 20, 2021
Green Bay Packers | Matt LaFleur – Green Bay dominated, with Jordan Love’s efficient passing and the defense stifling the Cardinals’ attack. Clean game with well-executed play-calling.
Hired: January 8, 2019
Los Angeles Rams | Sean McVay – Bye Week
Hired: January 12, 2017
Minnesota Vikings | Kevin O’Connell – Bye Week
Hired: February 16, 2022
San Francisco 49ers | Kyle Shanahan – The 49ers put on a strong performance, with Deebo Samuel leading the receivers and the team controlling the pace on both sides of the ball. San Francisco kept penalties to a minimum and executed a well-balanced game plan.
February 6, 2017
Seattle Seahawks | Mike Macdonald – Geno Smith threw for over 300 yards but couldn’t close the gap. The defense struggled to contain the 49ers’ explosive offense. Questionable defensive schemes and untimely penalties hurt Seattle’s chances of staying in the game.
Hired: January 31, 2024
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Todd Bowles – Baker Mayfield led a high-powered offense as Tampa Bay outgunned the Saints in a blowout. Well-coached, with few mistakes.
Hired: March 30, 2022
