Which NFL coaches are on the hot seat?
Every year, we typically see five to seven coaching changes in the NFL. We’ve already had one this season, with Jon Gruden’s resignation, and seeing as how the Las Vegas Raiders have lost five of their past six games, it appears unlikely that interim coach Rich Bisaccia will keep the top job.
What other teams will have coaching openings? While I don’t think any more in-season firings are likely, there are several coaches who might not last beyond this season. Let’s take a look at the coaches on the hot seat:
URBAN MEYER, JAGUARS
Jacksonville ownership keeps saying there will be no change, but can Meyer really stay beyond this year? The team is a mess, and it appears things will only get worse.
Last week, NFL Network reported Meyer called his assistant coaches losers. Jaguars players reportedly complained about Meyer’s coaching tactics to Los Angeles Rams players after a recent loss. Meyer denied that there were any issues with the Jaguars’ culture following Sunday’s shutout loss to the Tennessee Titans, but then he threatened to fire anyone who was leaking information to the media.
Perhaps most concerning is that top pick Trevor Lawrence, who had been considered a can’t-miss quarterback prospect before the draft, seems to get worse every week.
In a way, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. College coaches without NFL experience aren’t used to leading grown men, as opposed to teenagers — nor are they used to not being able to control every aspect of their programs as they do in college. But with Meyer, the issues appear worse than anyone might have expected.
What saves him, to a degree, is that he reportedly has a huge contract, meaning it could be an expensive proposition for owner Shad Khan to move on after one season. But look at the problems ahead if he stays. What assistants will want to coach for him if the team parts ways with much of this year’s staff? What players will want to sign with the Jaguars in free agency? How can they address their lagging ticket sales if they don’t start winning? Something has to give.
MATT NAGY, BEARS
This one is almost a certainty. Chicago is 4-9 and getting worse. Even though Nagy was hired for his offensive mind and playcalling ability, the Bears are tied for 27th in points per game at 17.8. In yards per game, they rank second worst. Former quarterback Mitchell Trubisky struggled under
Nagy, and this year, veteran Andy Dalton and rookie first-rounder Justin Fields have produced poor results.
Chicago’s fans clearly want a coaching change. The Bears have no choice but to give them one.
JOE JUDGE, GIANTS
There could be lots of change coming for New York. General Manager Dave Gettleman is clearly on the hot seat and is likely to be out at the end of the season. A change at quarterback is also likely, with the Giants moving on from Daniel Jones.
Those moves could affect Judge, whose team has underachieved this season en route to a 4-9 start. Judge fired offensive coordinator Jason Garrett last month, but the offense is still bad. The Giants are averaging 17.8 points, and the defense isn’t any better, ranking 26th in yards allowed.
Judge is 10-19 in his two seasons. Giants owner John Mara may give him a third, but there is no guarantee.
MIKE ZIMMER, VIKINGS
Minnesota’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday helped Zimmer, and at 6-7, this team still has a chance to sneak into the playoffs. The Vikings have two tough remaining games against the Rams and Green Bay Packers, along with a pair of games against the struggling Bears.
But Zimmer has been on the hot seat all season. He is known as a good, aggressive defensive coach, but the Vikings’ defense has been a major disappointment. It ranks 25th in points allowed and 29th in yards allowed.
In his eight seasons with Minnesota, Zimmer has just two playoff wins. If the Vikings finish with a losing record and miss the postseason, that could end his tenure.