​NFL training camps are approaching, and as always, a handful of head coaches head into the season with major pressure to prove they belong at the helm. Some figures, like Zac Taylor with the Cincinnati Bengals, Shane Steichen with the Indianapolis Colts, and Todd Bowles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, find themselves in high-stakes situations where delivering results in 2025 is essential to preserving their jobs beyond the upcoming season.
Yet there are other coaches who could also feel the heat if their teams stumble. On average, six to seven coaching changes occur each offseason, and last year saw ten coaches fired in 2025. Surprises are part of the landscape. Here’s a look at additional head coaches who could land on the hot seat, listed in alphabetical order:
Yes, Canales guided the Panthers to the playoffs in 2025, his second season. They finished 8-9, securing a playoff spot in a weaker NFC South. His regular-season record sits at 13-21, which isn’t particularly strong. If Carolina regresses and quarterback Bryce Young doesn’t take a significant step forward, owner David Tepper may decide to pull the plug on the current regime.
Meanwhile, Campbell has earned praise for making the Lions a relevant team and for running a solid program. However, if Detroit, coming off a 9-8 season, misses the playoffs for a second consecutive year and shows signs of regression, he could be under threat. The NFC North is competitive, and time may be running short for the Lions to keep their window open in a tough division.
O’Connell’s position mirrors Campbell’s in some respects. Widely regarded as an excellent coach who captured the NFL Coach of the Year honor in 2024, he could face consequences if the Vikings miss the playoffs again. A repeat of quarterback instability would amplify the pressure, especially since quarterback development was a cornerstone of his hiring. With Nolan Teasley now the Vikings’ general manager, who has no prior ties to O’Connell, the 2026 season looms as a critical proving ground for both coach and organization.
Quinn’s arc has been dramatic. He led the Commanders to a 12-5 record in his first season but slipped to 5-12 last year, a decline partly due to major injuries, including to a young standout quarterback. If Washington experiences a second consecutive rough season, the franchise could pursue changes in a division known for its intensity and aggression.
And then there’s Ryans. There’s no denying his pedigree—two division titles in three years and an unblemished playoff record of 3-3—but this is a list highlighting unexpectedly precarious positions. The only realistic path to a threat to his job would be a collapse of the Texans, perhaps if quarterback C.J. Stroud struggles consistently and the offense underperforms. Houston’s defense is strong, but a stark offensive downturn could force ownership to consider the best available offensive-minded option, a move that would be highly sought after in the coaching market.
In sum, while some coaches have already earned the opportunity to rebuild and refine their teams, other leaders are watching closely as the season unfolds. The balance of power in the league can shift quickly, and surprises—whether through injuries, unexpected player development, or strategic missteps—can reposition even the most stable jobs in a hurry.