Here we go again—the NFL season heats up, and so does the speculation around coaching changes! Some coaches have already been handed their pink slips, and a few others are feeling the pressure as their teams struggle to meet expectations. The next few months could bring some significant changes across the league, whether it’s early firings, interim head coaches trying to prove themselves, or coaches skating on thin ice.
So, which teams are already in the hunt for a new leader, and who else might be heading to the job market? Let’s break down the latest moves and the teams that could be making some bold calls for next season.
5. New York Jets
The Jets didn’t waste any time, becoming the first team this season to make a head coaching change. After starting the season 2-3, New York’s front office decided they’d seen enough of Robert Saleh. With a veteran squad featuring Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Jets’ “win-now” strategy demanded results, and Saleh’s tenure just wasn’t cutting it. The Jets fired him five games in, making him the first head coach fired midseason during Jets owner Woody Johnson’s 25-year tenure.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was named interim head coach but has had a rough start. After taking over, the Jets lost their next three games, sinking to 2-6 before scraping out a 21-13 win against the Houston Texans in Week 9. Ulbrich, a former NFL linebacker and long-time coach, is now tasked with trying to lead the team back to the playoffs. A daunting challenge? Yes. But the Jets are motivated to end their 13-season playoff drought, the longest active streak in the league. Only two teams in NFL history have made the playoffs with an interim coach—could the Jets become the third?
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches From WORST To FIRST
4. New Orleans Saints
After a promising 2-0 start, the New Orleans Saints have spiraled into a seven-game losing streak, ultimately leading to Dennis Allen’s dismissal. The Saints front office brought in Allen to fill Sean Payton’s shoes in 2022, but after an 18-25 record, they decided it was time to move in a new direction. Allen, fired midseason for the second time in his career, leaves the Saints reeling.
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This marked the Saints’ first midseason coaching change since 1985. With special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi stepping in as interim head coach, it’s uncertain whether he can turn the ship around, but Saints fans are hoping for a spark to stop the freefall.
3. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a history of high expectations and even higher scrutiny from their famously outspoken owner, Jerry Jones. Currently sitting at 3-5, head coach Mike McCarthy might be feeling the heat despite having Jones’ public backing. While the Cowboys boast a solid 75-45 record under McCarthy, they have struggled in the playoffs, winning just 1 of 4 games, including a disappointing 48-32 wildcard loss to the Packers last season.
The recent injury to star quarterback Dak Prescott, who’s out with a hamstring injury, doesn’t help matters. Even though Jones continues to praise McCarthy’s work ethic and football mind, losses in the highly competitive NFC East could shift the front office’s confidence. Will Dallas look for fresh leadership next season, or is McCarthy safe as long as Jones’ support holds strong?
Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders Fire Coach After Awful Start To The Season
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
After a solid first season that ended in a dramatic wildcard comeback win, Doug Pederson’s tenure with the Jaguars has been a story of diminishing returns. Jacksonville has regressed every season since, and a 2-7 start to 2024 has fans and analysts wondering if it’s time for a shakeup.
Pederson has seen the team decline since that 9-8 season, and a repeat of last year’s collapse could spell trouble. If he doesn’t turn it around soon, Pederson may find himself on the list of coaches who didn’t quite live up to the initial promise.
1. New York Giants
Brian Daboll’s first season with the New York Giants was a Cinderella story. Named 2022 NFL Coach of the Year, he led the team to a surprising 9-7-1 record and even an upset win over the Vikings in the wildcard round. But the glow of that season has quickly faded. After a disappointing 6-11 record in 2023, the Giants are now struggling 2-7, looking nowhere near their former playoff-contender selves.
While Daboll still has some leeway thanks to his recent accolades, another poor finish might push the Giants’ management to consider a fresh start. Giants fans are hoping Daboll can rediscover that magic and help the team finish strong, but his future grows gloomy with each passing week.
Also Read: NFL Fans Left In Shock After Waking Up To The Second Head Coach Firing Of The 2024 Season
