A few NFL head coaches are already facing pressure even before the 2022 season begins, finding themselves squarely on the hot seat. Over the past couple of years, coaches like Mike McCarthy and Matt Rhule have fallen short of the team’s expectations, so they will require strong performances this year to save their jobs moving forward.
With just one week until the new campaign kicks off, here are three NFL head coaches on the hot seat that may lose their jobs if they don’t perform up to or above expectations during the 2022 NFL season or later.
5. Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders
2021 record: 7-10, missed playoffs
One head coach who fits the mold of falling short of expectations in his first two years at the helm is Ron Rivera. There is a strong feeling that he is maybe facing one final chance in Washington. Keep in mind that the Commanders finished with a pitiful 7-9 record in 2020 despite winning the division.
The Commanders then had a 7-10 record at the end of the 2021 campaign, missing the playoffs and doing little to demonstrate improvement. Given that the team traded for Carson Wentz during the 2022 NFL offseason to provide them a boost at quarterback over Taylor Heinicke this year, Rivera’s third season is now surely his make-or-break opportunity. Wentz’s performance and leadership entering into the upcoming season will be crucial for how Rivera’s coaching situation will turn out.
4. Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks
2021 record: 7-10, missed playoffs
When a team owner seems displeased with team performance, the head coach will be in one of the hottest seats in the house.
One such owner seems to be Seahawks owner Jody Allen. She has, in fact, been quite active in the team’s operations. She also reportedly doesn’t feel that the team’s 7-10 record in 2021 was an isolated setback.
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Allen is readying herself and the team for some critical assessments in 2022.