The 2025 NFL regular season has just wrapped up, and already, several coaches are feeling the heat. With the pressure to win at an all-time high, NFL coaches are often the first to be blamed when things go wrong. After Josh McDaniels became one of the first NFL coaches to be fired in 2024, all eyes are on the potential candidates for the next coach to face the chopping block in 2025. Lets take a look at the most likely NFL coaches to be fired in 2025.
Let’s take a deeper look at the coaches most likely to be fired this season, their struggles, and what they could do to save their jobs.
Recent NFL Coaching Firings
Doug Pederson – Jacksonville Jaguars
After a disappointing 4-13 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars parted ways with head coach Doug Pederson. Despite a history of success, including a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, Pederson was unable to replicate that magic in Jacksonville. His departure signals a fresh start for the Jaguars, who are now searching for a leader to maximize their young talent.
Jerod Mayo – New England Patriots
Jerod Mayo, once a promising coaching prospect, was dismissed by the New England Patriots following a 4-13 season. Succeeding Bill Belichick was no easy task, and Mayo’s inability to turn the team’s fortunes around led to his short tenure at the helm.
Robert Saleh – New York Jets
The Jets fired Robert Saleh earlier in the season after a rocky 2-3 start. While Saleh’s defensive schemes were often praised, the team’s stagnant offense and lack of consistency ultimately sealed his fate. The Jets are now in search of a coach who can bring balance and stability to the franchise.
Dennis Allen – New Orleans Saints
The Saints endured a challenging season, culminating in a seven-game losing streak that left them with a 2-7 record. Dennis Allen, tasked with navigating the team through a post-Drew Brees era, struggled to find success. His firing marks another major shake-up for New Orleans.
Matt Eberflus – Chicago Bears
Matt Eberflus was dismissed by the Chicago Bears after a 3-9 record at the time of his firing. The decision followed a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions. Eberflus’ inability to develop a cohesive offense or build around young talent contributed to his early exit.
Coaches on the Hot Seat
As the 2024 NFL season ends, several head coaches are on the hot seat. While some are clinging to their jobs, others are being speculated as potential candidates for new opportunities in the NFL or even college football. Let’s take an in-depth look at each coach, their current situation, and where they might land next.
Brian Daboll – New York Giants
Current Situation:
Brian Daboll’s second season with the Giants was a disaster, ending with a 3-14 record. While the team showed promise during Daboll’s first year, injuries, poor roster depth, and underwhelming quarterback play derailed their season. Despite these challenges, the Giants’ ownership has expressed confidence in Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, indicating they might get another year to turn things around.
What’s Next:
If Daboll is let go, his offensive expertise could make him a sought-after coordinator in the NFL. Teams like the Los Angeles Chargers or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both in need of offensive revitalization, could be interested. Alternatively, Daboll’s college connections could open doors for a head coaching role at a top-tier program, such as Texas A&M or Michigan State.
Antonio Pierce – Las Vegas Raiders
Current Situation:
Antonio Pierce stepped in as the Raiders’ interim head coach after Josh McDaniels was fired midseason. While Pierce brought energy and discipline to the team, the Raiders’ inconsistency on both sides of the ball hurt their record. Finishing the season at 7-10, Pierce’s leadership is being evaluated, but the team’s ownership may prefer a more experienced candidate for the permanent role.
What’s Next:
If the Raiders decide to move on, Pierce could remain in the NFL as a defensive coordinator. His strong defensive background might attract teams like the Denver Broncos or the Chicago Bears. There’s also the possibility of him returning to college football, where he has previous coaching experience, potentially with a program like Arizona State.
Shane Steichen – Indianapolis Colts
Current Situation:
Shane Steichen’s first year as the Colts’ head coach was marred by quarterback instability and underwhelming performances on both offense and defense. While the team showed flashes of improvement, a 5-12 record isn’t what Colts fans or ownership had hoped for.
What’s Next:
If Steichen is dismissed, he’s likely to land back in the NFL as an offensive coordinator, given his previous success in developing quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. Teams like the Washington Commanders or the New York Jets could benefit from his offensive expertise. If he explores college football, Steichen’s quarterback development skills would be highly valued at schools like USC or Oklahoma.
