RADIO
The 2023 NFL regular season has concluded, and the majority of coach firings occurred on Black Monday. While teams like the Patriots still have decisions to make regarding their coaches, most have already learned their fate for 2024.
As of January 9, six teams have fired their coaches at some point during the season. Josh McDaniels, Frank Reich, and Brandon Staley all lost their jobs midseason, while Arthur Smith, Ron Rivera, and Mike Vrabel were dismissed in the first week of the offseason.
Which coaches are on the hot seat heading into 2024? Let's take a look at coaches whose seats are getting warmer, along with those who need to secure victories now.
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5). Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars
Record With Team: 18-16 (9-8 in 2023)
Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson has led the team to two winning seasons since taking over, including an AFC South title in 2022 that culminated in a Wild Card Round victory. Looking to build on a strong first year, the Jaguars stumbled after starting 8-3, appearing poised to repeat as division champions. Injuries to key players Trevor Lawrence and Christian Kirk further complicated matters, and despite acquiring high-end talent Calvin Ridley, the offense did not reach the expected level of performance.
While the Jaguars remain competitive under Pederson's leadership, the organization may become impatient if they fail to take the next step, especially given the high expectations for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The emergence of C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson in the AFC South adds to the competitive landscape. If the Jaguars do not show improvement or even regress in 2024, Pederson's position could be in jeopardy.
4). Brian Daboll, New York Giants
Record With Team: 15-18-1 (6-11 in 2023)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll experienced a successful first season, with the team overachieving and making it to the postseason. However, 2023 presented challenges as Daniel Jones, underperforming on a new contract, suffered a torn ACL midway through the season. The team faced consistent struggles, exiting the playoff race early and concluding the season with just six wins. The future of star player Saquon Barkley with the team remains uncertain, and the roster's outlook for 2024 doesn't promise significant improvement.
As an offensive coach, Daboll's job security is closely tied to the team's offensive performance, particularly the struggles of Jones and the overall offensive unit. With a substantial contract given to Jones in the past offseason, the team may opt to make changes at head coach if Daboll does not demonstrate the ability to elevate the offense. In a competitive sports market like New York, Daboll's tenure could be at risk after a disappointing six-win season if significant improvement is not observed.
3). Matt Eberflus, Chicago Bears
Record With Team: 10-24 (7-10 in 2023)
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus found himself on a scorching hot seat after a challenging 1-5 start following a three-win 2022 season. During this period, the defense struggled significantly, which is Eberflus's specialty. The situation improved when quarterback Justin Fields returned from injury, and the team acquired Montez Sweat through a trade. Subsequently, the Bears showcased impressive performances and were competitive even in their losses. The potential for postseason contention seemed plausible if the team had been healthy with Sweat from the beginning of the season.
The upcoming offseason is crucial for the Bears, especially in deciding the quarterback position. To secure Eberflus's job for another year, the team needs to emerge as a legitimate playoff contender in 2023. If the Bears opt to select Caleb Williams as the number one overall pick, they might have an even shorter leash for Eberflus, potentially considering a young offensive-minded coach to pair with the promising young quarterback prospect.
2). Robert Saleh, New York Jets
Record With Team: 18-33 (7-10 in 2023)
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh entered the 2023 season with high expectations, particularly after acquiring Aaron Rodgers. However, those hopes were dashed when Rodgers suffered an injury in Week 1. Saleh is a defensive coach, and the Jets' defense remained dominant, ranking third in DVOA, trailing only the Ravens and the Browns. Despite this defensive prowess, the team's three consecutive underperforming years have intensified the heat on Saleh's coaching seat. While General Manager Joe Douglas appears to be a supporter of Saleh, the organization's patience seems to be wearing thin, and the expectation for 2023 is a playoff berth to justify Saleh's retention.
The quarterback situation undoubtedly played a significant role in the season's setbacks, but other teams have faced adversity and still managed to secure playoff berths. The Jets' defense is considered championship-caliber, and with adequate quarterback and offensive line play, the team would have had the potential to make a postseason run. With three consecutive non-winning seasons, the pressure is mounting on Saleh, and another losing season in 2023 could signal the end of his tenure in New York.
1). Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints
Record With Team: 16-18 (9-8 in 2023)
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen found himself on the hot seat earlier in the year, but a strong finish to the season has secured his return for 2024. Despite falling short of the playoffs in the underwhelming NFC South, the Saints managed to conclude the season with a winning record. Their performance was average on both offense and defense, and they benefited from a relatively easy schedule, nearly sneaking into the postseason.
However, a concerning incident occurred in the final game when the team chose to give Jamaal Williams his first touchdown of the season in victory formation, contrary to Allen's instructions. This signals a potential disconnect in the locker room, raising questions about team unity under the coach. Given the Saints' constraints with their cap situation and Derek Carr under contract, Allen is likely to be the first to face consequences if the team encounters difficulties in 2024.
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