The first domino has fallen in the 2025 NFL season. The Tennessee Titans have officially fired head coach Brian Callahan, ending his brief and rocky tenure just six games into the year. Callahan leaves behind a disappointing 4-19 record and a team searching for direction — especially when it comes to developing rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
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But if history has taught us anything, Callahan won’t be the only casualty this season. A handful of NFL coaches are now feeling the pressure as losses pile up, locker rooms fracture, and impatient owners start looking toward the future.
Let’s break down the NFL’s hottest coaching seats — and who might be next to walk the plank.
1. Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins 🐬
Previous Rank: 2nd
The Miami Dolphins’ season has gone off the rails at 1-5, and the supposed offensive guru Mike McDaniel is running out of excuses. His once high-flying offense now ranks 26th in the NFL, and the locker room has become a ticking time bomb.
The tension hit public view when Tua Tagovailoa criticized teammates for showing up late to meetings — and McDaniel fired back the next day for Tua “airing out dirty laundry.” That back-and-forth has turned a struggling team into a complete circus, and owner Stephen Ross isn’t known for his patience.
If McDaniel can’t restore order soon, Miami could be preparing for a coaching reset.
2. Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns 🟤
Previous Rank: 5th
The Cleveland Browns are 1-5, their quarterback carousel continues, and the organization looks directionless yet again. Coach Kevin Stefanski finds himself fighting for his job — and possibly his general manager’s too.
With Dillon Gabriel struggling and Shedeur Sanders still developing, there’s a small window for Stefanski to save his job through player growth. But GM Andrew Berry, who shares a 41-49 record with him, may decide to cut ties to save his own position.
If the Browns keep sliding, a full rebuild could be coming — starting with Stefanski.
3. Brian Daboll, New York Giants 🏙️
Previous Rank: 3rd
It’s been a roller-coaster season for Brian Daboll and the New York Giants. A shocking loss to the winless Saints had ownership fuming — but a gritty upset of the Eagles briefly cooled things off.
Daboll’s future largely depends on how rookie QB Jaxson Dart develops. Dart and running back Cam Skattebo have shown flashes of brilliance, giving fans some hope. But with a brutal schedule ahead, Daboll’s margin for error is thin.
If Dart flourishes, Daboll might survive. If not, the Giants could be shopping for a new coach come January.
4. Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals 🏜️
Previous Rank: 7th
The Arizona Cardinals have dropped four straight, and head coach Jonathan Gannon is under serious scrutiny — not just for losses, but for his sideline meltdown.
A viral video showed Gannon screaming at running back Emari Demercado after a premature goal-line celebration that cost the team a touchdown. The Cardinals fined Gannon $100,000, and he was forced to publicly apologize.
When you’re losing and drawing negative headlines, your leash gets short — fast. If Arizona keeps collapsing, ownership may decide it’s time for a calmer presence on the sidelines.
5. Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals 🐅
Previous Rank: 6th
With Joe Burrow sidelined by a toe injury, the Cincinnati Bengals have gone from playoff hopefuls to winless in four straight. Zac Taylor hasn’t found a way to generate offense with Jake Browning or veteran Joe Flacco, and frustration is growing in Cincinnati.
Historically, the Bengals don’t make rash decisions. But with an aging Flacco and an injured Burrow, Taylor’s inability to adapt could push ownership toward change — especially if the team’s playoff hopes vanish before Thanksgiving.
6. Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers 🐾
Previous Rank: 4th
The Panthers have quietly improved, winning three of their last four, and Bryce Young looks more confident under center. Still, Dave Canales hasn’t completely escaped the hot seat.
His 8-15 record isn’t great, and owner David Tepper has a history of making quick, emotional decisions. Canales may be safe for now, but if the team stumbles or Young regresses, he could climb this list again fast.
7. Aaron Glenn, New York Jets 🛩️
Previous Rank: Not Ranked
Yes, it’s early. But the 0-6 Jets are already in crisis mode — and rookie head coach Aaron Glenn looks overwhelmed. His team is undisciplined, his offense is nonexistent, and his media meltdowns haven’t helped.
After the Jets finished a game with negative 10 passing yards, Glenn snapped at reporters for asking if Justin Fields would remain the starter. It’s New York — the spotlight is brutal.
While Glenn deserves time, the Jets’ history of impatient decisions looms large. If this freefall continues, ownership may hit the panic button before the year’s end.
🏁 The Bottom Line
With one coach already gone and several more on shaky ground, the NFL’s coaching carousel is heating up fast. Whether it’s locker room drama, poor play-calling, or ownership impatience, job security in today’s NFL is fleeting — and a few more losses could mean another round of firings before season’s end.
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