The 2025 NFL season kicked off with half of the teams securing a 1-0 start, while the others are anxious to avoid the dreaded 0-2 record in Week 2.
Each Wednesday during the NFL season, we’ll delve into the hot seat rankings, focusing on coaches who face mounting pressure. This week, let’s see how things unfolded in Week 1 and spotlight three coaches who are feeling the heat.
Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
After a devastating loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel had a rather candid outlook. “The good news is that you don’t know how it could get any worse,” he remarked following the team’s 33-8 defeat.
There are already some troubling signs for Miami, especially coming off of a 2024 season where they missed the playoffs. The tension between quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill as they exited last season hasn’t helped either.
Compounding issues like a revamped offensive line and secondary concerns—heightened by difficult joint practices with the Detroit Lions—has left the team struggling. On Sunday, they’re slated to face the New England Patriots at home, but soon, they’ll have to contend with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on the road.
If things worsen, McDaniel could find himself in serious trouble sooner than expected.
Brian Daboll, New York Giants
New York Giants coach Brian Daboll committed to starting Russell Wilson for their second week matchup.
But how effective will that be?
Wilson had a rough outing in Sunday’s loss to the Washington Commanders, going 17 for 37 with just 168 yards and a QBR of 25.5. He faced significant pressure due to a struggling offensive line and an injury to the left tackle.
This pressure affected Wilson’s performance, making him look uneasy in the pocket during pivotal plays.
Daboll could opt for a rookie quarterback, Jaxson Dart, but that brings its own set of challenges given the Giants’ tough schedule ahead. Their next game is against the Dallas Cowboys, and afterward, they’ll also face the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.
Post-Daboll’s pressure is on; longtime Giants insider Ralph Vacchiano observed that the team’s performance must drastically improve after their dismal 3-14 season. If he can’t turn things around quickly, his future could be in jeopardy.
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans
As Brian Callahan heads into Week 2, two major factors are weighing on him. It’s his second year as head coach, and the Titans just drafted rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
However, the Titans faced scrutiny after their Week 1 defeat, particularly for their play calling just before halftime, which had fans raising eyebrows. They began a drive from their own seven-yard line with just 47 seconds remaining, holding a fragile 6-3 lead.
Surprisingly, Callahan opted for three consecutive passes instead of being conservative, resulting in a wasted drive. Denver capitalized on this, scoring a touchdown moments later.
They did manage to pull some points back with a 71-yard kickoff return, but the situation left Callahan in a tricky spot.
Despite the challenges posed by the rookie quarterback and a revamped roster, the rough start puts him under pressure to improve quickly.
Looking ahead, let’s keep an eye on other coaches who could be under scrutiny in upcoming weeks.
Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers
After finishing the 2024 season strong, Canales and his young quarterback faced difficulties against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the Panthers managing a disappointing 26-10 loss.
Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts
A win can certainly ease the pressure, but Steichen knows how evaluations can change swiftly in the NFL. If the Colts continue to perform well, he should be safe, but their Week 1 blowout victory might not be the norm.
Zach Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
To prevent another rocky start, Taylor put his key players like Joe Burrow on the field during preseason. They squeaked by in Week 1, but the performance left much to be desired.
Taylor’s pressure remains intact as they try to turn things around after their narrow victory.
