So picture this. It’s a crisp Sunday afternoon in October, and I’m watching my buddy’s fantasy team crumble in real-time. He’s got a star receiver who keeps dropping passes, and he’s screaming at the TV, “Fire the offensive coordinator!” I laugh, take a sip of my drink, and think—what if teams actually listened to these armchair quarterbacks? Well, turns out, they kind of do, and way more often than you’d expect.
The Bloodbath Has Begun: Who’s Out in 2024?
As of early December 2024, five NFL head coaches have already been shown the door. That’s right—five guys packing their playbooks and cleaning out their lockers before the holiday decorations even went up. Yikes. If you think your job is stressful, try explaining to your family why you got canned after just 12 games.
The first domino to fall was Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears. The Bears fired him on November 29, 2024, after a particularly ugly loss to the Lions—and honestly, the writing was on the wall when their defense looked more like a turnstile than a wall. Side note: Eberflus got fired on a Friday, which is just a brutal way to go into the weekend. Imagine getting that call while planning your Saturday grocery run.
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Then came Robert Saleh of the New York Jets. He was axed earlier in October after a 2-3 start, which is almost impressive in its speed. The Jets’ owner, Woody Johnson, basically said, “Thanks, but no thanks,” and handed the keys to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Pro tip for future coaches: don’t let your quarterback throw four interceptions in a game and expect to keep your job.
The Surprise Firings That Made Everyone Go “Wait, What?”
The Las Vegas Raiders gave Josh McDaniels the boot in early November, and that one felt like a slow-motion car crash we all saw coming. McDaniels had a second stint as a head coach, and for the second time, it ended with him packing up his stuff mid-season. The Raiders’ owner Mark Davis said it was about “establishing a winning culture,” which is owner-speak for, “We’re tired of losing to the Colts in embarrassing fashion.”
Meanwhile, down in Carolina, Frank Reich got fired by the Panthers after just 11 games. Eleven games. That’s fewer than a full season, which is honestly a new record for “we gave up quickly.” The Panthers’ owner David Tepper has now fired three head coaches in three years—which is kind of like burning through three tinder dates in a single weekend and wondering why you’re still single.
Which NFL Coaches Hired In 2025 Will Be Fired First And Which Will Last
The Total Count: Five and Counting
So to answer the burning question: five NFL coaches have been fired so far in the 2024 season. That number includes Eberflus, Saleh, McDaniels, Reich, and one more: Brandon Staley of the Los Angeles Chargers, who was let go in mid-November after a 4-7 record. Fun fact: Staley was known for his aggressive “go for it on fourth down” mentality—until his defense started giving up 30 points a game. Then it was just “go for it on the unemployment line.”
And let’s not forget the interim coaches who now have the unenviable task of cleaning up the mess: Jeff Ulbrich (Jets), Antonio Pierce (Raiders), Chris Tabor (Panthers), and Thomas Brown (Bears). These guys are basically the substitute teachers of the NFL—they’re here to keep the kids quiet until the real boss shows up in January.
Why Do Coaches Get Fired So Fast? (A Hot Take)
The answer is simple: owners are impatient and desperate. The NFL is a league where job security is a myth—you’re only as good as your last win. In 2024, five franchises decided their current guy wasn’t the answer, and they pulled the plug faster than you can say “rebuilding year.” Here’s the irony: most of these teams will probably hire the same recycled coaches next year—guys like Josh McDaniels—and the cycle will repeat itself.
Getting Fired Nfl Coaches
Oh, and if you’re keeping track at home, six other coaches are probably sweating right now as we speak. Looking at you, Dennis Allen (Saints) and Mike McCarthy (Cowboys). Your job security is about as solid as a paper umbrella in a hurricane.
The Bottom Line (And a Little Sympathy)
Look, firing a coach isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about money, egos, and the fact that billionaires hate losing more than they hate spending cash. These five guys—Eberflus, Saleh, McDaniels, Reich, and Staley—will likely get another chance somewhere else, because the NFL is a small, forgiving fraternity. But for now, they’re the ones packing their offices while fans celebrate like it’s Christmas morning.
So next time you yell at your TV for your fantasy team, just remember: the coaches are getting the boot, not the players. And if your buddy starts screaming “Fire the coach” again, just hand him this article and say, “Five already beat you to it, pal.”