Crucial NFL season for coaches on hot seat

Recent changes made by New Orleans Saints third-year coach Dennis Allen show the urgency surrounding his employment situation. Training camp has been moved to Southern California to enhance weather conditions and reduce distractions. Staff changes include a new offensive coordinator implementing a different scheme. There is increased focus on leadership, accountability, and culture change among coaches and players.

“It’s not all going to be just the way it was,” said Allen, who has gone 16-18 without a playoff bid in his two seasons as head coach. “Results haven’t been what we need them to be. So, things have to change.”

Every NFL season, the pressure is high for coaches who have yet to prove they can win with their current teams or meet high postseason expectations. In 2024, coaches like Allen, New York Giants’ Brian Daboll, New York Jets’ Robert Saleh, and Chicago Bears’ Matt Eberflus are on the watchlist due to their losing career records.

Other coaches like Dallas’ Mike McCarthy and Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni, despite being winning coaches, face the risk of being let go if they fail to avoid playoff disappointments. McCarthy and Sirianni might become candidates for future head coach openings based on their overall winning percentages, while other coaches need a significant turnaround in the 2024 season.

Allen, with a career record of 24-46 including an 8-28 stint with the Oakland Raiders, is facing a critical season. While a playoff berth could extend his tenure, another losing season could mark the end of his NFL head coaching career.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis acknowledges Allen’s abilities but emphasizes the need for everyone in the organization to feel the pressure. Loomis underlines the importance of making the playoffs and feeling uncomfortable with past failures.

Despite the challenges, Allen continues to lead a strong Saints defense, with support from key players like Demario Davis. The team is focused on improving their performance and delivering results that make the city proud.

After three losing seasons and a record of 18-33 since taking on his first head coaching role in 2021, Saleh’s future with the Jets is tied to the performance of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the team.

Pressure to win is constant, according to Saleh, and the focus is on giving their best effort every day, regardless of external expectations.

With a 10-24 record in two seasons, Eberflus faces the challenge of developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and leading the Bears to more consistent victories. Despite optimism about the roster’s improvements, Eberflus acknowledges the hard work ahead.

Publicly supported by general manager Ryan Poles, Eberflus aims to prepare the team to perform at a high level in every game.

Following a successful debut season with the Giants, Daboll is under pressure to replicate that success after a regression in the 2023 season. Expectations are high for the team to bounce back and show improvement under his leadership.

Daboll expresses confidence in the team’s potential and is eager to get started with the new season.

Despite consistent regular-season success with the Cowboys, McCarthy’s one playoff victory in three seasons raises questions about his future. A deep playoff run is seen as crucial for extending his contract despite his past achievements, including a Super Bowl win.

McCarthy acknowledges the competitive nature of the NFL and the need to deliver results on the field to secure his position as head coach.

With a 34-17 record in his first three seasons, Sirianni faces pressure to improve the Eagles’ postseason performance. Changes in the coaching staff aim to enhance the team’s efficiency and foster better relationships between players and coaches.

Sirianni remains focused on the upcoming season and emphasizes the importance of personal interactions over external reports.

Associated Press Sports Writers Dennis Waszak Jr., Tom Canavan, Rob Maaddi, Dan Gelston and AP freelancer Dan Greenspan contributed to this report.