NFL Coaching Hot Seat: 2024 Mid-Season Review

Each year, multiple NFL coaches find themselves on the hot seat, scrambling to save their jobs. Teams have grown increasingly impatient, often dismissing head coaches mid-season when results falter. The 2024 season has been no exception, with several high-profile firings already making headlines.

Coaches Fired in 2024 So Far

Robert Saleh, New York Jets: The first coach to be dismissed this season, Saleh was fired after Week 5, following a disappointing 2-3 start.
Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints: Allen joined the list after a 2-7 record and a seven-game losing streak unraveled his tenure.
Matt Eberflus, Chicago Bears: Eberflus became the first coach in franchise history to be fired mid-season, leaving the Bears at 4-8.

As Week 13 unfolds, other coaches are edging closer to the same fate. Here’s a closer look at those currently under scrutiny.

Coaches on the Hot Seat After Week 13

1. Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 20-26 as Jaguars head coach
Why He’s Under Fire: Pederson’s record since December 2023 stands at an abysmal 3-16, with signs of a fractured locker room. The Jaguars also have the third-worst point differential (-111) this season, further highlighting the team’s struggles. Despite this, ownership appears detached, allowing Pederson to finish the season. His decision to rush Trevor Lawrence back in Week 13, leading to a concussion, has only worsened his standing.

2. Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders

Record: 7-14 as Raiders head coach
Why He’s Under Fire: Appointed as interim coach in late 2023, Pierce’s lack of experience has been glaring. His questionable decision-making, such as costly errors in a narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, underscores his unsuitability. The Raiders are now at the bottom of the standings, and co-owner Tom Brady is expected to advocate for change in the offseason.

3. Brian Daboll, New York Giants

Record: 17-28-1 as Giants head coach
Why He’s Under Fire: Daboll’s leadership has come under scrutiny following reports of clashes with his staff and critical comments from players. While the Giants’ offensive struggles aren’t entirely his fault, his inability to inspire confidence or adapt has contributed to an 8-21 record over the last two seasons. His tenure is likely to end after the season.

4. Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys

Record: Noted for three 12-win seasons but on track for his second losing season with Dallas.
Why He’s Under Fire: Despite recent comments from owner Jerry Jones about a potential contract extension, skepticism remains. The Cowboys’ decision not to extend McCarthy after prior successes suggests they’ll part ways quietly when his contract expires, as they did with Jason Garrett.

5. Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals

Record: Includes a Super Bowl appearance and five playoff wins in 2021-22.
Why He’s Under Fire: Cincinnati’s ownership is notoriously patient, as evidenced by Marvin Lewis’s 16-year tenure with no playoff wins. While Taylor’s recent struggles could justify a change, his past achievements and ownership’s history suggest he might stay.

6. Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots

Record: First-year head coach
Why He’s Under Fire: Mayo’s rookie season has been challenging, with the Patriots’ defense plummeting from 8th to 29th in key metrics. His poor in-game decisions and public criticisms of players have raised concerns. However, his strong relationship with owner Robert Kraft likely buys him another year.

Coaches Already Fired in 2024

Matt Eberflus, Chicago Bears (4-8)

Eberflus failed to capitalize on the presence of Caleb Williams, leading to poor clock management and widespread discontent in the locker room. Ownership was forced to make a historic mid-season firing to salvage the team’s direction.

Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints (2-7)

Allen’s promotion in 2022 was a misstep from the start. Despite initial success this season, a seven-game losing streak sealed his fate. His inability to command the locker room or maintain consistent performances led to an earlier-than-expected dismissal.

Robert Saleh, New York Jets (2-3)

While Saleh’s defensive prowess kept the Jets competitive, his lack of influence over offensive decision-making proved costly. The organization gave him four seasons, but internal dynamics and poor results ultimately led to his dismissal.

What’s Next?

As the season progresses, more coaches are likely to join the ranks of those fired. Teams are increasingly unwilling to wait for improvement, opting for swift action to reset their trajectory. The remaining weeks of the season could be decisive for several underperforming head coaches.