There have been five NFL Head Coaches that have not finished their first season.
2022 – Nathaniel Hackett – Denver Broncos
2021 – Urban Meyer – Jacksonville Jaguars
2007 – Bobby Petrino – Atlanta Falcons
1978 – Pete McCulley – San Francisco 49ers
1976 – Lou Holtz – New York Jets
2022 – Nathaniel Hackett – Denver Broncos
The Broncos entered the 2022 season with high expectations after landing their preferred head coach and acquiring superstar quarterback Russell Wilson. Things didn’t work out according to plan, as the Broncos have a disappointing 4-11 record. While Wilson is locked into a long-term contract, Hackett was fired after 15 games.
2021 – Urban Meyer – Jacksonville Jaguars
Things quickly became disastrous as Urban Meyer became involved in several controversial situations off the field and apparently lost the respect of his players in the locker room. The Jaguars also played to just a 2-11 record before firing Meyer in his first season.
2027 – Bobby Petrino – Atlanta Falcons
Petrino was hired prior to the start of the 2007 season after a solid run as a coordinator and in college football. The Falcons struggled to set a 3-10 record before Petrino ditched his position.
Petrino shockingly decided to resign as the head coach of the Falcons. He was reportedly receiving interest from college football programs to become their head coach, but he infamously promised owner Arthur Blank he wasn’t going to leave Atlanta. He went back on his word a day later and accepted the head coaching position with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
1978 – Pete McCulley – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were in a transitional period, rebuilding their roster with young players. They appear to be outmatched and severely missing talent, but their lack of preparation and organization is reportedly why McCulley was fired after nine games. He has just a 1-8 record.
1976 – Lou Holtz – New York Jets
Following a rough 3-10 start to the year, Holtz resigned from his position with one game remaining in the regular season. He left his job to return to the college football world, where he was immediately hired as the head coach of the Atkansas Razorbacks.
Santiago Leon is the Founder and CEO of the Sports Cast. He covers almost every sport: NFL, NBA, and world soccer. He’s also founder of sleon productions, which he specializes in technology and serves clients with solutions to make their business grow.