Which coaches are on the hot seat in 2024?
With the 2024 NFL regular season fast approaching and everyone feeling impatient for the action to begin. Let’s not forget that some coaches have got more online than others.
1. Robert Saleh
The Jets HC will be under no illusions that this season has to be successful, there really needs to be a deep playoff run. The Jets hierarchy made it clear about last seasons misfortunes, but also the disappointment of how the team performed overall. They have a loaded roster. Exciting offensive weapons and a defense that will be top 5. With Rodgers returning and hopefully staying healthy and playing well.
The hope is that Aaron Rodgers is the final piece of the puzzle. If the Jets were to fall short or produce some lack lustre performances, then Saleh will quickly find himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. There is little margin for error in New York for Salah.
2. Matt Eburflus
The Bears HC has maybe been fortunate not to lose his job previously after some of the Bears results. He kept his job and along with a new appearance, he welcomes a host of new high calibre talent to Chicago – mainly in the form of Caleb Williams, this year’s number one overall pick.
Williams is expected to have a Stroud like season and the fact the Bears have strengthened massively means that Eburflus needs to make sure they perform well and win games. If Williams finds it tough then Eberflus will catch heat. If the Bears lose a few games or perform underwhelmingly, then he will again quickly feel the heat.
He has a great opportunity to showcase that he is the man to maximise Williams potential, but also to lead the Bears back into being a force in the league. Anything short will likely cost him his job.
3. Mike McCarthy
The Cowboys HC must know that his position is always under the microscope. He has a team owner who is very involved and not shy of giving their opinion and making waves. The Cowboys repeatedly fall short and fail to maximise on talent and potential that each year they bring to the table. There is still big contract decisions to be made, although, I’d be surprised if they were to not eventually fall into place.
The Cowboys this season will need to make the NFC championship game for me not to feel like Jerry Jones will move on from his current HC.
Jones wants to win and wants to win now. The fact that the Cowboys continue to fail in regard to their goal of being Super Bowl champions again makes it clear that McCarthy lifespan as the HC is walking a fine line. Jones won hesitate to make a big call, especially if it’s with the goal of hoisting the Lombardi trophy. McCarthy is obviously a talented HC and he knows what is required to go all the way, but that still might not be enough.
There is a number of others that are certainly in similar positions, but these three are right at the top of my list and unless they start the season fast then they might find that the pressure builds rather quickly.
