NFL Coaching Turmoil: 10 Jobs in Jeopardy After Week 6

Key points

• Todd Bowles (Buccaneers) is ranked #1 on the hot seat list by CBS Sports, despite a recent win, due to a 1-4 record and a history of losing 12 of 15 games.
• Dan Quinn (Commanders) is #2, with a 1-3-1 record and a recent overtime loss, putting him at 6-15-1 since 2025.
• Jim Harbaugh (Chargers) is #3, with a 0-5 record and no playoff wins in two seasons, despite Justin Herbert's presence.
• Nick Sirianni (Eagles) is #4, facing criticism for a late-game kicking decision in London and a 2-3 record, with internal locker room tensions reported by NDTV.
• Kellen Moore (Saints) is #5, with owner Gayle Benson publicly expressing disappointment over a 1-4 start and demanding better performance.
• Shane Steichen (Colts) is #6, with a 27-29 record in Indianapolis and no playoff seasons, despite a 4-2 start in 2025.

Background

The Cowboys' recent 24-16 loss to the Buccaneers on Thursday highlighted defensive inconsistencies and placed Schottenheimer under intense scrutiny, as noted in our October 9 archive. The Eagles' 2-2 start and offensive collapse after a 24-20 loss to the Rams in Week 4, with injuries to Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith, intensified scrutiny of Sirianni, as detailed in our October 5 archive. These recent developments have compounded the existing pressures on these coaches, leading to the current hot seat rankings.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports provides a comprehensive ranking of 10 coaches, emphasizing recent performance and owner reactions. NDTV Sports takes a more critical stance, particularly on Aaron Glenn, stating he is 'done' and that the Jets' 3-14 record is a 'graveyard,' while CBS Sports suggests Glenn has more time due to owner patience. NDTV also highlights internal locker room tensions for Sirianni, which CBS Sports does not mention. Cowboys Wire provides a 'chair temperature' ranking, with Glenn at 150°F and Schottenheimer at 135°F, aligning with CBS Sports' emphasis on their struggles but differing in the specific rankings. The sources agree on the general trend of coaching instability but differ on the severity and specific coaches most at risk.

Why it matters

The job security of NFL head coaches is a critical factor in team performance and long-term success. The current hot seat rankings indicate a volatile environment where owners and media are closely scrutinizing coaching decisions and team performance. The potential for coaching changes could impact team dynamics, player morale, and future draft strategies. The disagreements among sources on the severity of the crisis highlight the complexity of evaluating coaching performance and the importance of considering multiple factors, including owner patience and internal team dynamics.

What to watch

The next few weeks will be crucial for these coaches, with key games against divisional rivals and potential playoff implications. The Cowboys' consecutive prime-time road games against the Packers and Eagles will be pivotal for Schottenheimer's job security. The Eagles' upcoming games against the Panthers and divisional foes will test Sirianni's ability to turn the team around. The Buccaneers' winnable game against the Steelers will be a critical test for Bowles. Owners and media will closely monitor these games and any further signs of internal team tensions or performance issues.