Which NFL Coaches Have Been Fired? Which Coaches Are On The Hot Seat?

Every season, the NFL has coaches who go into the season on the hot seat. It's a competitive league, and there have to be winners and losers. Short of every team going either 8-9 or 9-8, which is nearly impossible considering the talent gaps that exist. Some coaches are simply elite and regularly lead their teams to winning records.

For squads in tough divisions, those with less-than-average talent on the roster, and teams that don't have good quarterback situations, coaches can be canned quickly. Some simply do a poor job with roster management, play-calling, personnel decisions, and more.

So which head coaches have been kicked to the curb this season, and which are on the hot seat?

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Which NFL Coaches Have Been Fired So Far?

The first coach to lose his job was New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. He wasn't necessarily a bad coach, and he fielded an excellent defensive unit during his tenure with the Jets. However, expectations were high heading into 2024 with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from injury.

BREAKING: The Jets have fired HC Robert Saleh, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/4w16AacgCi

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 8, 2024

A 2-3 start was enough for owner Woody Johnson to send Saleh packing after three full seasons as the lead man for the Jets, only to be replaced by Jeff Ulbrich. He also demoted offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett from his play-calling duties -- now Todd Downing calls the plays.

It wasn't until after Week 9 that the next coach was sent away. New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen was dismissed from his duties after an embarrassing loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 9. The team has now lost seven games in a row after a red-hot 2-0 start that saw it looking like one of the best offenses in the league.

Saints part ways with head coach Dennis Allen. (via @RapSheet, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/ApY1VXt9li

— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2024

Fantasy managers would find it funny if his comments about running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) were the reason that he was fired. Darren Rizzi was promoted to interim head coach for the team. It would be the least surprising outcome if offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was appointed as the team's HC after the season ends.

Which Coaches Are On The Hot Seat Heading Into Week 10?

The most obvious one is Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson. Though rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. probably saved his job, the team is now 2-7. The Jags have an array of great offensive weapons in Thomas, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, tight end Evan Engram, and running back Tank Bigsby.

Name an NFL head coach who's more on the hot seat than Doug Pederson. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WmxYt9k2hn

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 24, 2024

Yet after a long losing streak to barely miss out on the playoffs last year, the team has virtually no shot of getting to the postseason after its start now. He may last the season if he's lucky, but the former Super Bowl-winning coach is likely on his way out after the last game has been played in 2024.

There are a few others whose seats aren't quite as fiery as Pederson's but may not last. Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has fielded a unit that's regressed on both offense and defense this year. They've been embarrassed by the San Francisco 49ers yet again, and sit at 3-5. Plus, starting QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) is hurt. It could be over for Big Mike.

“I’m embarrassed,” said Mike McCarthy about this moment from last Sunday’s Cowboys loss.

Added there’s no excuse for it at his age. pic.twitter.com/ISkM7KVnb7

— Mauricio Rodríguez (@MauNFL) November 6, 2024

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus cannot lead his team to a winning record. His rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, is playing like one of the league's worst. His team fields a great defense, but the hiring of Shane Waldron at the offensive coordinator position looks terrible now.

The maximum win probability for games Matt Eberflus has lost as #Bears HC:

• Commanders, 2024: 96.4%
• Browns, 2023: 91.3%
• Lions, 2023: 98.2%
• Broncos, 2023: 98.1%
• Lions, 2022: 95.2%

The mathematical probability Chicago loses ALL FIVE of those games? 0.00005491%. pic.twitter.com/og1LomExe8

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) November 6, 2024

Lastly, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is supposed to be a defensive-minded HC, but the Raiders defense has been absolutely awful -- it is easily a bottom-5 unit. He heads one of the NFL's least talented rosters, though, and it's his first season as HC. He could be given a pass.

Antonio Pierce everybody... pic.twitter.com/VJDuAoXSNq

— . (@EndzoneEdwards) November 3, 2024

It seems unlikely that New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll will lose his job. Team owner John Mara has expressed confidence in both he and general manager Joe Schoen. Schoen let running back Saquon Barkley go to the Philadelphia Eagles over very little extra salary, though. That alone should be a fireable offense.

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