Who's on the Hot Seat? NFL Coaches Likely to Be Fired in 2022

Alright, NFL fans, let's dive into the coaching hot seat for the 2022 season. We've all seen it before - a team starts off strong, then crashes and burns, leaving fans wondering, "What happened?" More often than not, the blame lands on the coach. So, who are the NFL coaches likely to be fired this year? Let's break it down. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and nfl coaches likely to be fired.

The Pressure's On: Coaches in Hot Water

Matt Rhule - Carolina Panthers

Kickstarting our list is Matt Rhule, the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Hired in 2020 with a seven-year, $60 million contract, expectations were high. But with a 7-10 record in his first two seasons, including a disappointing 5-12 finish in 2021, Rhule's seat is getting warmer by the minute*.

The Panthers' defense was a disaster last season, ranking 32nd in yards allowed. Rhule's offensive schemes have also been criticized, with some fans and analysts calling for a change. If the Panthers don't show significant improvement in 2022, Rhule might find himself looking for a new gig.

Dan Campbell - Detroit Lions

Dan Campbell took over the Detroit Lions in 2021, and while his fiery personality won over fans, his coaching didn't quite translate to wins. The Lions finished 3-13-1, one of the worst records in the league. With a roster rebuild underway, expectations are low, but so is Campbell's leash*.

Campbell's in-game decisions have been called into question, and his play-calling has left fans scratching their heads. If the Lions don't show signs of life in 2022, Campbell could be heading for the unemployment line.

Mike McCarthy - Dallas Cowboys

Mike McCarthy has been the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys since 2020, but his seat has been anything but cold. With a 40-32 record, including a 12-5 season in 2021, McCarthy has had his moments. But with a star-studded roster and high expectations*, anything less than a Super Bowl win might not be enough to save his job.

McCarthy's game management has been criticized, and his play-calling has been called into question. If the Cowboys stumble out of the gate in 2022, McCarthy could find himself packing his bags.

On the Bubble: Coaches Walking a Fine Line

Arthur Smith - Atlanta Falcons

Arthur Smith took over the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, and while he did better than expected with a 7-10 record, it wasn't enough to save his job. The Falcons cleaned house in the offseason, firing their GM and making other changes. Smith is now under pressure* to prove he's the right man for the job.

If the Falcons don't show significant improvement in 2022, Smith could find himself on the chopping block.

Brian Flores - Pittsburgh Steelers

Brian Flores is a well-respected defensive mind, but his lack of head coaching experience has some fans and analysts worried. After a 23-29 record in three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Flores was let go* and quickly scooped up by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers' defense was a mess in 2021, and Flores was brought in to fix it. If he can't turn things around, he might find himself out of a job again.

The Safe Bets: Coaches in Good Standing

While these coaches might not be completely safe, they're in a better position than those listed above.

Pete Carroll - Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll has been the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks since 2010, winning a Super Bowl and making the playoffs in nine of his 12 seasons. But with a 7-10 record in 2021, his seat is warming up*.

If the Seahawks can bounce back in 2022, Carroll should be safe. But another losing season could spell trouble.

Matt LaFleur - Green Bay Packers

Matt LaFleur has been the head coach of the Green Bay Packers since 2019, winning two NFC North titles and making the playoffs in all three of his seasons. But with a 13-4 record in 2021, some fans and analysts think he underachieved*.

If the Packers can get back to the Super Bowl in 2022, LaFleur should be safe. But another early playoff exit could put his job in jeopardy.

The Bottom Line

Coaching in the NFL is a pressure-packed job, and with high expectations and short leashes, it's no surprise that coaches are always on the hot seat. As we head into the 2022 season, these coaches will be under the microscope, fighting to keep their jobs and prove they're the right man for the task.

So, NFL fans, who do you think will be fired first? Let us know in the comments! And remember, this is just for fun - no need to get too heated over a game.