Ten NFL teams made coaching changes for the 2026 season, representing about one-third of the league. Dan Quinn is among the head coaches most likely to be fired this season, according to recent rankings. Quinn led the Commanders to a 12-5 record during his first season in charge. But after Washington made it to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, the team fell back to a 5-12 record. The team's performance took a sharp downturn with injuries to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Quinn’s defense also started to show more weaknesses in the second half of the season. The Commanders will need to improve if they want to return to a winning record with Daniels fully healthy and the offense adjusted. The defense must also produce more with players like Odafe Oweh leading the pass rush and Sonny Styles stepping up as a playmaking linebacker.
Aaron Glenn is another coach under pressure, this time with the Jets, according to Yahoo Sports. Glenn was given a reprieve after a 3-14 season, but the team made several new hires, according to a report from The Sporting News. He replaced Tanner Engstrand as offensive coordinator with Frank Reich. Steve Wilks was replaced by Brian Duker as defensive coordinator. The Jets also brought back Geno Smith as their starting quarterback. The team’s record dropped two games in 2025, which puts more pressure on Glenn. Glenn must show better results from the new offense with Geno Smith supported by Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and other recent picks. The defense under Duker also needs to show improvement in its overall performance. A win against Tennessee in the opening game could help set a positive tone for the season.
Todd Bowles is another coach facing scrutiny, this time with the Buccaneers. Bowles is in his fifth season as the successor to Super Bowl-winning coach Bruce Arians. His overall record is 35-33, and the team finished 8-9 last season. Bowles was known for his strong defense during Arians’ time, but that unit is now rebuilding. He has also seen multiple offensive coordinators in four seasons, with Zac Robinson being the fourth. Bowles needs to help the Buccaneers return to playoff contention and win their division. The team has the talent to do so, but they must show more consistency.
Shane Steichen is another coach under pressure, this time with the Colts. The Colts went from an 8-2 record to 8-9 after losing their final seven games last season. The team suffered a major blow when Daniel Jones tore his Achilles in his first year with the Colts. The Colts dropped from being surprise AFC contenders to third place in their division. Steichen’s team faces a tough start with games against Baltimore, Kansas City, and Houston in the first three weeks. If the Colts begin September with zero wins, they may fire Steichen during the season.
Zac Taylor is also under pressure with the Bengals. Taylor’s contract runs through the 2027 season after an extension following their loss in Super Bowl 56. If results continue to disappoint, the team might opt for a one-year buyout instead of renewing his contract. Taylor must help the Bengals get back into offensive form with a healthy Joe Burrow. The defense has also been restructured to better support the overall team.
Brian Schottenheimer is another coach on the hot seat, now with the Cowboys. Dallas went 7-9-1 in Schottenheimer’s first season. The team had a strong passing game with Dak Prescott and players like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. They also found a solid running option with Javonte Williams. But the team lacked consistency overall, especially with a shaky defense.