NFL Coaches Under Pressure Before 2025 Season

The 2025 NFL season is yet to kick off, but the pressure is already mounting for some coaches. A blend of disappointing performances and a feeling of being stuck in a rut has put several coaches on the hot seat this year.

Recently, an engaging discussion arose about who might be the first NFL coach to face dismissal this season. It’s an interesting topic, and it seems appropriate to delve into various perspectives and share some of our thoughts. The criteria for ranking these coaches is largely based on the likelihood they might be fired first.

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Take Morris, for instance. He stepped into a challenging situation when he joined the Falcons, intending to elevate the team. Unfortunately, that ambition hasn’t materialized. If he fails to surpass a .500 record in his second year, it’s probable that the franchise will decide to make a change and start over.

This might seem rather harsh, especially considering he’s only had two seasons, yet the Falcons’ expectation is to compete for the NFC South title. Anything less feels like a setback, and the team has exhausted its patience on such outcomes.

Then there’s Sean McDermott. He’s coached the Bills to be one of the top teams in the AFC, but there’s an underlying unease. Perhaps there’s a prevailing sentiment that someone else could help this team finally clear the playoff hurdle and reach the Super Bowl.

It’s often said that slow starts can quicken the eventual process of getting to the playoffs, but this belief could put added pressure on teams that begin on shaky ground.

When you look at McDaniel in Miami, the situation feels tense. Sure, he received a multi-year extension in 2024, but perhaps the excitement of that is fading. Losing to the Patriots or letting them close the gap might raise some eyebrows, leading to difficult questions regarding his leadership.

This season feels like an all-or-nothing gamble for both Brianda Ball and GM Joe Shane. The market isn’t necessarily demanding excellence, but fans expect a performance that surpasses the Giants’ previous efforts.

As for Jaxson Dart, well, he’s kind of the focal point this year. If he can emulate Russell Wilson at a similar stage in his career, the expectations could shift significantly. Winning isn’t the only concern; showing steady progress to fans and ownership is crucial.

It’s going to be a rocky road for Dabour, especially given the numerous gaps in the roster.

Now, let’s talk about Tomlin. He’s known for his ability to navigate personnel changes, but this year may present more challenges than he anticipated. With Aaron Rodgers not being the solution he hoped for, it’s concerning how this team can truly contend, based on their previous season’s performance.

For Tomlin, echoes of Bill Cowher’s resignation after an 8-8 season in 2006 might be creeping in as signs that this era is winding down.

Then we have Steichen, who seems to be struggling to find his footing. Not only has he not advanced with the Colts, but it raises questions about the staff’s ability to nurture talent, particularly with Anthony Richardson as a potential star.

And what about Zack Taylor? Eventually, he’ll find himself under scrutiny. In 2019, he managed to escape judgment, but now it feels like the franchise is hesitant to invest in a new coach, instead of showing confidence in his capabilities.

Taylor’s mismanagement, whether on or off the field, has led to a disappointing record of victories. If the Bengals can’t progress to the playoffs beyond the wildcard round, it would be a waste of talent like Joe Burrow and Jammer Chase with Taylor at the helm. As the season approaches, it’s clear Taylor’s situation might be the most precarious in the league.