Photo Credit: Talksport
0
0
The NFL coaching carousel could start spinning earlier than expected this season. Several teams already face major questions after three weeks. The 2026 season has produced five winless teams after Week 3. However, not every 0-3 team carries the same level of pressure. For me, four head coaches stand out as the biggest candidates. Todd Bowles currently sits at the front of that group.
Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bowles entered 2026 knowing expectations would remain high in Tampa Bay. Three weeks later, the Buccaneers sit at 0-3. Tampa Bay has now lost 10 of its last 12 games. That stretch began after a 6-2 start last season. The timing could not get much worse for Bowles. Baker Mayfield injured his throwing hand during Sunday’s loss to Minnesota. Mayfield dislocated his right thumb and will miss at least three weeks. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will start against Green Bay.
That situation creates another massive challenge for Bowles. He now has to stabilize a winless team without its starting quarterback. Tampa Bay also allowed at least 23 points in each of its first three games. Bookies.com currently lists Bowles as its first-fired favorite. The Buccaneers still have a chance to recover. The NFC South remains wide open after three weeks. Still, Bowles faces the most immediate pressure in my view. Another poor stretch could force Tampa Bay to make a major change.
Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh probably did not expect this conversation so soon. The Chargers entered the season with legitimate playoff expectations. Instead, Los Angeles started 0-3 after Sunday’s 24-16 loss to Buffalo. The Chargers also lost their first two games against Arizona and Las Vegas. The Chargers have dealt with several problems, but their offensive struggles stand out. Justin Herbert has also faced criticism during the rough opening. Harbaugh publicly challenged Herbert to improve his decision-making after the Buffalo loss. That marked a notable change in their relationship. Harbaugh still has plenty of credibility from his previous coaching success. That could buy him additional time. However, another losing season would create a much different conversation. The Chargers need results after investing heavily in their roster. Current first-fired odds also place Harbaugh near the top of the board. If Los Angeles cannot turn things around quickly, Harbaugh could become a serious candidate.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Robert Saleh faces a different situation in Tennessee. The Titans hired him to help establish stability around their young quarterback. Instead, Tennessee opened the season 0-3. The Titans also have only 37 points through three games. Cam Ward has struggled during his second NFL season. The former No. 1 overall pick has completed 62.5 percent of his passes. Ward has thrown for 504 yards and two touchdowns through three games. He has also thrown one interception. Still, Tennessee’s problems extend beyond Ward. The Titans have struggled to finish close games. Tennessee lost 24-20 to Philadelphia in Week 2. The Titans then lost 12-7 against the Giants in Week 3. Saleh deserves time as a first-year head coach. However, ownership may not tolerate another lost season. The Titans also need to develop Ward. That responsibility puts additional pressure on Saleh and his staff.
Aaron Glenn, New York Jets
Aaron Glenn remains another coach worth watching. His situation looks better than it did entering the season. The Jets entered Week 3 with a 1-1 record. They then lost 31-24 against Detroit after another competitive performance. New York has shown improvement from last season’s 3-14 disaster. Still, Glenn remains under pressure because of those 2025 results. The Jets also have not reached the playoffs since 2010. That remains the longest active playoff drought across the NFL. Glenn also faced criticism for late-game decisions earlier this season. Those decisions could become important if close losses continue. However, I would place Glenn behind Bowles, Harbaugh, and Saleh right now. The Jets have shown enough competitiveness to keep him safer for now.
Who Gets Fired First?
If I had to make the call today, Todd Bowles would be my pick. The Buccaneers have the worst combination of results and circumstances. Tampa Bay sits at 0-3 and just lost Mayfield. The Packers now come to Tampa Bay in Week 4. That game could become extremely important for Bowles. Harbaugh would follow closely because the Chargers also sit at 0-3. Los Angeles entered the season with significantly higher expectations. Saleh comes next because Tennessee needs to show progress around Ward.
Another month without meaningful improvement could change everything. Glenn remains the wild card. The Jets have played competitive football, but close losses can eventually become a problem. The NFL rarely waits forever when a season starts collapsing. The first coaching change could come within the next several weeks. For now, Bowles has the most pressure surrounding his job. The Buccaneers’ next few games could determine whether that pressure becomes unavoidable.
I know it’s early in the season and these coaches above could turn their seasons around.
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
FootballOctober 2, 2026NFL Coaches Who Could Be Fired First in 2026
FootballOctober 1, 2026Power Four New Coaches Graded After Four Weeks
FootballOctober 1, 2026Gators vs. Missouri: Top 25 SEC Clash Preview
AAC FootballOctober 1, 2026USF vs. Temple: Conference Play Begins in Tampa
About the Author
