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
Chicago Bears | Matt Eberflus – Eberflus’s team struggled with consistency, particularly on defense. Penalties at crucial moments affected their rhythm, highlighting the need for better discipline and in-game adjustments. Really poor adjustments, the running play using the tackle and the end game Hail Mary have him fired if the Bears don’t make the playoffs.
Hired: January 27, 2022
Jacksonville Jaguars | Doug Pederson – Pederson’s offense showed resilience, but turnovers and penalties kept them from securing a comeback. His approach was effective late in the game, but missed opportunities highlight areas for improvement in offensive coordination.
Hired: February 3, 2022
Dallas Cowboys | Mike McCarthy – McCarthy’s team had offensive struggles, especially in converting red-zone opportunities. His defensive adjustments were effective at times, but penalties and inconsistent offensive play-calling prevented a late-game comeback. He’s probably fired but much of the blame should go to Jerry Jones.
Hired: January 8, 2020
Warming Up
Cincinnati Bengals | Zac Taylor – Taylor struggled to adjust against Philadelphia’s powerful offense. Miscommunication on defense and penalties compounded their issues, suggesting a need for better preparation and on-the-fly adjustments.
Hired: February 4, 2019
New Orleans Saints | Dennis Allen – Allen’s team struggled with consistency on both sides of the ball, and penalties hurt their comeback chances. Allen’s defensive schemes showed moments of promise but lacked sustainability under pressure.
Hired: February 8, 2022
Sparking
New York Giants | Brian Daboll – Daboll’s offensive game plan lacked rhythm, with penalties disrupting crucial drives. His team’s struggles on third down and defensive lapses hurt their ability to compete effectively, highlighting areas for improvement in offensive execution
Hired: January 28, 2022
Philadelphia Eagles | Nick Sirianni – Sirianni’s game plan was executed well, with effective balance in rushing and passing. The Eagles were disciplined, minimizing penalties, which allowed them to dominate. Sirianni’s adjustments to exploit defensive weaknesses in the Bengals were spot-on.
Hired: January 24, 2021
Carolina Panthers | Dave Canales – Reich’s team had offensive struggles, with penalties stalling drives. Improvement in offensive coordination and minimizing mistakes will be critical as they look to gain momentum.
Hired: January 25, 2024
Tennessee Titans | Brian Callahan – Inadequate adjustments to contain Detroit’s offense and costly penalties suggest a need for tighter defensive discipline.
Hired: January 24, 2024
Indianapolis Colts | Shane Steichen – Steichen’s decision to keep Richardson in passing situations, despite his struggles, was questioned. While his defensive calls were effective, better offensive balance and discipline could benefit the Colts in tight games.
Hired: February 14, 2023
Cleveland Browns | Kevin Stefanski – Stefanski’s adjustments, particularly on defense, were critical to their comeback. His decision to employ a mix of coverage schemes limited Lamar Jackson’s options late in the game. While effective, Cleveland’s high penalty count needs addressing.
Hired: January 13, 2020
New York Jets | Jeff Ulbrich – Poor special teams execution and missed field goals undermined their efforts. Ulbrich’s adjustments were effective but lacked the finishing touch on offense, highlighting the need for better special teams management.
Hired: October 8, 2024
Chill
Miami Dolphins | Mike McDaniel – McDaniel’s offensive creativity returned, but questionable decisions in the fourth quarter allowed Arizona’s comeback. While effective early, the lack of defensive consistency and untimely penalties affected the outcome.
Hired: February 6, 2022
Baltimore Ravens | John Harbaugh – Harbaugh’s team showed resilience but faltered due to offensive mistakes and defensive breakdowns. Despite smart adjustments, the Ravens struggled to finish strong, highlighting room for improvement in maintaining discipline under pressure.
Hired on January 19, 2008
Denver Broncos | Sean Payton – Payton’s team controlled the tempo, with an effective balance of offense and defense. His play-calling exploited Carolina’s weaknesses, while disciplined execution helped maintain their lead.
Hired: February 3, 2023
Washington Commanders | Dan Quinn – Defensive adjustments limited Chicago’s effectiveness, and Quinn’s disciplined approach helped secure a close win.
