As the NFL season reaches its midpoint, the pressure is intensifying for head coaches whose teams have underperformed. Week 10 proved particularly brutal for four coaches, raising serious questions about their future with their respective franchises. Let’s dive into the disastrous performances that have these coaches feeling the heat.
Matt Eberflus and the Bears’ Offensive Woes
The Chicago Bears’ grand plans for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams have quickly unraveled, with the team scoring just three points in a humiliating 19-3 loss to the Patriots. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s play-calling has come under fire as the Bears abandoned the play-action game and failed to establish any rhythm.
Head coach Matt Eberflus, now 14-29 in his tenure, faces a difficult decision. While firing Waldron mid-season may appease frustrated fans, it risks destabilizing the defense, which has been a bright spot. Eberflus must weigh the potential benefits against the chaos a coaching change could bring.
Doug Pederson’s Jaguars Hit Rock Bottom
The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a historic defeat, becoming the first team since 2000 to lose a game in which they allowed zero offensive touchdowns and forced three interceptions. Head coach Doug Pederson watched helplessly as his offense managed just 62 net yards in the final three quarters of a 12-7 loss to the Vikings.
Since nearly clinching the top seed in the AFC last December, the Jaguars have gone 3-13, leaving Pederson’s future in doubt. The once-promising partnership between Pederson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence has fizzled, and the team’s struggles have raised questions about the coach’s ability to right the ship.
Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys Crumble
The Dallas Cowboys hit a new low in their 34-6 thrashing by the Eagles, posting the worst EPA per play of any Mike McCarthy-coached team. While quarterback Cooper Rush’s dismal performance didn’t reveal much, the team’s lack of investment in the running game and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s inability to adapt to modern offenses were laid bare.
McCarthy, who is 45-31 in four-plus seasons with the Cowboys, faces an uncertain future. Team owner Jerry Jones has shown patience in the past, but the Cowboys’ uninspired play and lack of progress may force his hand. A change at defensive coordinator seems likely, but McCarthy’s fate remains unclear.
Brian Daboll and the Giants’ Quarterback Quandary
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll faced a difficult decision in his team’s 20-17 loss to the Panthers. Quarterback Daniel Jones struggled mightily, failing to capitalize on open receivers and throwing two costly interceptions. Yet, Daboll stuck with Jones, even as the offense sputtered.
With the Giants sitting at 2-8 and Jones showing little improvement, the organization must consider whether it’s worth risking a $23 million injury guarantee in his contract for 2025. Daboll, who is 17-26-1 as the Giants’ coach, may prefer to work with a quarterback of his choosing, but the decision ultimately lies with the front office.
As the season progresses, the fates of these four coaches hang in the balance. Will their teams show patience and allow them to navigate these rough waters, or will the pressure prove too much to bear? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these coaches can cool their hot seats or if they’ll be forced to pack their bags.
