While the NFL typically dominates Sunday afternoons in the fall, Penn State’s decision to fire coach James Franklin was a notable exception. Just fifteen days ago, Franklin’s Nittany Lions were the third-ranked team in college football. But following three consecutive losses, the university opted to pay his roughly $50 million buyout and seek new leadership for its football program.
With UAB also dismissing coach Trent Dilfer on Sunday, the coaching hot seat season has officially begun. The same is true in the NFL, where most teams have now played six games. At this point in the season, it becomes much harder for a coach, player, or executive to dismiss a slow start or a rough patch as a temporary concern.
This week, we examine the NFL’s hot seats. For which embattled coaches or overwhelmed quarterbacks is time running out? What must change for them to salvage their situations? Here’s a look at some of the most tenuous positions around the league.
Mike McDaniel, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
After losing 29-27 to the Chargers and falling to 1-5, it briefly seemed the Dolphins might escape with a win. Trailing after a 17-point third quarter by Los Angeles, Miami fought back. A second touchdown from De’Von Achane cut the deficit before the Dolphins drove for another score with just 52 seconds left, taking a 27-26 lead. All McDaniel needed was one defensive stop to secure a much-needed home victory.
That stop never came. On the second play of the ensuing drive, Justin Herbert evaded a collapsing pocket and found Ladd McConkey on a shallow route. The rookie receiver gained 44 yards, setting up the game-winning field goal for the Chargers.
If the loss was crushing, the postgame fallout was perhaps more damaging. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa publicly criticized the team’s leadership for a lack of clear expectations, adding that some players have been late to or absent from players-only meetings. McDaniel claimed those meetings were outside his purview and that players were accountable to him, but reports suggest otherwise. According to one former player, tardiness at meetings and practices has been an issue throughout McDaniel’s tenure but was overlooked when the team was winning.
This raises questions of leadership and accountability, reminiscent of the Week 18 incident last season when Tyreek Hill refused to re-enter a game against the Jets and later hinted at wanting to leave the team. Hill faced no public punishment for an act that might have ended the career of a less prominent player. With such a precedent, it’s understandable why some players might not feel concerned about being late.
Hill’s time with the team is likely over following a severe knee injury and off-field allegations, but the underlying problems persist. While the Dolphins once overcame defensive or disciplinary issues with a high-powered offense, they have failed to produce a complete performance all season.
Tagovailoa and the passing game were inconsistent against the Chargers, as he threw three interceptions. While one was on a bobbled pass and another on a last-second trick play attempt, his performance under pressure was telling. When pressured, Tagovailoa was 1-of-6 for 10 yards and an interception; in the same situations, Herbert went 7-of-13 for 105 yards, including the game-sealing throw. That was the difference.
McDaniel’s once-innovative offense, which seemed perpetually ahead of the curve, may have grown stale. The run-pass options and quick in-breaking routes that created easy completions for Tagovailoa are no longer as effective. In 2023 and 2024, Tagovailoa had the fastest time to throw in the NFL; this year, his 2.7-second average ranks 11th. The windows are closing faster, forcing him to work harder for diminishing results.
Roster mismanagement, a problem more attributable to general manager Chris Grier, has also taken a toll. The Dolphins traded significant draft capital for players like Bradley Chubb and Jalen Ramsey with little to show for it, while allowing young cornerstones such as Robert Hunt and Christian Wilkins to leave in free agency.
The perception of McDaniel is shifting. He was hired for his offensive expertise to unlock Tagovailoa, and he succeeded. But as the team struggles, his persona is being reframed. With reports of lax discipline and visible empty seats at home games, the clock may be ticking. Since owner Stephen Ross bought the team in 2008, no head coach has lasted four full seasons. The Dolphins now face a two-game road trip against the Browns and Falcons—winnable games that are critical for McDaniel’s job security.
Justin Fields, Quarterback, New York Jets
In a 13-11 loss to the Broncos in London, Justin Fields went 9-of-17 for 45 yards and was sacked nine times, resulting in minus-10 net passing yards. The Jets would have been statistically better off spiking the ball on every pass play. It was the first time since 2010 that a quarterback with at least 20 dropbacks generated negative net passing yards.
