RADIO
Read the NFL Power Rankings: Head Coach Hot Seat Index. Which NFL head coaches are on the hot seat heading into the 2025 NFL season
NFL Power Rankings: Head Coach Hot Seat Index
After an exciting free agency and draft, let’s take a look at which NFL coaches are on the hot seat entering the 2025 regular season. In this ranking No. 32 will have the “safest” job while No. 1 is on the hottest seat.
No. 32 - Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
Even though Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs could not pull off the three-peat, he still sits at the top of this ranking. Reid will have this head coaching job until he decides to retire. Since 2018, Reid has won at least 11 games in each campaign. During this stretch, he has won three Super Bowls and made five.
No. 31 - Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles
The reigning Super Bowl champion holds the second spot on this list. After a disappointing 2023 campaign in which the Eagles lost in the Wild Card round, Sirianni and the Eagles bounce back in a big way in 2024. Last season, the Eagles went 14-3 en route to claiming the No. 2 seed in the conference. They would then dominate the Washington Commanders in the NFL Championship and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
No. 30 - Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
Even with several injuries during the 2024 season to top offensive players like Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams were still able to make the playoffs for the second-straight season. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings who won 14 games this season. While they eventually lost to the Super Bowl champions in the next round, McVay continues to lead the Rams to a deep playoff run.
No. 29 - John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
For the second-straight season, John Harbaugh led the Baltimore Ravens to an NFL North title. In 2024, the Ravens won 12 games and boasted one of the best offensive units in the sport, spearheaded by Lamar Jackson and newly-acquired running back Derrick Henry. While their defense took a step back in relation to the previous season, they were a top Super Bowl contender and remain a heavy favorite in the AFC.
No. 28 - Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
John’s brother takes the next spot on this list. After spending time in Michigan, where he won a National Championship, Jim Harbaugh returned to the NFL, where he was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers. During his first season in Los Angeles, Harbaugh brought the Chargers back to the postseason. He won 11 games, which was an impressive improvement compared to the five they won in 2023 under Brandon Staley.
No. 27 - Mike LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
After leading the Packers to a Divisional Round appearance in 2023, the Packers took a slight step back in 2024, but Mike LaFleur is nowhere near the hot seat. In 2024, quarterback Jordan Love dealt with injuries, but LaFleur was still able to lead them to the postseason. They finished with an 11-6 record but ultimately saw their season end in the Wild Card round against the Eagles.
No. 26 - Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
2024 was a disappointing season for the San Francisco 49ers as they missed the postseason for the first time in three seasons. This was also the first time in three seasons in which Kyle Shanahan did not lead them to double-digit victories. However, the 49ers dealt with numerous injuries, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, running back Christian McCaffrey, and defensive end Joey Bosa, which were hard to overcome. Expect Shanahan to bring the 49ers back to the postseason in 2025.
No. 25 - Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
In 2024, the Detroit Lions had one of the best seasons in their franchise history. The Lions posted a near-perfect 15-2 record en route to capturing the first season in the NFC. However, their playoff bid was cut short in the Divisional Round when they were defeated by the Washington Commanders. Despite the disappointing postseason, Dan Campbell has turned this franchise around and has a very safe seat as head coach.
No. 24 - Kevin O'Connell, Miami Vikings
Kevin O’Connell had a new quarterback under center in 2024, but it did not prevent the Vikings from winning double-digit games and making the postseason as a wild card. The Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he suffered a season-ending injury in preseason, and they had to turn to Sam Darnold to lead the offense. O’Connell helped Darnold enjoy a career year as he threw for 4,319 yards.
No. 23 - Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
Even though the Buffalo Bills saw their season come to an end at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs once again, Sean McDermott still sits high on this list. Over the past six seasons, McDermott has led the Bills to a double-digit win season and five-straight AFC East division titles. However, if McDermott cannot take the Bills to the next level, he may find himself lower on this ranking come next season.
No. 22 - Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
After a modest debut season in Denver, where he led the Broncos to an 8-9 record, Sean Payton took the team back to the postseason for the first time since their 2015 Super Bowl Championship. Payton led the Broncos to a 10-7 record but saw their season end quickly in the Wild Card round against the Bills. However, Payton was able to develop rookie Bo Nix, and he should be poised to take the next step in his sophomore season.