Hired: February 3, 2024
Buffalo Bills | Sean McDermott – McDermott’s offense was inconsistent, struggling against Seattle’s defense. Missed red-zone opportunities and penalties affected their ability to stay competitive, highlighting areas for red-zone improvement.
Hired: January 11, 2017
Houston Texans | DeMeco Ryans – Ryans’ defense was outstanding, applying pressure on Anthony Richardson, which helped secure the win. However, penalties and injuries on offense were concerns. Ryans’ emphasis on aggressive defensive schemes paid off.
Hired: January 31, 2023
Kansas City Chiefs | Andy Reid – Another workman like effort for the Chiefs who just do enough each week to get the wins.
Hired: January 7, 2013
Las Vegas Raiders | Antonio Pierce – The Raiders showed flashes of competitiveness but couldn’t overcome the Chiefs.
Hired: January 19, 2024
Los Angeles Chargers | Jim Harbaugh – Harbaugh’s offensive scheme was well-balanced, utilizing both air and ground attacks to keep New Orleans at bay. Minimal mistakes and effective adjustments late in the game helped secure the win.
Hired: January 24, 2024
New England Patriots | Jerod Mayo – Conservative play-calling almost cost them the win, but disciplined execution on defense allowed them to capitalize on Jets’ mistakes. Improvements in offensive creativity could boost their scoring potential.
Hired: January 17, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers | Mike Tomlin – Tomlin’s defensive schemes were instrumental in containing New York’s offense, allowing the Steelers to dominate defensively. Minimal penalties and effective ball control secured the win, showcasing Tomlin’s disciplined approach. The mastery of handling the QB position here has him as a coach of the year candidate.
Hired: January 22, 2007
Arizona Cardinals | Jonathan Gannon – Gannon’s strategic offensive plays late in the game were key. Effective play-calling allowed Kyler Murray to shine, though penalties affected rhythm. A focus on reducing mistakes and maximizing time management could secure future wins.
Hired: February 14, 202
Atlanta Falcons | Raheem Morris – Despite a few penalties, a balanced game plan helped secure the Falcons’ second win over Tampa Bay
Hired: January 25, 2024
Detroit Lions | Dan Campbell – Campbell’s emphasis on special teams paid off, with multiple big returns setting up scores. His defense contained the Titans effectively, showcasing Campbell’s holistic approach to game management.
Hired: January 20, 2021
Green Bay Packers | Matt LaFleur – LaFleur’s adaptable coaching helped the Packers hold off Jacksonville, especially after Jordan Love’s injury. LaFleur demonstrated effective management, utilizing backup Malik Willis in critical moments, though reducing penalties could further stabilize performances.
Hired: January 8, 2019
Los Angeles Rams | Sean McVay – The Rams executed well offensively, with the defense stifling the Vikings’ momentum. The Vikings struggled to protect the pocket, which led to crucial turnovers that the Rams capitalized on, securing a solid win over Minnesota.
Hired: January 12, 2017
Minnesota Vikings | Kevin O’Connell – O’Connell faced challenges with the offensive line, leading to crucial turnovers. His strategy focused heavily on passing, but defensive struggles and costly penalties hindered their chances. Improvement in protection and discipline could bolster future performances.
Hired: February 16, 2022
San Francisco 49ers | Kyle Shanahan – Shanahan’s focus on a run-heavy strategy was effective, with his team controlling the clock and executing a balanced offensive approach. His defensive adjustments stifled Dallas’ offense in the second half, allowing the 49ers to hold their lead despite some late-game penalties
February 6, 2017
Seattle Seahawks | Mike Macdonald – The defense pressured Allen effectively, resulting in turnovers. His balanced approach on offense was complemented by disciplined execution, securing a narrow win. Minimal penalties contributed to their success.
Hired: January 31, 2024
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Todd Bowles – Bowles’ team fought hard despite injuries but couldn’t maintain momentum. His focus on containing Cousins was limited by defensive breakdowns and penalties, which hurt their comeback chances.
Hired: March 30, 2022