Mike McCarthy – Dallas Cowboys
Current Situation:
Mike McCarthy led the Cowboys to a playoff berth, but his job security is still a topic of debate. Despite regular-season success, McCarthy’s postseason track record with Dallas has been inconsistent. With a talented roster and high expectations, anything short of a deep playoff run could lead to his dismissal.
What’s Next:
If McCarthy is one of the NFL coaches to be fired, he’ll almost certainly find another head coaching job in the NFL. Teams like the Chicago Bears, who need a seasoned leader to stabilize their young roster, could be interested. McCarthy has also been linked to college football in the past, and a program like Notre Dame or Wisconsin (his home state) might make sense if he decides to make the transition.
Zac Taylor – Cincinnati Bengals
Current Situation:
Zac Taylor’s Bengals missed the playoffs this year after consecutive postseason appearances. The team struggled with injuries, including quarterback Joe Burrow’s early-season calf strain, and their offensive production fell short of expectations. While Taylor has earned goodwill from previous success, another poor season could make his seat even hotter.
What’s Next:
If Taylor is let go, he’ll likely stay in the NFL as a head coach or offensive coordinator. Teams like the New Orleans Saints or the Arizona Cardinals, both in need of offensive leadership, might see Taylor as a good fit. Alternatively, Taylor could explore coaching at the college level, where his offensive mindset would be highly valued, possibly at a program like LSU or Texas.
Factors Behind NFL Coaches to be Fired
- Team Performance: Coaches are often judged by their win-loss record, and underperforming teams are quick to make changes.
- Player Development: The ability to develop young talent is critical, especially for rebuilding teams.
- Fan Pressure: Public opinion plays a significant role, with ownership often influenced by the demands of a vocal fanbase.
- Postseason Expectations: For playoff-caliber teams, failing to meet expectations can lead to swift dismissals, even for coaches with winning records.
What’s Next for Teams with Vacancies?
As teams part ways with their head coaches, the hunt for replacements begins. High-profile candidates like Jim Harbaugh, Eric Bieniemy, and Sean Payton are already being linked to several openings. For teams with coaching vacancies, finding the right fit will be crucial to building momentum for the next season.
What Coaches Can Do to Save Their Jobs
While some of these coaches may seem like inevitable casualties of a brutal NFL season, there are still ways they can fight to stay in their positions. Here’s what they can do:
- Win Key Games: Nothing quiets the critics like winning. Coaches who can guide their teams to victories against tough opponents will earn some breathing room.
- Improve Team Morale: Coaches like Robert Saleh and Zac Taylor must rebuild trust within the locker room. Clear communication and leadership are crucial to keeping their teams focused and motivated.
- Make Bold Moves: Coaches on the hot seat can often save themselves by shaking things up, whether it’s adjusting the starting lineup, trying new offensive schemes, or making midseason trades.
How Fans Impact Job Security
Fan pressure plays a massive role in the fate of NFL coaches. When a fanbase turns on a coach, the noise can become deafening, forcing ownership and management to consider a change. Social media, talk shows, and even public demonstrations can all contribute to the downfall of a coach who loses the support of the fans. For example, Dallas Cowboys fans have long been vocal about their dissatisfaction with Mike McCarthy, and each loss brings new demands for his ousting.
Fan Support vs. Ownership Decision-Making In some cases, ownership will make a decision based on fan sentiment to keep the brand’s image strong. But not all teams cave to public pressure, and some ownership groups may give their coaches more time to work through issues despite fan unrest.
Check Back for More Updates
The 2024 NFL season has already put several coaches on notice. Whether it’s due to poor performance, locker room strife, or fan dissatisfaction, these coaches are facing enormous pressure to deliver results. The list of potential “NFL coaches to be fired” includes some big names, and only time will tell who will be the first to go.
However, there’s always a chance for redemption. With a few key wins and the right adjustments, these coaches could save their jobs and lead their teams back to success. For now, all eyes are on the field as the 2024 season continues to unfold, with fans, analysts, and bettors watching closely to see who will be the next casualty of the NFL’s unforgiving coaching carousel.
