As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, nine teams will begin the year with new head coaches, including the Jets, Cowboys, Patriots, Jaguars, Raiders, Bears, and Saints. Their performances will be closely monitored, but attention will also be focused on several veteran coaches who have already proven their worth yet now face growing scrutiny as they fight to keep their jobs.
The season is just one day away, and with it comes intense pressure on a handful of coaches whose futures may depend on how their teams perform. These five head coaches, in particular, must show significant improvement to secure their positions and restore faith in their leadership.
Brian Callahan with the Tennessee Titans
Callahan enters only his second year as Titans head coach, but this could already be a make-or-break season. Known for his old-school coaching style, Callahan is not considered a great motivator, which could hinder his relationship with players.
Adding to the challenge, Tennessee begins its first season under new general manager Mike Borgonzi, who had no role in hiring Callahan. That dynamic could affect the coach’s job security if the team underperforms.
The Titans are also banking on rookie quarterback Cam Ward. If Ward’s confidence and skill fail to translate on the field, both he and Callahan could face significant consequences, potentially leading to benchings or even firings.
Raheem Morris with the Atlanta Falcons
Morris is entering his second season determined to deliver better results. This year, he will have rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. starting from Week 1, with veteran Kirk Cousins as a backup after being benched late in the 2024 season.
Atlanta has not posted a winning record since 2017, leaving fans and ownership restless. General manager Terry Fontenot, who hired Morris, expects a breakthrough. The message is clear: the time to win is now, and patience is wearing thin.
Brian Daboll with the New York Giants
In 2022, Daboll was celebrated as the NFL’s Coach of the Year. Since then, the success has evaporated, and only memories remain. His gamble on Daniel Jones has faltered, leaving the franchise mired in defeat.
Daboll’s seat is growing increasingly hot. If the Giants do not start winning immediately, his tenure may come to an abrupt end. This season, Russell Wilson will start at quarterback, with rookie Jaxson Dart ready to step in if needed.
Shane Steichen with the Indianapolis Colts
Steichen has struggled to develop quarterback Anthony Richardson, once seen as the future of the franchise. Instead, Jones has been named the Week 1 starter, signaling a lack of confidence in Richardson’s progress.
Though Steichen’s overall record stands at a respectable 17-17, the Colts have not won a playoff game in seven years, dating back to Andrew Luck’s tenure. This season is crucial for proving that Steichen can guide the team to greater heights.
Mike McDaniel with the Miami Dolphins
McDaniel’s innovative ideas and energy initially sparked hope in Miami. However, two consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance have raised doubts. The Dolphins are now perceived as a team lacking toughness and consistency.
In a recent statement, team ownership addressed expectations:
(C)ontinuity in leadership is not to be confused with an acceptance that status quo is good enough. We will take a hard look at where we have fallen short and make the necessary changes to deliver our ultimate goal of building and sustaining a winning team that competes for championships.
As the season begins on Thursday, September 4, the spotlight will be on these coaches, with every game potentially determining their futures.
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