Every NFL offseason brings a familiar cycle: high hopes, crushing disappointments, and the inevitable coaching carousel. With job security growing increasingly rare on the sidelines, head coaches face relentless pressure to produce immediate results. As teams look to shake things up and spark a turnaround, the league’s revolving door at head coach continues to spin. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top five head coaches (in no order) currently on the hot seat entering the 2025 season, and what’s at stake if they can’t deliver.
Zac Taylor (Cincinatti Bengals)
Zac Taylor enters the 2025 NFL season under mounting pressure as questions swirl about his long-term future with the Cincinnati Bengals. While he helped lead the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance and built a strong partnership with quarterback Joe Burrow, recent seasons have seen the team regress due to inconsistent play, questionable in-game decisions, and underwhelming finishes despite a talented roster. Injuries have played a role, but patience is wearing thin in a competitive AFC North where mediocrity doesn’t cut it.
If Taylor can’t guide the Bengals back to serious playoff contention this year, the front office may, and in my opinion, will decide it’s time for a new voice to lead the locker room.
Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins)
Mike McDaniel has brought innovation and energy to the Miami Dolphins, earning praise for his offensive creativity and helping turn the team into a legitimate playoff contender. However, despite regular-season flashes, Miami has struggled to get over the hump, particularly against top-tier competition and in the postseason.
With back-to-back playoff exits and questions lingering about the team’s physicality and ability to win in high-pressure situations, McDaniel’s seat may be warming. In a league where potential only gets you so far, 2025 could be a make-or-break year, especially if the Dolphins fail to take the next step and deliver a playoff berth.
Jonathan Gannon (Arizona Cardinals)
Jonathan Gannon heads into the 2025 season with a critical eye on his performance as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. After a rocky first two years that showed flashes of competitiveness but lacked consistency, the expectation now is tangible progress. With Kyler Murray under center and a roster bolstered by recent draft picks, there’s little room for excuses.
Gannon was hired for his defensive mind and leadership, but if the Cardinals continue to struggle in close games or fall short in a winnable NFC West, his job security could quickly erode. Arizona needs to turn the corner, and Gannon needs to prove he’s the one to lead them there.
Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons)
Raheem Morris took over the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 with hopes of revitalizing a franchise stuck in mediocrity, but entering the 2025 season, the pressure is already building. Armed with a talented roster and a newly drafted franchise quarterback, expectations in Atlanta are higher than they’ve been in years.
However, if Morris can’t show clear progress, particularly in terms of wins, offensive consistency, and competing in a wide-open NFC South, his tenure could be short-lived. The Falcons made a bold move hiring him as their head coach, but in a results-driven league, patience won’t last long if the team fails to meet its potential this season.
Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts)
Shane Steichen impressed in his first season with the Indianapolis Colts, especially with the development of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, before injuries disrupted the team’s momentum. Now, heading into 2025, the pressure is on to convert that promise into tangible success. With a healthy roster, an improving defense, and a front office that has been aggressive in building around Richardson, expectations are rising in Indianapolis.
If the Colts fall short of playoff contention or show signs of regression, questions about Steichen’s ability to lead the team long-term could start to surface. Year two was about laying the foundation; year three needs to be about results.
Revolving Door of the NFL
The revolving door of NFL head coaches in recent history underscores the league’s growing impatience and the immense pressure to win immediately. With front offices demanding quick turnarounds and fanbases expecting instant success, coaches are often given little time to implement their systems or develop rosters. This high turnover not only disrupts team continuity but also stifles long-term growth and innovation.
Until franchises commit to stability and strategic planning, the cycle of hiring and firing will likely continue, leaving many teams stuck in a loop of short-lived leadership and unmet expectations.
2025 NFL Regular Season Schedule
