Some NFL coaches have perpetual job security: Andy Reid, of the Kansas City Chiefs, for example; or even Mike Tomlin, who just landed a three-year extension from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Others aren’t so fortunate. Due to recent struggles, high ownership expectations or a combination of both, every season tends to put a slew of coaches on the hot seat. So which leading men find themselves on potentially shaky ground in 2024?
Here’s how we’d rank eight coaches who will be most scrutinized:
8. Sean McDermott (Bills)
Year: 8th | Record: 73-41 | Playoffs: 5-6
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Not only does McDermott come from the Andy Reid tree, but his head-coaching resume all but mirrors Reid’s early Philadelphia Eagles career, when year after year of regular-season success — and resilient locker-room culture — was overshadowed only by a failure to reach the big game. In that way, it’s hard to envision Buffalo truly eyeing a change up top. And yet McDermott’s teams have reached just one AFC title game in five seasons with MVP-level Josh Allen as the full-time quarterback. Now overseeing an overhauled roster, the coach’s long-term prospects are cloudier than usual.
Year: 3rd | Record: 17-17 | Playoffs: 1-2
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Bowles can coach a defense as well as anyone, and his group of 2023 underdogs — featuring the scrappy Baker Mayfield under center — nearly advanced to the NFC title game. But his clubs have also gone .500 over two seasons in arguably the weakest division in football, and his situational decision-making has drawn critique. With offensive coordinator Dave Canales gone, it’s fair to wonder if he can elevate a “run-it-back” roster.
6. Nick…
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