Buckle up, folks! As we plunge into the electrifying world of the NFL season, we find ourselves at the quarter-pole, with contenders emerging from the shadows and pretenders fading into obscurity. While it’s still early, the 2023 NFL hierarchy is slowly coming into view, and the pressure is mounting.
Down in the trenches, some teams are facing a pivotal crossroads. The burning question: stick to the playbook or roll the dice with new leadership? In recent years, at least one NFL coach has felt the heat in-season, and this year is no different. Three coaches, in particular, find themselves on a sizzling hot seat as we dive into the action.
1. Matt Eberflus, Bears
It’s make or break for Eberflus, with the Bears sporting a disheartening 0-4 record under his guidance. The 3-18 record over 21 games paints a bleak picture, and their 2023 season is careening off the rails. Trouble started brewing before Week 3 when defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned. Then, quarterback Justin Fields publicly criticized the coaching staff. Fast forward to Week 4, wide receiver Chase Claypool joined the chorus of discontent. With on-field struggles and off-field drama, Eberflus is teetering on the edge. The question isn’t “if” but “when” he’ll get the axe if the Bears can’t engineer a miraculous turnaround.
2. Josh McDaniels, Raiders
The Raiders’ decision to bring in McDaniels has yet to pay off, as they stumble with a 7-14 record under his tutelage. Despite revamping the roster and bringing in Jimmy Garoppolo, McDaniels faces criticism for regression. His questionable decision-making, like opting for a late-game field goal when trailing by eight points, raises eyebrows. McDaniels’ brilliance as an offensive coordinator hasn’t translated into head coaching success, making 2023 a critical season. Keep an eye on the Week 13 bye; it could be a turning point if the Raiders don’t find their groove.
3. Brandon Staley, Chargers
Despite a 2-2 record heading into the bye week, Staley is far from safe. In his third season with the Chargers, his tenure has been marked by falling short of expectations and infamous timeout blunders. Staley’s aggressive play-calling is a double-edged sword, with as many setbacks as triumphs. If the Chargers miss the playoffs and fail to meet lofty expectations, Staley might find himself out of a job late in the season. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could be waiting in the wings for a shot at the head coaching role.
But that’s not all, folks! There are other coaches with seats warming up and a few with ice-cold cushions. Let’s take a closer look:
A Little Bit Warm:
- Dennis Allen, Saints – Despite a 2-2 start, Allen’s offense has been lackluster, and the pressure is on to turn things around.
- Robert Saleh, Jets – Struggles and a rookie quarterback’s development could spell trouble for Saleh if the Jets continue to underperform.
- Arthur Smith, Falcons – Ridder’s struggles and offensive woes might force the Falcons to consider a new coach and quarterback combo.
- Kevin Stefanski, Browns – The Browns’ offense now relies on Deshaun Watson, and Stefanski’s job could be on the line if Watson can’t deliver.
Cooling Off:
- Brian Daboll, Giants – The Giants’ offense has been a disappointment, but it’s too early to give up on Daboll entirely.
- Ron Rivera, Commanders – A strong start eases the heat on Rivera, but new ownership may have different plans.
- Mike Tomlin, Steelers – Despite a history of success, offensive struggles continue to raise questions about Tomlin’s future.
- Bill Belichick, Patriots – Belichick’s legacy is secure, but until he leads the Cowboys on a deep playoff run, questions will linger.
First-Year Coaches with Issues:
- Sean Payton, Broncos – Defensive struggles have tarnished Payton’s debut, and improvement is needed.
- Frank Reich, Panthers – An 0-4 start and quarterback issues have put pressure on Reich, who must navigate a challenging situation.
- Mike McCarthy, Cowboys – McCarthy’s job security always hinges on playoff success, but a strong start in 2023 is buying him some time.
- Todd Bowles, Buccaneers – Bowles deserves credit for a strong start, and as long as Baker Mayfield delivers, he’s in a good position.
So, as we dive deeper into the NFL season, keep an eye on these coaching hot seats, because in the unpredictable world of football, anything can happen. The drama, excitement, and suspense are all part of what makes the NFL a must-watch spectacle!
