4. Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts
Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis Colts began the 2025 season 7-1. It was rather insane to see how fast this team started, but Indy finished the year with just 8 wins after a second-half collapse. If the Colts can channel just a little bit of that first-half 2025 magic, a more consistent 10-ish-win season would be realistic.
But Steichen's Colts have won either 8 or 9 games in each year of his tenure, and with his entering year four already, something better has to be the result. While Indy doesn't necessarily need to start 7-1 again, displaying a more consistent, thorough brand of football from Week 1 through Week 18 would do wonders for his job security.
3. Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals have not made the playoffs since the 2022 season, and it's never seemed like Taylor has ever established himself as a top coach in this league. With Joe Burrow at quarterback and his prime years flying by, the Bengals figure to have a playoff mandate this season for a ton of people whose jobs could be on the line. I'd personally go as far as to guarantee that given how much the team improved on defense this offseason.
2. Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Todd Bowles has seen all-time franchise legends retire, depart for another NFC team, and even request a trade. Things just aren't going in the right direction, and, like Taylor, Bowles just has never stuck out as anything notable as a head coach. If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can't take a sizeable step forward in 2026, which may have to include a deep playoff run, the front office might be ready to make a change, especially if quarterback Baker Mayfield does not get an extension.
1. Aaron Glenn, New York Jets
Aaron Glenn looked to be in way over his head in 2025, and while the New York Jets weren't going to be good regardless, Glenn just looked overwhelmed, making some pretty terrible in-game decisions and even sparring with the media at times.
While the Jets aren't necessarily close to competing for the playoffs, the roster is significantly better this year than it was last year, and there appears to be a more competent quarterback starting in Geno Smith. If Glenn and the Jets start out slowly for the second year in a row, it could become clear rather quickly that he just isn't cut out to be a head coach in this league at the moment.
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