NFL Head Coach Hot Seat Rankings

Firing Kevin Stefanski right now feels a bit premature. The Browns have been a trainwreck, but might have some upside. Now, they have Shedeur Sanders exceeding expectations and a defense that quietly ranks among the best in the NFL.

Combining a promising young QB and a top-10 defense with two first-round picks in the upcoming Draft is a recipe for success. Stefanski is a former NFL Coach of the Year, winning the award during his tenure in Cleveland. He knows what it takes to win football games, and could finally have a shot at building a strong roster.

The Browns’ 2025 Draft class is extremely underrated. Mason Graham, Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr., and Sanders have all made an immediate impact. Give him a chance to build around the franchise quarterback before kicking him out the door.

6. Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins parted ways with their general manager, Chris Grier, on October 31st. Miami was 2-7 at the time, and Mike McDaniel seemed to be a dead man walking. He’s gone 5-2 since then and has flipped that theory on its head.

McDaniel is a great playcaller, there’s no disputing that. He’s seemingly distanced himself from Tua Tagovailoa and is trying to prove he can find success with a different QB. Rookie Quinn Ewers isn’t the answer, but he wasn’t truly expected to be either.

McDaniel can argue that he can turn this team around with a new QB and a new identity. Miami is likely moving on from Tyreek Hill, freeing up over $20 million in cap space. If they can trade Tagovailoa and get away from his contract, they can free up nearly $45 million.

5. Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals

Zac Taylor should be much higher on this list. In fact, he should already have been fired by the Cincinnati Bengals. His Super Bowl appearance, coupled with Joe Burrow’s immense talent, has saved him for the last four years.

Taylor is not a bad coach by any means, but it’s clear he’s not elevating this team. Joe Burrow’s injury history has played a factor in Cincy’s struggles, but the entire team shouldn’t hinge on one player. The defense is also among the worst in the NFL.

Cincinnati hasn’t made a playoff appearance since the 2022 season. Taylor and the front office have not given Burrow the tools to succeed. It’s gotten to the point that fans are speculating Burrow could request a trade. Something has to change in Cincinnati, but it likely won’t, yet. 

4. Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons

Raheem Morris was hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. In his two seasons at the helm, he’s seen every up and down possible. He started 2024 with a 6-3 record, before collapsing to 8-9. 2025 sees him at 7-9, with the best-case scenario being a repeat of last year.

When Morris arrived, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, then subsequently drafted his replacement, Michael Penix Jr. They spent the 2025 offseason revamping the defense, resulting in an impressive turnaround. The problem is that Morris and his staff haven’t properly utilized the talent.

We’ve seen the potential this Falcons team has. They defeated the Buffalo Bills in Week 6 before going on a five-game losing streak. This team’s biggest enemy is itself. Morris may get another year to straighten things out, but the temperature is rising in Atlanta.

3. Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals

Jonathan Gannon’s time as the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach has been mediocre at best. He went 4-13 in 2023, followed it up with an 8-9 in 2024, and now sits at 3-12. The Cards started this season off hot. They were 2-0 and looked promising in a stacked NFC West. They’ve gone 1-13 since then.

The Cardinals are similar to the Falcons. They have talent all over the field, the QB position is questionable, and the coaching staff can’t make things click. With Kyler Murray likely out the door, maybe Arizona should find a new head coach as well.

2. Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders

Upon Pete Carroll’s arrival in Las Vegas, he brought in quarterback Geno Smith, with whom he had a past relationship in Seattle. He made Chip Kelly the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL. He then followed it up by drafting Ashton Jeanty sixth overall with no offensive line.

Kelly and special teams coordinator Tom McMahon have been let go, and Geno Smith is one of the worst QBs in the NFL. Vegas’ offense ranks last in the NFL in total yards per game (247.8), rush yards per game (74.9), and points per game (14.2).

Carroll wanted to make “win-now” moves with a roster that’s nowhere close to that. The Raiders need a full-blown reset, and at 74 years old, Carroll is already the oldest coach in NFL history. It’s time for a fresh start.

1. Aaron Glenn, New York Jets

It’s never fun to see a head coach go one-and-done in their tenure. Similar to Carroll, though, Aaron Glenn’s time as the New York Jets’ head coach has been a disaster.

The Jets’ defense was expected to be a strength, but it has been one of the worst in the NFL. They haven’t even intercepted a pass yet. They traded away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, and now have a haul of first-round Draft picks over the next two years.

Glenn’s handling of Justin Fields has been confusing, and the offense as a whole has been completely inept. Breece Hall is likely to leave in free agency, and it’s hard to imagine Garrett Wilson will want to stay beyond his rookie contract.

While it feels reactionary to let Glenn go after one season, it’s probably the best move for New York. They’re loaded with Draft picks and should have capable hands for the moves they’ll be making with them.

End Of My NFL Head Coach Rant

The New York Giants have already fired Brian Daboll, and the Tennessee Titans have let go of Brian Callahan. Black Monday is shaping up to be an interesting one. This year’s head coaching cycle seems light compared to recent years, and some of these jobs aren’t exactly enticing.