No. 21 - Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders
Dan Quinn surpassed all expectations during his first season in Washington. After seven straight non-winning seasons, he led the Commanders to a 12-win season and an appearance in the NFC Conference Championship. Even though they eventually lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, Quinn was able to change the franchise’s culture. While Quinn has rarely had extended success as a head coach, given his impressive debut, he sits comfortably on this list.
No. 20 - Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin continues to lead the Steelers to the postseason, but has not found much success in January. In 2024, the Steelers posted their 21st-straight non-losing season, but saw their playoff run cut short in the opening round by the Baltimore Ravens. During the season, Tomlin had to rely on two quarterbacks who are both no longer on their roster. If Tomlin cannot find success in the postseason in 2025, he could find himself on the hot seat.
No. 19 - Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
The next group of coaches is the new hires. Since they will begin their tenures with their clubs this season, they all realistically have the same level of security to begin the 2025 campaign. However, if there were to be one name at the top of this group, it would be Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears. The Bears signed the former Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator to a massive five-year contract worth $65 million. Johnson was responsible for leading one of the top offensive units in the sport over the past two seasons.
No. 18 - Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots
After taking a year off, Mike Vrabel is returning to the NFL and will be the head coach of the New England Patriots. During his first tenure as a head coach in Tennessee, Vrabel found success, holding an overall 54-45 record and two playoff wins. However, during his final season, Vrabel won just six games (the lowest in a single season). He will get a clean slate on a team that has already found its franchise quarterback in Drake Maye.
No. 17 - Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
Similar to Vrabel, Pete Carroll took the 2024 season off after a 14-year tenure in Seattle. During his time in Seattle, Carroll won a Super Bowl and held an overall 137-89-1 record. However, over his final three seasons, Carroll only made the playoffs once and held a modest 25-26 record. Carroll will now have a tough task in rebuilding the Las Vegas Raiders, who just four games last season. While Carroll should have a long leash given his impressive resume, if he cannot spark a rebuild, the Raiders may look to pivot sooner than expected.
No. 16 - Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars
Liam Coen was a driving force in sparking Baker Mayfield’s career resurgence in Tampa Bay and is being rewarded with a head coaching job in Jacksonville. Last season, the Buccaneers’ offense, led by Coen, scored the fourth-most points per game and tallied the third-most average yards per game. The Jaguars inked Coen to a five-year deal, and he will now be tasked with turning Trevor Lawrence’s career around after a disappointing 4-13 2024 season.
No. 15 - Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints
Kellen Moore was the offensive coordinator for the reigning Super Bowl Champions and will now move to his first head coaching gig. In the offseason, the New Orleans Saints signed Moore to a contract worth nearly $20 million per season. In 2024, the Eagles boasted one of the best rushing attacks in NFL history, led by Saquon Barkley, who nearly surpassed Eric Dickerson’s single-season record. However, Moore will have a much tougher task in New Orleans, leading a rebuilding franchise.
No. 14 - Aaron Glenn, New York Jets
Aaron Glenn was the other Detroit Lions coordinator who found a new home during the offseason. Glenn will look to get the New York Jets back on track after a disappointing two years during the Aaron Rodgers era. Glenn wasted little time in the offseason as he signed Justin Fields to be the team’s next franchise quarterback. If Glenn can snap New York’s 14-season playoff drought, he will find himself much higher on this list next season.
No. 13 - Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys
Out of all of the new hires, Brian Schottenheimer has the least amount of job security, primarily due to the expectations he has as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Following the 2024 campaign, Jerry Jones decided to part ways with Mike McCarthy after a five-year tenure. While they did post three 12-win seasons, they only won one playoff game over this period. Schottenheimer will look to bring the Cowboys back to the postseason. However, if he does not succeed in the postseason, expect Jones to give him a very short leash.
No. 12 - Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
After reaching the Super Bowl in the 2021 season and returning to the AFC Championship game in the following season, Zac Taylor and the Bengals have had two disappointing seasons. In 2023 and 2024, the Bengals finished with an identical 9-8 record and fell short of a playoff berth. In 2024, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase lit up the scoresheet, but their defense allowed the seventh-most PPG. If Taylor cannot bring the Bengals back to the postseason in 2025, he will be sitting on a very hot seat.
No. 11 - DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans won 10 games for the second-straight season but fell short in the Divisional Round each year. In 2024, the Texans had one of the worst offensive lines in the sport, which limited their offensive consistency. However, they were still able to win a weak AFC South and were able to win their Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, with a young quarterback under center, the Texans need to take the next step in 2025 to compete with the juggernauts of the conference.
