The 2024 NFL season has just begun, 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 2023, all eyes are on the potential candidates for the next coach to face the chopping block in 2024. The keyword “NFL coaches to be fired” is already a hot topic in sports betting circles, as fans and analysts speculate on who might be next to lose their job.
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.
Doug Pederson, Jaguars (+275)
Doug Pederson led the Jacksonville Jaguars to an 8-3 start last season, but since then, the team has unraveled. The Jaguars have won only one of their last 10 games, including an 0-4 start in 2024. Jacksonville’s struggles have put Pederson directly in the crosshairs, with rumors swirling about whether he’ll even make it to Thanksgiving.
How He Can Save His Job: To turn things around, Pederson must find a way to stop the Jaguars’ slide. Improving their defense and stabilizing quarterback play are two immediate priorities. If Pederson can string together a few key wins and return the Jaguars to playoff contention, he might buy himself some time.
How Fans Feel: Jaguars fans, who had high hopes for the team after a promising start in 2023, are frustrated. Many are losing patience and calling for a change in leadership, though some still believe Pederson can turn things around with the right adjustments.
Robert Saleh, Jets (+400)
The New York Jets entered the 2024 season with high expectations, largely thanks to the arrival of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, after a humiliating home loss to the Denver Broncos, Saleh’s relationship with Rodgers seems to be on shaky ground. Rodgers reportedly contradicted Saleh’s post-game analysis, and the tension between them could spell trouble for the Jets’ coach.
How He Can Save His Job: Saleh needs to get on the same page with Rodgers and restore confidence within the team. The Jets’ success this season hinges on Rodgers’ performance, so repairing their relationship is crucial. A few decisive wins could also help cool the speculation about Saleh’s job security.
How Fans Feel: Jets fans have seen this story before. The franchise has struggled for decades, and the fanbase is growing tired of false hope. Many are calling for Saleh’s dismissal, particularly if the team continues to underperform, but some still hold out hope that Rodgers and Saleh can turn the ship around.
Brian Daboll, Giants (+400)
After a rocky end to the 2023 season and a tough start in 2024, Brian Daboll finds himself on the hot seat. The Giants have struggled with injuries, losing key players like Saquon Barkley, and the team’s offense has looked stagnant under quarterback Daniel Jones. With ownership already showing signs of dissatisfaction, Daboll’s future with the Giants is anything but secure.
How He Can Save His Job: Daboll needs to revive the Giants’ offense. Establishing a consistent run game and getting the most out of Daniel Jones are critical. If he can lead the Giants back into playoff contention, the ownership might give him another chance to prove his worth.
How Fans Feel: Giants fans are split. Some believe Daboll deserves more time to work through the team’s challenges, while others are calling for immediate changes. The mood is tense, and the next few games could determine whether the fanbase turns completely against him.
Mike McCarthy, Cowboys (+600)
Mike McCarthy is no stranger to the hot seat. As the head coach of “America’s Team,” McCarthy faces immense pressure to deliver results. The Cowboys have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but inconsistent play, particularly from quarterback Dak Prescott, has kept McCarthy’s job status in question.
How He Can Save His Job: McCarthy must get the Cowboys back to their winning ways, particularly on offense. If Prescott can regain his form and lead Dallas deep into the playoffs, McCarthy’s job could be safe for another season. A win against key divisional rivals would also go a long way in securing his future.
How Fans Feel: Cowboys fans are notoriously passionate, and their patience with McCarthy is wearing thin. Many are frustrated with the team’s inability to capitalize on its potential. A few more losses and the fanbase could be clamoring for a change at the top.
Nick Sirianni, Eagles (+700)
Nick Sirianni led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2022, but the team has struggled to recapture that form. Injuries and the infamous Super Bowl hangover have contributed to the Eagles’ lackluster start in 2024, putting Sirianni’s job security in jeopardy.
How He Can Save His Job: Sirianni needs to rally his team and avoid the mistakes that have plagued them in the early part of the season. Rebuilding the chemistry between Jalen Hurts and the offensive line is key. If Sirianni can guide the Eagles to a playoff win, his job will likely be safe.
How Fans Feel: Eagles fans are famously tough, and their expectations are high after last season’s Super Bowl run. While many still support Sirianni, they won’t tolerate a prolonged slump. A few more losses and the calls for change will grow louder.
Zac Taylor, Bengals (+750)
Zac Taylor helped lead the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021, but the team’s performance has dropped off since. Cincinnati has struggled to find its footing in 2024, and Taylor’s relationship with key players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase has been scrutinized.
How He Can Save His Job: Taylor needs to get Burrow and Chase firing on all cylinders again. Consistency on offense will be crucial if Taylor hopes to keep his job. If the Bengals can finish the season strong and make a playoff push, Taylor could buy himself another year.
How Fans Feel: Bengals fans are anxious after a slow start to the season. They know the team has the talent to compete, and many are growing frustrated with Taylor’s inability to deliver consistent results. A few more losses could turn the fanbase against him.
Kevin Stefanski, Browns (+850)
Kevin Stefanski’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns has been marred by inconsistency. After starting the 2024 season with a string of disappointing performances, Stefanski’s job is in serious jeopardy. The team’s struggles, particularly with quarterback Deshaun Watson, have put Stefanski in a tough spot.
How He Can Save His Job: Stefanski needs to get the Browns’ offense back on track, starting with Watson. If the quarterback can return to his pre-suspension form and lead the team to a winning record, Stefanski might have a chance to stay. Improving the defense would also be a step in the right direction.
How Fans Feel: Browns fans have been through years of disappointment, and their patience is wearing thin. Many are ready for a coaching change, particularly if the team continues to underperform. Stefanski will need to win over the fanbase with a few key victories.
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.
Conclusion
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.
