Every NFL head coach faces pressure to win games, but some are under immense scrutiny and risk losing their job if their team underperforms this season. While many coaches face high expectations, these five stand out as being in particularly precarious positions. Here’s a deeper look at the top five coaches on the hot seat:
5. Nick Sirianni
Photo Cred: Getty Images
A year ago, it would have been almost unthinkable to suggest that Nick Sirianni could be on the hot seat. The Eagles, under his leadership, had just come off a Super Bowl appearance and seemed poised for continued success. However, the 2023 season delivered a dramatic fall from grace. After starting with a remarkable 10-1 record, the Eagles stumbled in the final stretch, losing six of their last seven games. The culmination was a 32-9 defeat to the Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
During this period, a significant rift emerged between Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reports indicated a ‘lack of trust’ and differing philosophies on offensive strategy. To address these issues, the Eagles brought in offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in the offseason, hoping to reconcile Hurts’ and Sirianni’s visions for the offense. If the Eagles’ performance doesn’t improve in 2024 and they fail to meet expectations, Sirianni could find himself on the outs.
4. Dennis Allen
Photo Cred: Michael C. Herbert/ New Orleans Saints
Dennis Allen has had a rocky tenure as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, with both of his seasons falling short of fan expectations. In 2022, the team struggled to a 7-10 record and finished third in a division where no team had a winning record. The following year, the Saints posted a slightly improved 9-8 record but still missed the playoffs, which was a significant disappointment given the close nature of their season.
The competition in the NFC South has only intensified, with the Atlanta Falcons making notable improvements at quarterback and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers retaining a solid roster. With heightened expectations for the Saints to at least reach the playoffs, Dennis Allen faces a make-or-break situation. If he fails to guide the team to postseason play, it could mark the end of his head coaching career.
3. Brian Daboll
Photo Cred: Getty Images
Brian Daboll’s inclusion on this list is unexpected given his impressive achievements just two years ago. In 2022, he was awarded the Coach of the Year for leading the New York Giants to the divisional round of the playoffs. He turned around a team that had been struggling for years. However, the 2023 season was a dramatic reversal of fortunes. The Giants began the year with a disheartening 40-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and the season never recovered. Injuries, particularly at the quarterback position, contributed to a disappointing 6-11 finish and a missed playoff opportunity.
With the departure of running back Saquon Barkley and no significant upgrades to the quarterback room, the Giants face an uphill battle. Daboll must navigate these challenges and make the most of the talent available. Failure to do so could lead to him coaching his final season with the Giants.
2. Robert Saleh
Photo Cred: AP Photo/ Steven Senne
Robert Saleh’s tenure with the New York Jets has been marked by persistent quarterback issues, contributing to the team’s 13-season playoff drought, the longest in the NFL. The arrival of Aaron Rodgers was supposed to be a game-changer for the Jets. However, just four plays into the 2023 season, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles, derailing the team’s playoff aspirations.
Despite the setback, the Jets have built a strong defense, highlighted by standout players like cornerback Sauce Gardner. With Rodgers returning and the roster bolstered, the Jets are expected to contend. If Saleh fails to lead the team to the playoffs for a 14th consecutive year, he will likely face significant scrutiny and possibly be let go.
1. Mike McCarthy
Photo Cred: USA Today
The NFC East could see substantial changes in coaching staff by 2025, and Mike McCarthy is at the forefront of this potential upheaval. Like Sirianni and Daboll, McCarthy has experienced regular-season success and some postseason achievements. However, his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys has been marred by repeated playoff disappointments. The most recent setback came when the Cowboys were soundly beaten by the Packers, 48-32, on their home field.
This loss was particularly notable as it marked the first time a seventh-seeded team had ever defeated a second-seeded team in the playoffs. Despite this, owner Jerry Jones chose to retain McCarthy for the upcoming season. With high expectations for the Cowboys and a strong roster, the pressure is on McCarthy to deliver. Another postseason collapse or failure to make the playoffs could very well lead to his dismissal. Jones will likely be seeking a new direction for the team.
Each of these coaches faces a critical season ahead, and their ability to navigate the challenges and meet expectations will be crucial to their job security. The stakes are high, and failure could lead to significant changes for their respective teams.
