Coaching Shakeup Ahead? NFL Power Rankings and Hot Seat Watch Entering Week 10

As Week 10 approaches, several NFL head coaches find themselves in precarious positions. With the season’s midpoint upon us, some coaches could soon be facing the consequences of disappointing performances. Here’s a look at the most likely candidates for an in-season firing as we move deeper into the 2024 NFL campaign.

4. Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys

Mike McCarthy, the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach, has been on shaky ground for a while. While his Super Bowl-winning pedigree suggests he has the chops, the 2024 season has been anything but smooth. The Cowboys roster, especially on the offensive line and at running back, was questionable at best entering the season. Now, with quarterback Dak Prescott sidelined due to a hamstring injury, McCarthy could be facing even more challenges.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is known for his high expectations, and McCarthy might not be given a pass, even with a roster lacking key pieces. If the Cowboys’ poor performance continues, Jones could opt to make a move during the season to spark change, even if McCarthy doesn’t fully deserve the blame.

3. Brian Daboll, New York Giants

Brian Daboll’s situation with the New York Giants is a tragic one. The Giants have struggled due to bad management decisions, particularly from General Manager Joe Schoen. Daboll inherited a team with quarterback Daniel Jones—who many believe isn’t even a starting-caliber QB—and an underwhelming roster. Despite Daboll’s coaching skills, the team’s struggles are less a reflection of his abilities and more a product of poor roster construction.

Given the Giants’ dire situation, management might turn to a new head coach to start fresh. If a change does happen, it could provide an opportunity to reset at quarterback and build for the future. While Daboll deserves another chance, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Giants opted for a coaching change to match a potential QB shift in the 2025 season.

2. Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars

Doug Pederson, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach, has seen his team underperform in 2024. After promising signs in previous years, the Jaguars have reverted to sloppy football and costly losses. The disappointing season has raised questions about Pederson’s ability to lead the team to greatness, especially when paired with an underperforming offense.

With the Jaguars possibly heading into a rebuilding phase, there could be a complete overhaul of the coaching staff. The franchise might decide to bring in a fresh offensive-minded head coach to align with the expectations for quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s development. If Pederson can’t turn things around in the coming weeks, a change might be inevitable for both him and General Manager Trent Baalke.

1. Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders

Antonio Pierce, the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is at the top of the hot seat list. The Raiders have been a disaster in 2024, with a 2-7 record and little to show for their efforts. Pierce has failed to inspire any improvement, and the team looks like it’s going nowhere fast. Given the Raiders’ recent history of coaching changes, Pierce may not last much longer if he can’t show some semblance of competence.

The Raiders have already made several changes to their coaching staff this season, including firing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. The franchise could soon part ways with Pierce, marking yet another short-lived coaching tenure. If the team continues its struggles, Pierce may be shown the door well before the end of the season, setting the stage for another fresh start in 2025.

As we enter Week 10 of the NFL season, several head coaches are facing intense scrutiny. While some have been dealt tough hands, others have simply failed to meet expectations. The next few weeks could bring significant coaching shakeups across the league, as teams look to find solutions for their underperforming squads.