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The 2026 NFL season brings pressure for several head coaches.Last season produced a record-tying 10 head coaching changes. That turnover raised the stakes across the league. Some coaches enter September with little room for another disappointing season. Others face pressure after their teams collapse in 2025. The hot seat also includes coaches with impressive résumés. However, past success only buys so much patience in the NFL. Here are seven coaches facing major pressure in 2026.
Aaron Glenn, New York Jets
Aaron Glenn sits atop many hot-seat rankings entering 2026. The Jets went just 3-14 during Glenn’s first season. New York also struggled badly on both sides of the football. The Jets finished near the bottom of several major statistical categories. They also extended their playoff drought to 15 consecutive seasons. Glenn now needs to show clear progress. Another disastrous season could force New York to make another coaching change. The Jets also need stability after years of organizational upheaval. Therefore, Glenn needs wins early in the season.
Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts
Shane Steichen enters his fourth season with plenty to prove. The Colts started 2025 with an impressive 8-2 record. However, Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Indianapolis then lost its final seven games. That collapse eliminated the Colts from playoff contention. Steichen has yet to reach the playoffs with Indianapolis. That fact creates significant pressure heading into 2026. The Colts retained Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard. Still, owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has stressed the need for improvement. Indianapolis cannot afford another late-season collapse.
Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor might face the most complicated situation on this list. Taylor led Cincinnati to Super Bowl LVI. He also guided the Bengals to two AFC Championship Games. However, Cincinnati missed the playoffs for three straight seasons. The Bengals finished 6-11 last year. Joe Burrow’s injuries provide Taylor with an important explanation. Still, the Bengals need results with their quarterback healthy. Cincinnati also upgraded its defense during the offseason. Those moves raise expectations for the entire coaching staff. The Bengals retained Taylor for 2026. However, another playoff miss could change that decision.
Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Todd Bowles also enters a critical season in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers made the playoffs during each of his first three seasons. However, Tampa Bay missed the postseason in 2025. The Buccaneers finished 8-9 after a late-season collapse. They also surrendered their NFC South title opportunity. Bowles still owns a respectable 35-33 record with Tampa Bay. He has also won three NFC South titles. Nevertheless, expectations remain high around the organization. The Buccaneers invested heavily in their roster. Therefore, another mediocre season could create serious questions about Bowles.
Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys
Brian Schottenheimer enters his second season with enormous expectations. The Cowboys finished 7-9-1 in 2025. Dallas also dealt with significant defensive problems. Jerry Jones expects the Cowboys to compete for championships. Schottenheimer therefore needs tangible improvement this season. Dallas also strengthened its defense during the offseason. That move puts even more pressure on the coaching staff. The Cowboys cannot waste another strong offensive season from Dak Prescott. A playoff appearance could stabilize Schottenheimer’s position. Missing the postseason would make his future much harder to predict.
Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders
Dan Quinn probably has more breathing room than several names here. Still, his situation deserves attention. Washington reached the NFC Championship Game during Quinn’s first season. Then, injuries helped derail the Commanders in 2025. Washington finished 5-12 last season. Jayden Daniels also missed significant time because of injury. Quinn responded by changing both coordinators. David Blough now leads the offense, while Daronte Jones runs the defense. The Commanders need those changes to work quickly. If Daniels stays healthy, Washington should improve. Another losing season, however, could put Quinn under serious pressure.
Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O’Connell remains highly respected around the league. However, Minnesota’s 9-8 record last season created concerns. The Vikings also fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. That decision puts more attention on O’Connell. Minnesota needs to determine whether J.J. McCarthy can become its long-term quarterback. The Vikings also play in a competitive NFC North. O’Connell has already built considerable goodwill in Minnesota. Still, another season without postseason progress could change the conversation. For now, his seat feels warm rather than scorching.
The Pressure Will Build Quickly
The NFL rarely gives coaches unlimited opportunities. That reality became obvious after last season’s record-tying coaching turnover. Ten teams changed head coaches during the previous cycle. This season could produce another wave of changes. Glenn and Steichen appear especially vulnerable. Taylor and Bowles also need meaningful progress. Meanwhile, Schottenheimer and Quinn face different expectations. O’Connell must prove Minnesota’s current direction can produce postseason success. Ultimately, wins will determine everything. The coaches who start slowly will feel the pressure first. By December, several of these hot seats could become impossible to ignore.
I’ll be intersted to see if these are the only five by the end of the year.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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