Navigating the Upcoming NFL Training Camps
NFL training camps are on the horizon, and as is usually the case, some head coaches are facing significant pressure this season.
Among those are Zac Taylor and Shane Steichen, both tied to the Cincinnati Bengals, alongside Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bowles appears to be in the most secure position regarding his job heading into 2025.
However, several other coaches may soon feel the heat if their teams falter this season. The average offseason sees about six to seven coaching changes, with 10 coaches losing their jobs in 2025. Surprises are always around the corner. Below is an alphabetical list of head coaches who might be at risk.
Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers
Canales did lead the Panthers to the playoffs in his second season in 2025, but the team finished with an 8-9 record in a weak NFC South division. Overall, they’ve logged 13 wins against 21 losses. Not exactly impressive. If the Panthers regress further or if quarterback Bryce Young doesn’t show significant improvement, owner David Tepper might not hesitate to look for a change.
Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
Campbell has generally succeeded in making the Lions competitive and has maintained a solid program. But if the 9-8 team misses the playoffs for the second consecutive year or starts sliding backward, he might find himself in a precarious situation. The NFC North is as tough as ever, and the pressure to perform could tighten around him.
Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
O’Connell finds himself in a similar predicament to Campbell. Although he won the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2024, failing to lead the Vikings to the playoffs again could be damaging, especially if the quarterback situation remains shaky. He was brought on partly for his ability to develop quarterbacks. Without visible progress, O’Connell could face trouble, especially considering that the new general manager, Nolan Teasley, has no ties to him and might be looking to make his mark.
Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders
After an impressive 12-5 record in his first season, Quinn’s team fell to 5-12 last year. Some of that decline can be attributed to injuries, particularly to promising young quarterback Jaden Daniels. Yet, if the upcoming season brings another lackluster performance, changes could be on the horizon in the NFC East.
Demeco Ryans, Houston Texans
It’s important to note that many view Ryans as a talented coach. However, he is included here because of the unpredictability of the NFL. Ryans led the team to two district titles in three years and made playoff appearances each time, with a 3-3 record in postseason play. The only way Ryans might end up on the chopping block would be if the Texans drastically underperform and if quarterback CJ Stroud struggles. While the Texans’ defense has shown promise, a faltering offense could lead the ownership to seek out a more offensive-minded coach. In such a scenario, Ryans could find himself looking for a new role almost immediately.
