As the 2024 NFL season hits Week 10, the pressure is mounting for several head coaches who are on the brink of losing their jobs. With the recent firing of New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen, it’s clear that teams aren’t hesitating to make changes when things go wrong. The big question now is: Who’s next?
Here’s a ranking of the most likely head coaches to be shown the door as we move forward into the second half of the season.
4. Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys
Mike McCarthy finds himself on the hot seat, though not entirely due to his own fault. While McCarthy is a Super Bowl-winning coach, he has struggled with a roster that has glaring weaknesses, especially at running back and in the trenches. Now, with Dak Prescott sidelined for an extended period due to a serious hamstring injury, the Cowboys are poised to face even more struggles.
McCarthy could be given the rest of the 2024 season, but Jerry Jones has shown in the past that he’s not afraid to make an in-season change. If McCarthy fails to guide the team through their current crisis, the Cowboys may look elsewhere for a new direction.
3. Brian Daboll, New York Giants
It’s not Brian Daboll’s fault that the New York Giants are struggling this season, but unfortunately, head coaches are often the first to take the fall. The Giants’ poor performance can largely be attributed to General Manager Joe Schoen’s failures, especially at quarterback. Daniel Jones has been disappointing, and Daboll’s hands have been tied with the current roster.
While Daboll is a good coach, the Giants may decide it’s time for a reset. If they do, it could be a move towards a new head coach and a fresh start at quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars were expected to take a step forward in 2024, but instead, they’ve been playing sloppy football and have failed to live up to expectations. Doug Pederson’s coaching doesn’t seem to be getting the most out of his roster, especially as they continue to lose games.
With the Jaguars likely heading into a rebuild in 2025, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pederson and General Manager Trent Baalke shown the door. A new offensive-minded head coach could be just what the Jaguars need to revitalize their future around quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
1. Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have already made several changes this season, including firing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, but they may not be done yet. Antonio Pierce, currently at the helm, has struggled to show any signs of competence as a head coach. The Raiders are sitting at 2-7, and their season has been a predictable disaster.
If the Raiders don’t turn things around under Pierce in the coming weeks, it’s hard to see him lasting into 2025. Another head coaching change could be on the horizon for the Raiders, marking their third in as many years.
Conclusion
As we near the halfway point of the 2024 season, several NFL head coaches are feeling the heat. While some may still have time to turn things around, others could be on the verge of losing their jobs. With so much at stake, the next few weeks will be critical in determining who stays and who goes. Keep an eye on these hot-seat coaches as we head into Week 10.
