The NFL coaching carousel never stops spinning, and the 2024 season will be make-or-break for several head coaches across the league. With owners becoming increasingly impatient and the demand for immediate results at an all-time high, these coaches enter the season with their jobs hanging in the balance. In this 2,000+ word in-depth analysis, we examine:
✔ The 5 coaches on the hottest seats entering 2024
✔ Specific win totals needed to keep their jobs
✔ Potential replacements waiting in the wings
✔ How roster construction impacts their survival chances
✔ Historical trends of coach firings in similar situations
✔ Early betting odds on first coach fired
Let’s break down the NFL coaches who will be coaching for their careers this season.
1. Robert Saleh – New York Jets
Seat Temperature: Blazing Hot
Why He’s in Trouble
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18-33 record through three seasons
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Failed to develop Zach Wilson
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High expectations with Aaron Rodgers’ return
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Brutal early schedule (49ers, Titans, Patriots in first 3 weeks)
What Saves Him
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Playoff appearance likely secures extension
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Strong defensive track record
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Rodgers’ public support carries weight
Minimum Requirement: 10 wins and playoff berth
For the latest Jets training camp updates, visit NFL Newsz.
2. Matt Eberflus – Chicago Bears
Seat Temperature: Sizzling
Why He’s in Danger
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10-24 record in two seasons
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Defensive specialist whose defense ranked 23rd in 2023
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Caleb Williams’ development is organizational priority
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New OC Shane Waldron could be coach-in-waiting
Path to Survival
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Show clear progress with Williams
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Top-15 defensive improvement
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Competitive in NFC North games
Minimum Requirement: 7+ wins and offensive growth
3. Dennis Allen – New Orleans Saints
Seat Temperature: Heating Up
Why He’s on Thin Ice
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16-18 record in two seasons
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Failed to win weak NFC South
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Offensive struggles persist despite talent
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Ownership expects playoffs annually
Potential Lifeline
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Weak division gives playoff path
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Derek Carr’s familiarity with system
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Strong defensive foundation
According to the official NFL website, Saints have $42M in dead money hampering roster.
4. Todd Bowles – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seat Temperature: Warm
Concerns Mounting
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Conservative approach frustrates fans
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17-17 record post-Brady
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Baker Mayfield isn’t a long-term answer
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NFC South getting more competitive
Why He Might Survive
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Won division in 2023
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Ownership values stability
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Strong defensive mind
Minimum Requirement: Division title or wild card berth
5. Mike McCarthy – Dallas Cowboys
Seat Temperature: Deceptively Hot
Underlying Pressure
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1-3 playoff record in Dallas
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Jerry Jones’ championship urgency
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Lost key starters in free agency
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No contract extension signed
Saving Grace
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Three straight 12-win seasons
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Dak Prescott’s MVP-level play
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Weak NFC East helps
For coaching hot seat updates, bookmark NFL Newsz.
Historical Coach Firing Trends
Last 5 First Coaches Fired:
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2023: Josh McDaniels (Raiders)
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2022: Matt Rhule (Panthers)
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2021: Urban Meyer (Jaguars)
Key Patterns:
✅ Coaches with franchise QBs get longer leash
✅ Defensive-minded coaches fired quicker than offensive
✅ Most firings happen Weeks 5-10
Potential Replacements Waiting in Wings
| Team | Current Coach | Top Replacement Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Jets | Saleh | Eric Bieniemy, Jim Harbaugh |
| Bears | Eberflus | Shane Waldron, Ben Johnson |
| Saints | Allen | Pete Carmichael, Kellen Moore |
Fantasy Football Implications
Coaching Hot Seat Impact On:
✅ QB development (Williams, Rodgers)
✅ RB usage (more conservative when losing)
✅ Playcalling tendencies (riskier when desperate)
Teams to Monitor:
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Jets (early schedule brutal)
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Bears (rookie QB growing pains)
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Saints (Carr’s last stand?)
Betting Odds: First Coach Fired
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Robert Saleh (+300)
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Matt Eberflus (+400)
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Dennis Allen (+600)
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Todd Bowles (+800)
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Mike McCarthy (+1000)
Why the 2024 Coaching Carousel Matters
These situations will:
✅ Determine futures of franchise QBs
✅ Shape 2025 hiring cycle
✅ Impact playoff races via midseason changes
✅ Affect fantasy production across leagues
Bookmark NFL Newsz for weekly hot seat updates!
Read More: 2024 NFL MVP Race: Top Contenders, Dark Horses & Longshots
Key Takeaways
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Robert Saleh faces most pressure in NFL
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Matt Eberflus must show Caleb Williams’ growth
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Dennis Allen can’t waste weak NFC South again
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Midseason firings could shake up playoff races
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Fantasy values change with coaching switches
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