NFL Head Coaches come and go every season. Many are fired at the conclusion of the season but there are always a couple of occasions where we see coaches fired mid-season. In 2022 we have already seen Colts’ head coach Frank Reich fired along with Panthers head coach Matt Rhule.
Let’s take a peek at 3 NFL Head Coaches that are likely to get fired at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
NFL head coach on the chopping block no. 3: Lovie Smith, Houston Texans
This one is inevitable. The Houston Texans are 1-11-1 and are in last place in a weak AFC South division. The McNairs are likely to hit the reset button once again and move on from Lovie Smith at the end of the season. The head coach during the Texans 2021 season, David Culley, was fired after the Texans notched four wins.
The Texans hold the number one draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and they can’t afford to mess this one up. With the Texans likely drafting their quarterback of the future they will also be searching for their long-term solution at the head coaching position. The Texans should make it their goal to pair their new playmaker with a play caller where the two can grow together.
Purposefully hiring and firing coaches every year won’t do the Texans any justice but the 2022 season was another throwaway until they start over again in 2023. Smith hasn’t been awful but the Texans are so far from competitive that he will be handed his walking papers once the Texans’ season concludes in Week 18.
NFL head coach no. 2: Nathaniel Hackett, Denver Broncos
There was so much optimism going into the Denver Bronco’s 2022 NFL season, especially after the Broncos hired the offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, who orchestrated the Packers’ overachieving offense in 2021. Hackett, paired with former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, has been a true disappointment.
The Broncos have a record of 3-9 heading into Week 15 and are ranked last in the AFC West. This was supposed to be the most competitive division in the league with the Broncos hopefully challenging the Chiefs for supremacy. Not even close.
The Broncos rank last in scoring points while their defense holds strong in 4th overall with points against. Hackett was supposed to be the offensive guru to take his experience with Aaron Rodgers and finally turn the Broncos into a high-scoring machine. Even with Russell Wilson, it’s not even close to that.
Hackett will be the scapegoat for this epic failure as the Broncos are stuck with Wilson and his exorbitant contract. A contract that he signed before even playing a snap as a Bronco. The Broncos will search for a replacement and unfortunately, Hackett may be back in Green Bay hoping for a vacancy that he can fill.
NFL head coach no. 1: Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys
This selection likely surprises you as the Cowboys hold a 10-3 record (and 2nd in the NFC East) but Mike McCarthy is on the same path as former Dallas Cowboys coach, Jason Garrett. McCarthy has been able to lead “Dem Boyz” into the postseason but not beyond their first game. Garrett consistently got the Cowboys into the playoffs and just never made it to the Super Bowl.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is 80 years old and the Cowboys have not been to the Super Bowl since 1995. Time is running out and if the Cowboys cannot deliver in 2022 Jones may not have the patience to wait for McCarthy to get it together. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is not playing extraordinarily well, especially after almost losing to the Houston Texans Sunday, but his defense held it together as they have several times this season.
With a top defense and at least a potentially explosive offense, specifically in the running game, McCarthy should extend their streak in the postseason beyond Round 1. If they are unable to do so Jones will undoubtedly show McCarthy the door.
There are offseason rumors that legendary coach Sean Payton is looking for a new opportunity and that would be the perfect replacement to lead the Cowboys to the promised land.