Five coaches on the hot seat in 2023
We’ve already seen a flurry of coaching changes this year, with experienced HC’s returning and rising stars all getting chances to lead an NFL franchise.
With the stakes so high in this league, teams can’t afford to wait and give their leaders much time to change the fortunes of their sides. So here are five coaches who could find themselves on the hot seat if results don’t go their way in 2023.
Honourable mentions: Brandon Staley, LA Charges; Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints.
1. Robert Saleh, New York Jets
After having to endure two seasons of Zach Wilson as their quarterback the Jets made the splash of trading for one of the all-time great players, Aaron Rodgers.
This has raised already high expectations for the franchise which so far Saleh has underdelivered on.
As part of the pitch to lure Rodgers to the Jets, they sacked Mike LaFleur and appointed Nathaniel Hackett as the team’s offensive co-ordinator meaning Saleh’s replacement may already be in the building.
2. Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders
Since taking over in Washington, Rivera has done a good job at building out most of the roster at every position except the most important – quarterback. He has managed to deliver respectful records with one of the most distracting off field/ownership issues of any coach in the league.
However, with new ownership within sight off the pitch and faith being placed in 2022 5th Round Pick Sam Howell and journeyman veteran Jacoby Brissett on the pitch, it doesn’t hold much hope for Rivera to continue after the upcoming season.
3. Arthur Smith, Atlanta Falcons
In the two years Smith has been in Atlanta, the Falcons have done a good job at building their offence with generational talents Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, supplemented by promising receiver Drake London but like Washington they are reliant on a late round quarterback and/or above average backup quarterback to lead them.
Entering year three is usually when owners want to start seeing the results of their investment and as they are competing worst division of the weaker conference there will be pressure to take advantage and make the playoffs.
4. Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys
Like two of the names above, McCarthy will be operating with a new offensive co-ordinator after the departure of Kellen Moore. Having added receiver Brandin Cooks in a trade and Tight End Luke Schoonmaker in the draft they have gained more weapons to be used in the passing game, but this only further reduces the room for error for McCarthy.
Dan Quinn, the team’s defensive co-ordinator, turned down numerous head coaching interviews this offseason leading numerous talking heads to speculate he was staying in Dallas to take the reigns from McCarthy if the Offence falters this year.
5. Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
Probably the most controversial name on this list there have been various reports coming out of Foxborough this offseason of rising tensions between Belichick and owner Robert Kraft with reports of Kraft even intervening with the building of the offensive staff following the Matt Patricia / Joe Judge debacle last season.
It’s starting to feel like the end of the Belichick run in New England and he will need to recapture some of the magic of the Tom Brady era if they to compete in their division this season.
