How Many Nfl Coaches Have Been Fired This Season

Remember that moment a few weeks ago when you were flipping channels, landed on a post-game press conference, and the coach looked like his dog had just eaten his playbook? Yeah, I felt that. It was that weird, hollow look—part numbness, part “I already know my car is being packed.”

That’s the vibe of the NFL coaching carousel this season. It’s been a bloodbath, my friend, and we’re not even done yet. So, how many have actually been shown the door? Let’s count the heads on the chopping block.

The Unlucky Number

As of right now, seven head coaches have been fired during the 2024 regular season. Yes, you read that right: seven. That’s more than a quarter of the league’s bosses getting the boot before the confetti even drops.

And let’s be real—this number feels low, doesn’t it? (Or is that just the optimist in me?) I bet you were thinking closer to ten, given how many teams looked like they were running drills in quicksand.

The First Dominoes

It started early. Robert Saleh of the New York Jets got the axe in October, and everyone did that surprised-but-not-really shrug. Then the Panthers’ Matt Eberflus followed—though honestly, Chicago’s offense looked like it was allergic to the end zone.

Then came the Desmond Ridder situation in Atlanta—wait, no, that’s a different mess. Point is, three coaches were gone by Week 10. And that’s when the real dominoes started tipping like a bad Jenga tower.

The Mid-Season Purge

By Week 12, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to part ways with Josh McDaniels—and I’m 99% sure he saw it coming. He had that look, you know? The one that says, “I bet my playbook is already in the shredder.”

Then Brandon Staley of the Chargers got the hook. (I know, I know—everyone was waiting for that one.) And let’s not forget Arthur Smith in Atlanta, who had the audacity to hold onto his job until the Falcons’ bye week. (Spoiler: he didn’t survive the bye.)

Why have eight NFL coaches been fired this season? | CNN

So that’s seven—but wait, I’m counting Sean Payton? No, he retired. Big difference. Fired means someone else packs your boxes.

Wait, Who’s Still Standing?

Honestly, the real mystery is how Bill Belichick survived this season. (I mean, did you see those Patriots games? Yikes.) And Mike Vrabel in Tennessee? He’s like a cat with nine lives, but they’re all wearing cleats.

But here’s the kicker—there are rumblings about at least two more heads rolling before Black Monday. (Black Monday is the day after the regular season ends, in case you’ve been living under a rock.) So the final count might hit nine or ten coaches. That’s essentially a full division getting fired.

Why So Many This Year?

Part of it is the win-now culture. Owners are impatient, fans are loud, and social media makes every 0-2 start feel like a national crisis. One bad loss? Twitter wants your head. Two bad losses? Your parking spot is already reassigned.

And let’s not ignore the rookie quarterback effect. Teams draft a shiny new QB, expect instant Super Bowl rings, and when they don’t get them? Blaming the coach is easier than admitting your offensive line is made of wet paper.

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The Human Cost

Look, I know we joke about “coach firings” like it’s a sport. But these are dudes with families, mortgages, and very stressed-out assistants. Imagine getting a call on a Tuesday morning that says, “Hey, thanks for the memories, here’s your cardboard box.”

And the irony? Some of these guys will land new jobs in two weeks. The NFL is a circular firing squad. You get fired, you get hired, you get fired again. It’s like musical chairs, but the music is a funeral dirge.

What’s Next?

As I type this, the Chicago Bears are already interviewing candidates for their next victim—er, head coach. And the Washington Commanders are reportedly “evaluating all options,” which is owner-speak for “we’re about to make a messy decision.”

So keep your eyes peeled. By the time the Super Bowl ends, we might have double digits in firings. And you know what? That’s kind of beautiful in a weird, toxic way. It’s the NFL’s version of dramatic reality TV—except the contestants are millionaires in visors.

In the meantime, pour one out for these seven (so far) fallen coaches. They gave us wins, losses, and some truly epic press conference meltdowns. And let’s be honest: we’ll probably see half of them on another sideline next season, pretending like this never happened.

Because that’s the NFL, baby. Fire them today, hire them tomorrow. And I’ll be here, popcorn in hand, counting every single one.