A tough few weeks coming up for some head coaches in the NFL!
Following the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stunning win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football yesterday, week 5 of the NFL’s 2025-26 season came to an end. That means we are nearly at the one-third stage of the season and have a fair idea of how things are shaping out for the various teams.
It is also time now that some teams with losing records may evaluate their performances thus far and begin thinking about some tough decisions down the road. One of those tough decisions could come in the form of head coaches getting the axe for their inability to succeed as per the expectations.
No matter what the problem a team is facing, more often than not, it is the head coach who takes the fall first. It may not be the fairest solution, but that is how things work in the NFL. So, with that, here is a look at all the possible head coach firings that could be on the cards this season.
Zac Taylor began his head coaching duties with the Bengals in 2019, and in 2020, Cincinnati drafted its franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow. Since then, the Bengals have put together the destructive trio of Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
Despite all that, the Bengals have made the playoffs just twice in those six years. This year, with Burrow missing almost the entire season with a turf toe injury, there is a good chance the Bengals do not make the postseason once again. Taylor’s current record is 48-55-1 for a win percentage of .471 in Cincinnati.
Currently, the Bengals are 2-3 and sit second in the AFC North, which is also surprising, but lucky for them, the Ravens are struggling mightily themselves. However, if Cincinnati goes on to miss yet another playoff berth, it would be for the fourth year running, and Taylor could find himself out the door.
Hot Seat Temperature: Hot
Not too far away from Cincinnati, the Cleveland Browns’ head coach, Kevin Stefanski, could be facing a similar situation if things continue to go downward. Stefanski is considered to be an intelligent coach, but he has made the postseason just twice in five seasons with the Browns.
The Browns spent a lot of money extending Myles Garrett, but the offense has taken quite a hit. The quarterback situation is continuously under scrutiny, and Stefanski has lost 14 of his last 18 games.
Stefanski is currently 41-48 with a .461 winning percentage. Depending on how this season goes, it is possible he may be relieved from his duties in Cleveland.
Hot Seat Temperature: Hot
Brian Daboll is currently in his fourth year with the New York Giants. He led the Giants to a 9-7-1 record in his first season as New York made it to the playoffs in 2022, but lost to the Eagles in the Divisional round.
Since then, he has compiled a 10-29 record, and time seems to be running out for him in the Big Apple. With Malik Nabers out for the season, things have become trickier for the Giants, especially with rookie Jaxson Dart inserted under center.
Dart now, in all honesty, remains the only hope for Daboll. If Daboll can get quality performances out of his young quarterback, he may get another chance next season; otherwise, New York could be saying bye-bye to their 2022 Coach of the Year.
Hot Seat Temperature: Very Hot
Mike McDaniel is also in his fourth season in charge of the Miami Dolphins. The journey that began positively in 2022 is now on the brink of closure. McDaniel guided the Dolphins to two playoff berths in 2022 and 2023, but lost in the Wild Card round both times.
Last season, Miami missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record, and this time, they are 1-4 through 5 games with Tyreek Hill out for the season. Expectations in Miami are not being met, especially with the talented roster that was available for the Dolphins over the past few years.
McDaniel had the Dolphins flying around as offensive juggernauts early in his coaching days with Miami, but since last season, it has gone downhill. He is currently 29-27, but more importantly, 4-6 in their last ten games. There is also nothing to suggest that this unit can improve significantly under McDaniels’ leadership at the moment.
Hot Seat Temperature: Extremely Hot
Tennessee Titans’ head coach Brian Callahan is just in his second year as the head coach of the team. However, the start has been awful for Callahan, who finished last season with a 3-14 record.
It has not been any better to start this season either. In week 5, the Titans finally won a game, which was also rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s first taste of success at this level. And, despite it being an excellent win from behind, it was against the Arizona Cardinals, who aren’t the most difficult of opponents.
Nevertheless, the Titans just don’t seem to have any answers at the moment, and the same seems to be the problem with their head coach. Callahan’s decision-making has been questioned, especially for the two 60+ yard field goal attempts he went for, which ended up missing and giving up short field position to the Colts. Perhaps letting go of Callahan may be the first right step in correcting the issues at hand.
Hot Seat Temperature: Extremely Hot
The season is still a long one, and several things may end up changing between now and the end. But if there is still a lack of improvement from these teams in the upcoming weeks, some of these head coaches may no longer be seen on the sidelines with the same team.
Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
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