Ranking NFL headcoaches on the hot seat heading into 2026 season

Coaches rarely survive long in the modern NFL when expectations and results stop matching up. Owners are spending heavily on quarterbacks, stadiums, and support staff, and they want visible progress in return, especially after another offseason of splashy moves and big-money extensions. For several teams, 2026 already feels like a checkpoint year in which front offices will decide whether the current voice in charge can deliver a sustained contender.

This ranking ranks head coaches based on their season-opening pressure, considering recent records, playoff performances, roster quality, and ownership patience. Some have stacked regular-season wins without enough January payoff, while others are still trying to prove that early momentum was more than a short-term bump. Injuries, coordinator changes, and quarterback uncertainty all factor into the picture, but excuses rarely outweigh results for very long. Heading into 2026, these are the jobs that will be watched closely from Week 1, as per Fox Sports.

10. Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Schottenheimer has two straight losing seasons in charge of a roster that was built to be a perennial playoff team. Dallas ownership has invested heavily in talent and expects more than mid-table finishes in a winnable NFC. Another year outside the postseason will prompt serious questions about whether this staff can maximise the current core.

9. Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers

Aug 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur runs off the field following a 20-7 win against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

LaFleur owns one of the better regular-season records in the league but only three playoff wins across six years. Green Bay’s standard is measured by deep runs, and recent exits have often come earlier than expected. With a new president already showing a willingness to apply pressure, another year without a serious January push would only fuel talk of change.

8. Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn walks off the field after the loss to Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Quinn reached an NFC title game in his first season, then followed it with a campaign heavily affected by injuries, including to quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington still expects the defense to be more consistent and the offense to stabilise under a new coordinator. If those improvements do not show up, the early credit from that first-year surge will diminish quickly.

7. Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell points to the crowd as he walks off the field against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

O’Connell has a winning overall record and just signed a new deal, but the Vikings have not broken through in the playoffs, and the general manager has already been replaced. Ownership now has the coach firmly in focus as they try to settle the quarterback position with J.J. McCarthy. Missing the postseason again would raise doubts about whether this staff is the right one for the next phase.

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6. Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts

Dec 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen prior to a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Colts opened 2025 at 8-2 before collapsing over the final seven games and extending their playoff drought to five seasons. New controlling owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has publicly stressed urgency, which increases scrutiny on both Steichen and the front office. Sorting out the quarterback picture and producing a full-season performance is essential if he is to avoid a reset.

5. Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals

Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor calls for a timeout against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Taylor’s tenure includes a Super Bowl appearance and multiple playoff wins, but recent seasons have been disrupted by Joe Burrow’s injuries. With significant resources committed to the roster, Cincinnati expects to contend when its quarterback is healthy. If a fit Burrow does not produce a return to the AFC’s upper tier, pressure for a new voice will grow.

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4. Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales talks to quarterbacks Bryce Young and Andy Dalton against the New Orleans Saints Canales believes Bryce Young can still succeed in the NFL | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Canales took Carolina from 4-13 to a playoff berth at 8-9 in 2025, then pushed the Rams in the postseason. That turnaround was important, but ownership has a history of short leashes and will want proof that the late surge is sustainable. Continued development from Bryce Young and a step toward a winning record are key if he is to gain real security.

3. Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles looks up during the second half of an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccanners and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Monday, October 20, 2025 (Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Bowles is a game over .500 across four seasons and has guided Tampa Bay to the playoffs, yet the 2025 team faded badly, losing seven of its last nine and missing out in a weak division. With a capable roster and an experienced quarterback, the expectations are higher than simply hovering around average. Another slide at the business end of the year would strengthen arguments for a different approach.

2. Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on after an NFC Wild Card Round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Sirianni’s résumé includes three division titles, two Super Bowl appearances, and one championship, but recent years have featured late-season declines and early postseason exits. Philadelphia’s ownership and fan base expect regular contention for the conference crown. If the Eagles again fall short in January, debate about whether the current setup has peaked will intensify.

1. Aaron Glenn, New York Jets

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn on the sidelines during the second half Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Glenn’s first season ended at 3-14, and the Jets responded by reshaping much of his staff rather than making a quick change at head coach. That move signals a final opportunity to show progress with a roster that still has major questions at quarterback. If results do not improve significantly, his position projects as the least secure in the league heading into 2026.

Full-time whistle: Jobs to monitor all year

Across these situations, the common link is ownership that believes the window to win is already open. Some of these coaches have strong overall records, while others are still in the early stages of their tenure, but all enter 2026 with limited room for stagnation.

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