NFL Coaches on the hot seat AND when they will get fired
Being an NFL head coach is one of the hardest jobs in sports, and the leash is usually short. A lot of coaches are currently on the hot seat to perform well, and many could be fired. Let’s look at five coaches on the hot seat and predict their fate in 2023…
Brandon Staley, Chargers: Blowing a 27-point lead in a playoff game is only the start of Brandon Staley’s problems. The former Rams DC has struggled to make late-game decisions, whether that be handling timeouts, penalties, or managing the clock. If Staley looks clueless in late-game situations this year, it will be a very bad look for him and put his job in jeopardy. Also, many believe Staley being a defensive coach is holding Justin Herbert, but that argument could go either way. Even though all these problems do exist, the Spanos have a reputation for being patient with coaches. This factor makes me believe that Staley is unlikely to get fired this season, but the offseason could be the right time.
LIKELIHOOD OF FIRING: 30%
Josh McDaniels, Raiders: How much longer till people realize that McDaniels is a good OC who benefited from having the GOAT? He is an awful HC, and the experiment will end very soon in Vegas. Not making the playoffs with Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and an underrated and overhated Derek Carr should’ve been the nail in the coffin for McDaniels, but it wasn’t. When the Raiders are 1-7 heading into November, the day will finally come.
LIKELIHOOD OF FIRING: 99%, after Week 8
Todd Bowles, Bucs: Bowles disappointed last year with a Bucs team that had Super Bowl aspirations in August. Heading into 2023, the Bucs are many people’s pick to get the number one overall pick, and they’re absolutely right. The QB battle between Mayfield and Trask is must not watch TV, and the team is much worse than their 2020 SB Champions team. With Bowles having a poor coaching career overall, Tampa won’t want him to coach Caleb Williams in the future.
LIKELIHOOD OF FIRING: 95%, fired sometime in November
Kevin Stefanski, Browns: Stefanski got a pass last season due to the fact the team didn’t have their starting QB for most of the season. Heading into 2023, it is all set up for the Browns to bounce back and compete for the AFC North. Deshaun Watson looks great in camp, Nick Chubb is a dawg, and the receiving core looks great too. The defense looks great as well, with the addition of Za’Darius Smith and many others. If Cleveland falls short once again in 2023, the fans and ownership will once again be displeased with the team and head coach. While he is on the hot seat, Stefanski has had to deal with a lot over the past two years, with the Baker Mayfield situation and Deshaun Watson drama. Him being fired is in the cards, but unlikely in my opinion.
LIKELIHOOD OF FIRING: 30%
Mike Mccarthy, Cowboys: If Dallas doesn’t make it to the NFC Championship Game this year, Mccarthy is 100% out. Many wanted him gone after the team’s 2022 WC loss to the 49ers, and even more wanted him out after last year’s loss. Jerry Jones has decided to stay patient and give Mccarthy another chance. While Jones still has confidence in him, much of the fanbase doesn’t, and that could change if he could lead Dallas deep in the playoffs this year. If he can’t, it may be time to move on from the former Super Bowl-winning coach. Right now, I believe Dallas is the third-best team in the NFC, so a deep playoff run is possible.
LIKELIHOOD OF FIRING:
During the season: 5%
In the offseason: 50%