The Jets squandered a prime opportunity. Facing a sluggish Broncos team, they were gifted two short fields early on from a fumble and a long kick return but managed only 4 total yards and two field goals from those drives. The defense, which has struggled mightily, held Denver to 13 points and even contributed a safety. Yet Fields and the offense were completely inert. Seven of their 12 possessions failed to gain a first down.
The running game, led by Breece Hall’s gritty 59 yards on 22 carries, was the only functional part of the offense. This was a tough matchup against Denver’s top-tier defense, and star cornerback Pat Surtain II effectively erased Garrett Wilson, who had just one catch for 4 yards. Hall, touted in the offseason as a versatile receiving threat, was not targeted once on 14 routes run.
With his top receiver neutralized, Fields could not find other solutions. Broadcast analyst Kurt Warner repeatedly pointed out that Fields was late on his throws, particularly on out-breaking routes. Whether due to hesitation from Fields or poor play-calling, the offense was paralyzed. On the final drive, he took a sack when receivers were open and failed to throw with anticipation on a game-deciding fourth-and-8, holding the ball until the play was blown up.
Since a strong Week 1 performance against the Steelers, Fields has been ineffective in competitive game situations. His 10.7 QBR in those moments is the worst in the league. Coach Aaron Glenn clearly lacks trust in him, mismanaging two fourth-down situations out of fear of relying on his offense.
The dilemma for the winless Jets is that benching Fields offers little upside. His contract includes $10 million in guarantees for next year, creating a financial incentive to see if he can improve. The backup is 36-year-old Tyrod Taylor, a reliable veteran with a low ceiling. While Taylor might have managed the game well enough to beat the Broncos, swapping a high-variance young quarterback for an aging game manager is a difficult choice. Still, after an 0-6 start, simply being competitive might be appealing enough for the Jets to consider a change.
Joshua Karty, Kicker, Los Angeles Rams
It’s rare for a kicker to be under this much scrutiny, but for a Rams team with championship aspirations in what could be Matthew Stafford’s final season, the kicking game has become a serious concern. The Rams have a formidable defense and elite receivers, but their special teams are not meeting that standard.
Karty, a second-year kicker, has played a key role in each of the team’s losses. He had two field goals blocked in a loss to the Eagles and missed a 53-yarder against the 49ers before a blocked extra point and a short kickoff in overtime handed San Francisco prime field position.
In rainy, windy conditions in Baltimore during a 17-3 win, Karty’s struggles continued. After Stafford failed to connect on two potential touchdown passes, Karty lined up for a 26-yard chip shot, only to push the kick into the right upright. Kickers simply do not miss from that range, and there was no defensive pressure to excuse it.
After the miss, coach Sean McVay appeared to lose faith in his kicking operation. Although Karty later made a 36-yarder, McVay became more aggressive, attempting two fourth downs in scoring range later in the game. His postgame comments were telling; without being prompted, McVay said, “I thought the protection was good, [but] we have to make the kick,” placing the blame squarely on Karty.
The Rams ranked 20th in field goal and extra point performance last season and are last in 2025. While not all of the issues are Karty’s fault, his performance does not inspire confidence. The situation across town may add to the pressure, as the 49ers quickly cut their struggling young kicker, Jake Moody, and signed veteran Eddy Piñeiro, who has since gone 15-of-15 on field goals. The Rams may be forced to consider a similar move.
Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
General manager Howie Roseman’s strategy of drafting Georgia defenders has been remarkably successful, stocking the Eagles’ front seven with elite young talent. The one exception has been cornerback Kelee Ringo. Acquired via a trade-up in the 2023 draft, Ringo saw limited defensive snaps as a rookie and remained a backup to start 2024.
With Darius Slay traded in the offseason, the Eagles have searched for a reliable starter opposite their young stars Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. After a rough preseason, Ringo was benched for veteran Adoree’ Jackson, only to be reinserted into the starting lineup three weeks later. His performance in a 34-17 loss to the Giants, however, put his job in jeopardy once again.
Ringo was repeatedly beaten. He was outjumped for a 34-yard gain on third-and-12, gave up a 26-yard catch on a crossing route, and committed two costly penalties—an illegal contact call that extended a touchdown drive and a 20-yard pass interference penalty that set up another score from the 1-yard line.
Following the pass interference, Ringo was benched for most of the fourth quarter. He later admitted his performance was not up to his standard. The Eagles can either stick with Ringo, return to Jackson (who has also been benched this season), or wait for another option to emerge.
