As the 2025 NFL season approaches, several head coaches find themselves under intense scrutiny, with predictions of potential firings looming. CBS Sports has highlighted four coaches who are particularly at risk, indicating that their job security hinges on the upcoming season’s success. Among these, the situations of Brian Daboll, Mike McDaniel, Zac Taylor, and Shane Steichen have drawn significant attention.
Brian Daboll of the New York Giants is seen as having the hottest seat in the league. After a disappointing 3-14 season, expectations are high for improvement. The Giants have revamped their quarterback situation, bringing in Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart, but failure to make the playoffs could lead to Daboll’s departure.
New York Giants, NFL, Brian Daboll
Sep 26, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll enters the field prior to the start of the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Julian Guadalupe-NorthJersey.com
Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins also finds himself in a precarious position. Despite showcasing an explosive offense, McDaniel’s team failed to make the playoffs last season, and injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have complicated matters. With increased competition in the AFC East, McDaniel must deliver results to secure his future with the franchise.
Zac Taylor, the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, faces similar pressures. After two consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, there are concerns about his ability to lead the team effectively. Coupled with ongoing contract disputes among key defensive players, the upcoming season could determine Taylor’s fate in Cincinnati.
CBS Sports Predicts Brian Daboll and 3 Other NFL Coaches To Be Fired in 2025
Cincinnati Bengals, Zac Taylor
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor talks with officials during a challenge in the third quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. The Bengals collected their first win at home with a 41-24 victory over the Raiders.
Daboll, McDaniel, Taylor, and Steichen are all going to be on the hot seat in 2025. This is detailed more in an analysis by Tyler Sullivan for CBS Sports.
4. Shane Steichen
Steichen is entering his third season as the Colts head coach and has gone 17-17 over his first two years at the helm. They’ve finished second in the AFC South both years, but have been on the outside looking in on the playoffs in each of those seasons.
3. Zac Taylor
The Bengals head coach is entering his seventh season on the job and is 46-52-1 over his tenure. He’s coming off back-to-back 9-8 seasons, but those have largely been looked at as disappointing campaigns despite being over .500 because of the high-flying offense.
2. Mike McDaniel
McDaniel is entering his fourth season with the Dolphins, and it feels like the organization is at an inflection point. Miami has gone 28-23 over McDaniel’s regular season tenure but just endured its first season under .500 (8-9) and missed the playoffs.
1. Brian Daboll
No coach has a hotter seat entering 2025 than Brian Daboll in New York. In the three years he’s been on the job, the Giants are 18-32-1, and they’re coming off a 3-14 season last year.
Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts rounds out the list of coaches on the hot seat. Despite a balanced record, the Colts have struggled with quarterback stability, and Steichen’s choices will be scrutinized closely. With rising expectations, any missteps could lead to significant changes in the coaching staff.
Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa, Mike McDaniel
Dec 11, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks with head coach Mike McDaniel during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The looming possibility of coaching changes adds an intriguing layer to the 2025 NFL season. For Daboll, McDaniel, Taylor, and Steichen, the pressure to perform is palpable, and the stakes could not be higher. As the season unfolds, how these coaches navigate the challenges ahead will be crucial in determining their job security and the future direction of their respective teams.
Indianapolis Colts, Shane Steichen
Jun 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen walks on the field during training camp at the Farm Bureau Football complex. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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