As we enter the final weeks of the NFL season, the league’s coaching landscape is under intense scrutiny. While several teams have already made changes, with head coaches like Dennis Allen (New Orleans Saints), Robert Saleh (New York Jets), and Matt Eberflus (Chicago Bears) fired midseason, the list of potential coaching vacancies continues to grow. The 2025 offseason is expected to be a critical time for many franchises, and several coaches—besides the interim ones currently filling in—are reportedly on the hot seat. Here’s a look at the key head coaching situations to keep an eye on as the season winds down.
1. Doug Pederson (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Doug Pederson’s tenure in Jacksonville started with promise. Paired with Trevor Lawrence, Pederson helped guide the Jaguars to a remarkable playoff run, highlighted by a historic comeback victory over the Chargers. However, the past two seasons have been a far cry from that early success. After a strong start last year, the team faltered, and the 2024 season has been even worse. Despite some hope earlier in the season that Pederson could salvage the year, the team’s struggles have led to speculation that Jacksonville could part ways with him. The lack of an interim option within the coaching staff suggests the Jaguars are likely preparing for a fresh start, with a change at the helm all but inevitable.
2. Antonio Pierce (Las Vegas Raiders)
Antonio Pierce, who took over as the Raiders’ head coach midseason, has seen some success with a couple of victories, but it’s not expected to be enough to earn him a full-time position. While players like Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and Maxx Crosby initially rallied around Pierce, the team’s performance has been inconsistent, and several high-profile players are either injured or have left the team. Moreover, with Tom Brady now involved as a minority owner, it’s believed that his influence will be key in deciding whether the Raiders stick with Pierce or pursue a more experienced head coach. While Pierce may have the support of the locker room, the lack of progress in critical areas and potential ownership influence could lead to a coaching change in Las Vegas.
3. Mike McCarthy (Dallas Cowboys)
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has been under the microscope throughout the 2024 season. After a rocky start, the Cowboys have rallied, but McCarthy’s future with the team is uncertain. A key factor in this decision is his contract status; McCarthy is in the final year of his deal, and the entire coaching staff is also up for renewal. If McCarthy had more years left on his contract, the team might be more inclined to retain him, but the fact that the front office has flexibility could push them to explore other coaching candidates. The decision will also hinge on the direction Jerry Jones wants to take with the franchise. A fresh coaching hire could be in the cards, but don’t rule out the possibility of McCarthy being brought back if the team continues to perform well.
4. Brian Daboll (New York Giants)
The New York Giants have struggled since their surprising success in 2023, and head coach Brian Daboll could find himself on the hot seat. While owner John Mara was initially committed to stability after a series of failed coaching hires, Daboll’s squad has regressed significantly this season. Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen will likely be evaluated separately, and there’s even a chance that one might stay while the other goes. While there has been public support for Daboll and Schoen in the past, the lack of improvement, particularly after the decision to bench Daniel Jones, may force Mara to make another tough decision. Whether it’s Daboll, Schoen, or both, change could be on the horizon for the Giants.
5. Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts)
Shane Steichen’s first season as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts has been a mixed bag, though most believe he is safe for another year. Despite a disappointing loss to the Giants recently, Steichen’s body of work in his first two seasons has shown promise, especially considering the transition period with a rookie quarterback. However, Colts owner Jim Irsay has shown a tendency to make unexpected decisions, so Steichen’s future is not guaranteed just yet. Still, it would be a surprise if Irsay opts for a change in the near future, especially given the team’s long-term rebuilding plans.
6. Gerard Mayo (New England Patriots)
The Patriots have been in turmoil since Bill Belichick’s reign, and current head coach Gerard Mayo has been a candidate to replace him. However, Mayo’s performance this season has been underwhelming, with some missteps in terms of public communication and in-game management. Despite the roster being a work in progress, ownership has been less than thrilled with some of Mayo’s choices, including his handling of internal team dynamics. While Robert Kraft may opt to give Mayo more time to develop, there’s also the lingering possibility that the Patriots could turn to a more experienced coach, with former assistant Matt Patricia still out there and looking for a job.
7. Zach Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals)
Zach Taylor’s position as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the safest on this list. The Bengals’ disappointing start to the season hasn’t been enough to threaten his job security, as Taylor has strong backing from key players like Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengals’ ownership is known for its long-term loyalty to coaches, as evidenced by their 15-year run with Marvin Lewis. While Cincinnati’s playoff hopes may hang in the balance, a coaching change is seen as highly unlikely, as Taylor has built significant trust with the roster and has been instrumental in the franchise’s recent success.
What’s Next for the NFL’s Coaching Landscape?
As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, expect a flurry of coaching changes, with several teams already looking ahead to new leadership. While some coaches have already been fired, there are plenty of other head coaches facing uncertainty, including Doug Pederson, Antonio Pierce, and Mike McCarthy. The Giants, Colts, and Patriots are also organizations worth watching closely. Ultimately, the direction these teams take will depend on how the remainder of the season unfolds and the extent to which ownership is willing to embrace change. However, one thing is clear: a significant reshuffling of NFL coaching staffs is on the horizon.