However, given Roseman’s reputation for aggressive trades and the glaring liability at outside cornerback, the most likely solution may come from outside the organization. With the trade deadline approaching, it would be no surprise if the Eagles acquire a veteran, a move that would squeeze Ringo out of a starting role.
John Harbaugh, Head Coach, Baltimore Ravens
Even the best coaches can face the wrath of their fan base. On Sunday, as the Ravens fell behind 17-3 to the Rams en route to a 1-5 record, a loud “Fire Harbaugh” chant echoed through the stadium in Baltimore.
The frustration is not new. It stems from the Lamar Jackson era, where regular-season dominance has translated into just one trip past the divisional round of the playoffs. With the team’s previously high floor collapsing amid a string of injuries, Harbaugh has become the target. As a “CEO” type coach who doesn’t call plays, his performance is often tied to fourth-down decisions, and against the Rams, the Ravens went 2-for-6 on such attempts.
Despite the criticism, Harbaugh remains one of the league’s top coaches. The Ravens’ 1-5 record is a product of bad luck in close games and a devastating run of injuries. This is the same coach who won a Super Bowl with a 10-6 team that had to win on the road throughout the AFC playoffs.
Harbaugh can be slow to adapt, as seen in 2018 when he stuck with a struggling Joe Flacco before an injury forced him to start Jackson, a move that saved the season and redefined the franchise. Now, with Jackson and other key defensive players like Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey set to return after the bye, improvement is expected. The offense was operating at a high level before Jackson’s injury, and the defense looked much better against the Rams.
More importantly, the schedule is about to soften considerably. Baltimore’s next six games are against teams with a combined 9-24 record. A turnaround seems likely. While a continued slide against weaker opponents could change the narrative, Harbaugh’s job should not be in question. As fans chanted for his dismissal, executives around the league were likely hoping one of the NFL’s best coaches might become available.
Chuba Hubbard, Running Back, Carolina Panthers
Chuba Hubbard finds himself on this list through no fault of his own. Sidelined for a second straight game with a calf injury, the running back who signed a four-year, $33 million extension last November is now facing an uncertain future as the team’s starter.
The reason is the meteoric rise of his replacement, Rico Dowdle. One week after rushing for 206 yards against the Dolphins, Dowdle dismantled his former team, the Cowboys, for 183 rushing yards and a team-high 56 receiving yards. He became the first player since 2020 to record consecutive games with 200-plus yards from scrimmage.
What makes Dowdle’s performance even more impressive is that he is doing it behind a decimated offensive line. With the entire right side of the line and the starting center on injured reserve or inactive, Dowdle has thrived by making decisive cuts and maximizing every opportunity. He has also been a reliable receiver, scoring on a 36-yard touchdown catch against Dallas.
Hubbard is expected to return soon, but it is difficult to see how the Panthers can revert to their previous backfield dynamic. Dowdle was already getting around 10 carries a game before his breakout, but he has now earned the lead role, leaving Hubbard’s position in doubt upon his return.
Brian Callahan, Head Coach, Tennessee Titans
Following a 20-10 loss to the Raiders that dropped the Titans to 1-5, Tennessee fired head coach Brian Callahan on Monday. The move came after a season of persistent struggles and a lack of discernible progress on offense.
The final straw appeared to be the team’s response after securing its first win in Week 5. Instead of building momentum, the Titans had what star defender Jeffery Simmons called “one of its worst weeks of practice” and came out flat in Las Vegas, falling behind 17-0.
The offensive line, expected to be a strength after significant investment in the draft and free agency, was a consistent failure. First-round pick JC Latham returned from injury on Sunday only to allow two sacks and six pressures. The unit as a whole has been porous, a major reason for the offense’s struggles.
Callahan had already tried to fix the issues by ceding play-calling duties, but the offense remained stagnant, ranking near the bottom of the league. His game management was also a major issue, marked by a series of questionable decisions throughout the season.
Ultimately, Callahan’s tenure was tied to the development of rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Through six games, Ward’s 25.0 QBR ranked last in the league. The offense failed to create easy opportunities for him, with basic concepts like screen passes consistently failing due to blown assignments. The Titans changed nearly every starter on offense this offseason, yet they remained the worst unit in the NFL. When a team invests so heavily in personnel and sees no improvement, the responsibility ultimately falls on the head coach.