No. 10 - Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even though Todd Bowles has won the NFC South in each of the first three seasons in Tampa Bay, he sits relatively low on this list. While the Buccaneers have been productive in the regular season (and helped Baker Mayfield turn the corner), they have yet to do damage in the postseason under this leadership. In two of these three seasons, they lost in the Wild Card round. In 2024, they were unable to defeat Jayden Daniels and the Commanders on their home field. If Bowles has another quick playoff exit, do not be surprised if the Buccaneers look elsewhere.
No. 9 - Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
Mike Macdonald had a modest head coaching debut in Seattle during the 2024 season. He posted a 10-7 record and fell just short of the postseason. On offense, the Seahawks were near the middle of the pack, scoring 22.1 PPG. On defense, they were slightly above average, allowing 21.6 PPG. However, with DK Metcalf and Geno Smith now on new teams, Macdonald will have to bring Seattle back to the postseason with Sam Darnold under center.
No. 8 - Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
After a strong start to his tenure in Cleveland, Kevin Stefanski had the worst season as a head coach in 2024. The Cleveland Browns won just three games and finished in last place in the AFC North. During the NFL Draft, the Browns had the second overall pick but decided to move down in the draft in exchange for a surplus of picks from the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the Browns will have a strong roster, they do not have a proven option under center. If Stefanski cannot get the offense back on track, the Browns could decide to part ways after the 2025 season.
No. 7 - Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
After leading one of the top offensive units during his first two seasons in Miami, the Miami Dolphins took a significant step back in 2024. This past season, the Dolphins won just eight games (lowest total in McDaniel’s tenure) and scored the 11th fewest PPG in the league. While quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed time during the season, McDaniel will need to redesign the offensive attack to compete in the AFC. If he cannot, expect the Dolphins to find a new head coach for the 2026 season.
No. 6 - Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts
Shane Steichen has had two underwhelming campaigns as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Through two seasons, Steichen has posted a 17-17 record. However, the most glaring concern with Steichen’s leadership is the lack of progression in their franchise quarterback, Anthony Richardson. In the offseason, the Colts signed Daniel Jones to not only provide competition but to potentially spark Richardson in training camp. If Steichen is unable to develop the former fourth overall pick, the Colts could part ways very soon.
No. 5 - Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans
Brian Callahan had a disappointing debut season in Tennessee. In 2024, the Titans won just three games and were able to earn the first overall pick in the draft. On offense, the Titans scored the sixth-fewest PPG and allowed the third-most points on defense. However, Callahan’s success will be measured by Cam Ward’s production. The Titans selected Ward with the first overall pick to lead their franchise. If Callahan can not develop Ward during the early seasons of his professional career, expect the Titans to find an alternative option.
No. 4 - Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers
Dave Canales was in danger of losing his job midseason but was able to enjoy a strong finish. However, given his uninspiring 5-12 record, he sits quite low on this list. Canales and the Panthers won just one contest during their first eight games. However, over their final nine, sophomore quarterback Bryce Young began to show significant growth and was able to win four games over this stretch. If Canales can continue Young’s development, he will be much higher on this list come next season.
No. 3 - Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
While Jonathan Gannon took a significant step forward in his second season as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, they fell short of the postseason again. In 2023, Gannon won just three games during his debut season. However, in 2024, Gannon was able to win eight games and finished third in a tough NFC West. However, given the talent on the roster, Gannon will need to bring the Cardinals back to the postseason to get off the hot seat. Since 2016, the Cardinals have only made the postseason once.
No. 2 - Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons had high expectations leading up to the 2024 season. They drafted their quarterback of the future in Michael Penix Jr. and paired him with a veteran option in Kirk Cousins to “win now.” However, Cousins was never able to find his footing in Atlanta, and the Falcons were unable to qualify for the playoffs. Late in the season, Rhaeem Morris turned to Penix to spark a late-season rally but was unsuccessful. With several elite options on both sides of the ball, Morris must bring them back to the postseason in 2025.
No. 1 - Brian Daboll, New York Giants
Lastly, Brian Daboll of the New York Giants sits at the bottom of this list. Daboll was in consideration to lose his job after a disastrous 2024 season in which the Giants won just three games. Since Daboll’s first season in which he led the Giants to the postseason, he has posted an underwhelming 9-25 record and has never finished within the top-2 in the NFC East. Daboll will need to develop rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to move up this list. If Dart does not perform as a franchise quarterback, the Giants will likely part ways with Daboll.
