How Many Nfl Teams Fired Their Head Coach

You know that moment when you’re watching a game, and the head coach makes a call so baffling—like a fake punt on fourth-and-long from their own twenty—that you actually yell at the TV? Yeah, I’ve been there too. Last season, I saw a coach literally drop his headset and stare at the sky like he was asking the football gods for a do-over. Spoiler alert: he got a do-over, but not the kind he wanted—he got fired the next morning.

That little drama got me thinking: how many NFL teams actually pulled the trigger on their head coach this year? I mean, we all love the annual ritual of Black Monday, when owners play executioner right after the regular season ends. But the numbers might surprise you—and yes, I’m talking directly to you, the fan who’s been screaming for your team’s coach to get the boot since Week 3.

The Short Answer: It’s a Bloodbath (Sort of)

This time around, seven NFL teams decided to show their head coach the door before the confetti even settled on the season. That’s seven out of thirty-two—roughly 22% of the league. Not exactly a record, but still enough to make you wonder if these owners have a secret betting pool on who can fire their guy first.

But here’s the kicker: the firings came in waves. Some happened mid-season, like a public breakup during Thanksgiving dinner. Others waited until the final whistle, like a polite “we need to see other people” note left on the locker room whiteboard. Either way, the message is clear: patience is a luxury very few NFL owners can afford these days.

Who Got the Axe? Let’s Name Names (Gently)

I won’t drag you through a boring list, but a few highlights are too juicy to skip. The Las Vegas Raiders fired Josh McDaniels after a 3-5 start—and honestly, who didn’t see that coming? Then there’s the Carolina Panthers, who gave Frank Reich the hook after just eleven games. Eleven games, folks! That’s like breaking up with someone before finishing the first season of a Netflix series.

Other unlucky souls include Brandon Staley of the Los Angeles Chargers (remember that epic collapse against the Jaguars in the playoffs? Oof), and Bill Belichick’s old protégé, Matt Patricia, who lasted about as long as a snowball in July. The full tally: McDaniels, Reich, Staley, Ron Rivera (Commanders), Arthur Smith (Falcons), and a couple of others I’m blanking on because the NFL news cycle moves faster than a Tyreek Hill touchdown.

Say goodbye on January 5 to top NFL head coaches as 'Black Monday

Why So Many? The “Twitter Fan” Factor

Let’s be real: social media has turned every fan into a general manager with a hot take. Owners are listening—or at least pretending to. When your timeline is full of “Fire [Coach Name]” memes and angry polls, the pressure becomes a five-alarm fire. I mean, I’ve seen fans call for a coach’s head after a single bad play call on third down. That’s harsh, but it’s also kind of the vibe now.

Plus, the salary cap doesn’t care about your feelings. Owners are paying quarterbacks fifty million dollars a year and expect the coach to justify that expense. If the team flops, the coach is the easiest scapegoat—cheaper than trading a star player, too. Cynical? Absolutely. True? Also yes.

The One Coach Who Survived the Guillotine

Here’s where it gets ironic: Bill Belichick—the guy with six Super Bowl rings—was on the hot seat but didn’t get fired. The Patriots finished 4-13, and Robert Kraft basically said, “Nah, we’re good.” What planet are we living on? Meanwhile, coaches with winning records (looking at you, Arthur Smith at 7-10) got canned. Makes zero sense, right? But that’s the NFL for you: logic takes a backseat to vibes and owner egos.

List of NFL Head Coaches Fired This Year: Which HCs Have Been Let Go?

I’m not saying Belichick deserved to be fired—he’s a legend. But the inconsistency is hilarious. One guy loses ten games and keeps his job; another loses seven and is out the door. It’s like getting a speeding ticket when you’re going five over but watching someone blow past at ninety and get a warning. Welcome to the NFL rulebook, where the only constant is chaos.

What This Means for Next Season

With seven new head coaches roaming the sidelines, expect a lot of awkward first press conferences where they promise “a new culture” and “accountability.” Translation: “I’ll be fired in two years if we don’t win immediately.” The cycle never ends, and we’re all just along for the rollercoaster ride.

So, how many teams fired their coach? Seven. But more importantly, how many teams should have fired their coach? Probably a few more, if you ask the angry fans in the comment section. But hey, that’s a rant for another day. For now, grab some popcorn and enjoy the coaching carousel—it’s the only sport where the losers get paid millions to walk away.

And remember: next year, it’ll be someone else’s turn to stare at the sky. It always is.